The skill of analysing visual texts is crucial to gaining those vital 2 or 3 marks in the short answer section of Paper 1 that can make all the difference in your final mark.
- Reading the question
During reading time, a good place to start is to read the short answer questions and unpack the key ideas you will need to explore in your answer. When answering the question, always have the discovery rubric in mind. The question will want you to focus on one or some of the concepts communicated in the rubric, thus using the terms of the rubric to answer the question will let the marker know that you have a deep understanding of the discovery concept.
- Finding evidence (visual techniques)
After you’ve read the question, it’s time to analyse the visual text focusing on the question you need to answer. A few techniques to get you started include;
- salience (focal point)
- vector lines
- colour palette
- juxtaposition
- symbolism
- camera angle
- chiaroscuro
- facial expression
- body position
- text placement
For example, colour usually creates a certain mood or tone in the visual, it may be symbolic of certain emotions or the juxtaposition of colours could incite tension to reveal the unexpected or provocative nature of discovery.
- Forming a response
Thinking back to step 1, present a statement that directly answers the question you have been given; similar to a thesis or a topic sentence. Generally, each mark corresponds to an idea that is supported by evidence from the text i.e. 2 marks equate to two pieces of evidence with a technique and explanation.
All there’s left to do now is practise, practise, practise!
