Visual Literacy

Question 1

Layout of advertisements

Answer 1

Look at:
- symmetry (balanced/imbalanced)
- Line, colour, texture, space
- Focal point

Question 2

Cartoons

Answer 2

• Do the characters represent stereotypes or specific figures?
• Setting of the place and is it truth or fiction
• Diction (slang, jargon, colloquial)
• Intention: educate, entertain or satirise
• Hoe effective was the artist in achieving this?

Question 3

Different perspectives

Answer 3

Look for multiple viewpoints.
- An article on climate change should include voices from scientists, activists, and industry representatives.

Question 4

Bias

Answer 4

Identify language that shows favoritism.
- Describing a protest as “chaotic” vs. “spirited” reflects bias.

Question 5

Inclusion and exlusion

Answer 5

Note what details are present or missing.
- A history book might highlight one group’s achievements while neglecting another’s struggles.

Question 6

Fact vs Opinion

Answer 6

Differentiate between objective data and subjective claims.
- “The economy grew by 3%” (fact) vs. “This growth is a disaster” (opinion).

Question 7

Stereotypes and overexaggerations

Answer 7

Look for overgeneralized statements about groups.
- “Teenagers are reckless” is a stereotype.

Question 8

Context

Answer 8

Consider the time and place of the text.
- A quote from a politician during a crisis may have a different implication than in peacetime.

Question 9

Origin and quotations

Answer 9

Check whose voices are featured.
- A report on immigration that quotes only government officials may present a biased view.

Question 10

Active and passive

Answer 10

Identify sentence structure.
- “The committee approved the policy” (active) vs. “The policy was approved” (passive), which can obscure responsibility.