November 2023 — Gp Lah!

Illustrations and pictures are as important as the written word in communicating ideas. Discuss.

Points to discuss for the importance of illustrations and pictures in comparison to the written word

consider how illustrations can communicate ideas and concepts as much as the written word can
explore areas where illustrations/pictures are more or less effective than the written word
make a judgement, based on a consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
the evident pleasure children take in the illustrations in so-called ‘picture books’
the damage that might be done by encouraging children at an early stage to be wary of illustration
the richness of language used in interpreting illustrations and pictures
how difficult or painful ideas can be expressed in illustration
how the illustrations that accompany poems, stories and plays increase enjoyment and appreciation
interpretation of paintings demands an eye for detail and mood
how body language needs to be read visually and is often subject to misinterpretation
graphic novels, and comics, rely on the visual as well as the written to convey ideas and subject matter.

Points of discussion for the importance of the hero/heroine to readers of fiction

consider the importance of ‘the hero’ to readers of fiction books
show an understanding of other appealing elements of fiction books to their readers
make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
‘the hero’ having ideal qualities which the fiction reader can admire and attempt to emulate
‘the hero’ being engaging and likeable, so the reader is carried along with the story, caring about the outcome
heroic actions or characters may be lacking in the reader’s daily life, so fiction fills the gap
heroes of children’s literature, in particular, teaching universal moral lessons and acting as role models
‘the hero’, for example in tragedy, may have a ‘fatal flaw’ and thus be fascinating, realistic and relatable
villains or anti-heroes being more appealing, interesting and engaging, depending on the genre or setting
heroes not always being fully believable, with idealised behaviour, thoughts and actions
other elements of fictional books may appeal to readers more.