🖼️ Visual Text Comprehension
The Visual Text section tests your ability to interpret advertisements, posters, brochures, or infographics. Questions focus on purpose, audience, and language techniques.
Read Everything on the Visual Text
Do not just focus on the main image or headline. Read every element including headings, subheadings, body text, captions, logos, taglines, fine print, terms and conditions, contact details, and any annotations. The answer to a question often comes from an element you might overlook, such as the fine print at the bottom.
Identify the Purpose of the Text
Determine whether the visual text aims to inform, persuade, instruct, or entertain. An advertisement persuades you to buy something. A safety poster instructs you to follow rules. An infographic informs you about a topic. The purpose affects how you interpret all other elements.
Identify the Target Audience
Look at the language, imagery, and content to determine who the text is aimed at. Consider age group, interests, socioeconomic background, and location. The choice of vocabulary, colour scheme, and images will give clues about the intended audience.
Visual Text Strategy
Always identify the purpose (inform, persuade, instruct) and target audience first. Then look for language techniques like imperatives, rhetorical questions, and persuasive vocabulary.
A poster uses large red text saying 'LIMITED TIME ONLY!' What persuasive technique is this?
Free 5 Marks!
Visual text is the easiest section — it's literally reading a poster, brochure, or advertisement. Always check: Who is the target audience? What is the purpose? What persuasive techniques are used? These 3 questions answer 90% of visual text questions!