Analysing an Image

1. Analysing an Image Persuasive Language Techniques

2. Along with analysing the persuasive language techniques that are employed by an author, you will also be required to analyse an image and explain how this image links to the contention of the written piece.

3. So – how do you go about doing this?

4. Let’s look first at this image: This is a horrifying image of the aftermath of a devastating bushfire.

5. First, ask yourself, who or what is in the image? • How is it related to the issue? (You will usually have an article that goes with the image)

6. Make a list of everything that you can see: a man (farmer), dead, burnt sheep, dry, dusty landscape, a tree (seemingly still alive), blue sky.

7. Focus • What is our attention drawn to in the image? • Is it because of size? Position? Language? • Why is this element important?

8. Emphasis • What/who is the main subject of the picture? • What attribute or characteristic of this subject is being emphasised?

9. Purpose • For what purpose is this attribute or characteristic being emphasised? • How are we, as an audience, meant to feel? • How does this link to the contention of the written piece?

10. What might be a possible contention of the article that accompanies this ghastly image?

11. Let’s Try Another One! The funeral of one of the Toowoomba flood victims

12. First, ask yourself, who or what is in the image? • How is it related to the issue? (You will usually have an article that goes with the image)

13. Make a list of everything that you can see: People (children), A crowd, A white coffin, Red roses, Mostly young girls, One young boy.

14. Focus • What is our attention drawn to in the image? • Is it because of size? Position? Language? • Why is this element important?

15. Emphasis • What/who is the main subject of the picture? • What attribute or characteristic of this subject is being emphasised?

16. Purpose • For what purpose is this attribute or characteristic being emphasised? • How are we, as an audience, meant to feel? • How does this link to the contention of the written piece?

17. What might be a possible contention of the article that accompanies this incredibly sad image?

18. Politicians: Prime Targets in Media • Our politicians are considered “fair game” for the media. The way they are represented often depends on political affiliation.

19. Julia Gillard First, ask yourself, who or what is in the image? How is it related to the issue? (You will usually have an article that goes with the image)

20. Would you consider this image to be “positive” or “negative”? Why?

21. Another Perspective! Would you consider this image to be “positive” or “negative”? Why?

22. How about this image?

23. Or this one?

24. Let’s Analyse This One First, ask yourself, who or what is in the image? How is it related to the issue? (You will usually have an article that goes with the image)

25. Make a list of everything that you can see:

26. Focus • What is our attention drawn to in the image? • Is it because of size? Position? Language? • Why is this element important?

27. Emphasis • What/who is the main subject of the picture? • What attribute or characteristic of this subject is being emphasised?

28. Purpose • For what purpose is this attribute or characteristic being emphasised? • How are we, as an audience, meant to feel? • How does this link to the contention of the written piece?

29. What might be a possible contention of the article that accompanies this image?

30. Good luck with your image analysis