Analyzing Visual Argument Chapter 3 Pg. 131-139

Visual Arguments (pg. 131) Can be found in a number of places: advertisements, political cartoons, photographs, bumper stickers, t-shirts, hats, web pages, fine art, etc. Utilize the same strategies as written arguments: claim, evidence, assumptions, structure, 3 appeals, etc.

Visual Checklist (pg. 132) 1. Where did the visual first appear? Who is the audience? Who is the speaker/artist? Does this person have any affiliations that are important (political, organizational, etc.)? 2. What do you notice first? Where is your eye drawn? What is your overall first impression? 3. What topic(s) does the visual address or raise?

Checklist Continued 4. Does the text tell or suggest a narrative or story? If so, what’s the point? 5. What emotions are evoked? How do darkness/light/color/shadow contribute to these emotions? 6. Are the figures realistic, caricatures, distorted? What is the effect?

Checklist Continued 7. Are any of the images visual allusions that would evoke emotions or memories in viewers? 8. What cultural values are viewers likely to bring to the images? 9. What claim does the visual make about the issue(s) it addresses?

Let’s Practice

Photographs as Visual Arguments Photographs can carry additional power because they seem more “real”, authentic images of truth frozen in time (though, they are still, in fact, artificial). Even when photographs are not doctored, they are constructed to tell a story, evoke emotions, and make a strong argument.

Example of Photograph as Visual Argument

Continued Practice

Continued Practice

Continued Practice

Activity (pg. 137) Find a visual text—a political cartoon, advertisement, photograph, etc.– that supports or enhances the argument you are developing for your research essay. Complete questions 1-9 (checkpoints from the notes) for your chosen visual.