ANALYZING VISUAL TEXTS

An Introduction to Visual Arguments

WHAT IS A VISUAL ARGUMENT?A visual text that presents arguments.

COMMON TYPES OF VISUAL ARGUMENTS Advertisement Political cartoon Photograph Bumper sticker Blog Fine art

TOOLS TO ANALYZE ANY ARGUMENT (WRITTEN OR VISUAL)

Identify the claims Analyze the way evidence is used Think critically about the

writer’s/artist's assumptions Examing how the piece is

structured Consider appeals

ANALYZING VISUAL TEXTS Look carefully Take note of every detail Draw conclusions

CHECKLIST TO ANALYZE VISUAL TEXTS (SEE HANDOUT FOR DESCRIPTIONS)

1.Background2.Subject3.First Impression4.Visual Elements5.Claim