Super Saturday
Writing Conference
SECRET SITE
EVIDENCE-BASED WRITING
SESSION 2 | Grades K-12 / ELL All Levels
[HANDOUT]
Recognize evidence in videos and visuals
Broaden the definition of text
Read content from various mediums and formats.
PHOTOGRAPHS:
- Analyze a photo knowing it is someone’s perspective of a place or event.
- Look past the focal point; consider what’s not there. What’s been framed out?
- Consider if any “digital doctoring” may have altered the message.
MEME:
- Pairs a well-known image with a pop-culture topic.
- Presents short text overlaying the photo.
- Includes emotionally-charged content that usually elicits a humorous response.
- Requires the reader to have background knowledge on the image and/or the topic.
COMPLEX ILLUSTRATION:
- In sophisticated picture books, the illustrations are absolutely necessary.
- They demonstrate a high level of integration with the print text.
- They may convey parts of the story that the print text never mentions.
- They often utilize challenging or complex artwork and/or varied design layout.
POLITICAL CARTOONS:
- These visuals provide a single perspective on a relevant/current topic or issue.
- They require background knowledge on the topic and are therefore complex.
- Although the text integrated into the cartoon is usually minimal, it’s essential.
- Between the visual and the print text, there is a range of literary devices employed—symbolism, humor, hyperbole, sarcasm, irony, etc.
INFOGRAPHICS:
- Read to identify the key details on a topic/subject.
- Notice the organization and relationship among the facts presented.
- Consider how the visuals (artwork, icons, color, font, etc.) convey the message.
- Question the accuracy of the information and the reliability of the source.
VIDEO CLIPS/MOVIE EXCERPTS/DOCUMENTARIES:
- Numerous visual and audio messages are communicated simultaneously.
- Unlike other visuals, videos require readers to sustain or “hold onto” their thinking across several minutes/hours.
- Often there is a print text version to be compared to.
Read visual texts closely
Explain the changing focus in multiple reads of the same text.
Take notes on videos
Cite visual and audio evidence.
