Visual texts add up to 5 marks inEnglish comprehension but it can be one of the easiest ways to get those marks if you just follow a few simple rules.
I will discuss a few features of visual texts so that you will know what to focus on when you examine the visual text itself.
I wonder why students are often upset by their visual text score in English comprehension and I think it could be due to the fact that they do not realise that the questions are carefully compartmentalised.
1st Feature – Understanding The Heading
There is usually one question referring to the main theme, title or message inEnglish comprehension. It will ask you to pick out that main title so you have to be able to identify this.
How do you do this especially when the entire visual text illustration is popping with messages, phrases and captions?
A title can be discovered in these ways:
- The main title always refers to the main idea in the text. It is never one of the ideas or messages. That means, the title answers the question of ‘what is this text all about?’
- The next most important point to notice about the title is that it is usually at the top centre of the text. That may not always be the case but that is a good way to start.
- The last factor is the font. Notice that the title will be in a special bolded font which is captivating. It will definitely stand out from the rest.
2nd Feature – The Illustration
A picture speaks a thousand words. Or so, they say.
A visual text inEnglish comprehension may have just that one large picture or several photograph-type pictures.
If there is only one picture, this is what you have to do:
The one-picture type of visual text may be simplistic.
What I mean is that there may be just that one object or person. Or there may be two.
You are supposed to infer what that picture means.
This is where your powers of inference come into play. Try to deduce what that object could mean.
Is the person sitting or sitting with something in her hand?
Look for every tiny detail and put it together like a jigsaw puzzle.
Finally, deduce that it could mean that she is waiting to do something.
For example, waiting in a chair at the clinic.
If there are multiple pictures or more than one, this is what you have to do:
Each picture will have a tiny message. Try to infer.
Usually, photograph types of pictures will have people in them and you will be able to see that they are engaged in an activity.
Always remember that for any type of picture whether it is singular or multiple, the idea will relate to the title. So, you may use theEnglish comprehension title to guide you.
3rd Feature – The Captions And Text
Captions and text portions of theEnglish comprehension text are self-revelatory.
They explain what the main intention is and you will find that it will provide you with clues for the answers.
Photographs or pictures with captions are intended to make you think in a certain way. An additional message or more information about the title may be there.
Text portions will provide more details about where, when, what and who. They are one of the main sources of information inEnglish comprehension.
4th Feature – Additional Information
The fourth feature is not usually seen but it could be about a promotion or the sponsors behind that activity. It may ask you about special promotions or discounts. This is additional information in theEnglish comprehension text.
It could be in the form of a speech bubble or small banner. It may resemble an advertisement. This is not always the case but when it occurs, examine the message it reveals as there will be a question on that.
I have gone through every single detail of the visual text. If you have ever experienced difficulty scoring full marks in this paper, you should be able to do so now.
The features which I mentioned appear in every paper without change and all you have to do is to familiarise yourself with these questions.
All the best for your next visual text!