ACTF

Mission 1: Know what your mark wants to hear

Mission goal:

By the end of ‘Mission 1’, students will be able to:

  • identify audience and purpose

  • analyse how language, text structures and key words are used to influence an audience

  • apply persuasive techniques in their own writing and discussions- selecting important ideas for impact while considering the ethical implications of influencing others.

This activity is an introduction to the series and the language and themes used throughout. Begin by exploring the About Caper Crew section for episode and character breakdowns.

  1. Know What Your Mark Wants to Hear

  2. Preparation is All

  3. Conning is More Art Than Science

  4. No Team, No Take

  5. Be the Magnet, Not the Net

  6. If it Looks Too Good to be True, it is

  7. Follow Your Nose

  8. Confidence is Everything

  9. Sometimes the Best Move, is no Move

  10. Make Your Own Luck

Mission brief:

  1. Watch episode 1 of Caper Crew, The episode is available on ABC iview. Schools can also purchase a downloadable copy from the ACTF Shop.

  2. As a class, or in smaller groups, discuss the following questions:

    • The first con-mandment is Know what your mark wants to hear

    • What is a “mark”? What does this phrase mean?

    • How do Amelia and Kai work out how they wanted “Fudge Mud Cake”?

    • In what way do they use this trick at school?

  3. Think pair share:  Write a short story (no more than half a page) about something that you really want. Include three key words that you want your audience to remember. In pairs, read out the paragraph to your partner and see if they remember the three important details!

Mission debrief:

  1. What were the three key words you chose?
  2. Could your partner remember all three important details?
  3. How did your paragraph help your listener understand what you really wanted?
  4. What speaking skills did you use when reading your paragraph aloud?
  5. What changes could you make next time to make your message clearer?
  6. Did your tone, expression, or volume help your partner remember details?
  7. What feedback did your partner give you?

Extension Activity

Learn the French Drop with the Caper Crew.

Australian Curriculum