English Communication 11 & 12 2015-JBE
An Introduction to Viewing and Representation in
Visual Texts Unit One Term One
Worksheet One
Welcome to the exciting world of film. In this unit you will be learning the language (lexicon)
and how it applies to the context of film in terms of a critique and production.
The language mode of Viewing and Representing refers to any text that that you will either
view or represent (respond to or compose). This can include any number of texts. A list is
provided below. It is by no means exhaustive but does provide a guide for the type of texts
that you may encounter. It is important that you realise that a text may be multimedia in
which case more than one language mode can be used. To understand multimedia texts you
will need to have a firm understanding of each language mode that is used.
Task 1
Complete the task below and once complete, compare your examples with a
partner. Save the document into a folder in your h drive English
Communication Term 1 Film.
Examples of visual
texts
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Paintings
Visual
advertisements
(including
billboards)
Postcards
Photographs
Collage
Picture books
Book covers
Posters
Locate 3 example
Examples of multimedia
sof each example
texts that incorporate
and paste a
visual elements
thumbnail image of
each in this column
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Television
advertisements
Films
Plays
Picture books
Comic strips
Graphic novels
Flyers
Websites
Television shows
Documentaries
Book covers
Posters
List the titles
or embed
links to 3
examples of
each of the
multimedia
texts listed
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English Communication 11 & 12 2015-JBE
Each of these examples, and any visual text, have specific meanings and purposes. Effective
visual texts express their ideas in ways that enhance (improve) meaning.
Task 2
Choose one of your visual texts and paste it into this space. The object of this activity is to
see what you already understand about visual texts.
Annotate the image with your pen or with comment boxes in the Review Tab at the top of
the page. Consider the following questions but do not limit yourself to them.
What does this image represent?
Where/ when is represented?
Who is involved?
Why was it made and why do you think it either works or doesn’t work?
How is it constructed in terms of colour and any design features you are familiar with
including symbolism.
In this unit you will learn about and practice the concepts and language features and
techniques that composers use to shape meaning.
Your goals should be to become proficient in the following skills.
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Recognising and identifying features and techniques and concepts within a visual text.
Understanding and explaining how these features and concepts shape the meaning of the
text. This will become evident in your first assessment piece where you will present a critique
of a film in the style of At The Movies which you will view early this term.
Gaining experience through the meaning expressed in texts.
Placing these texts within a context and evaluating the effectiveness of the text. This refers to
your second assessment item which will be the creation of a short film on a given subject.
Source: http://www.skwirk.com.au/p-c_s-54_u-247_t-641_c-2380/nsw/english-skills/skills-by-mode-viewingand-representing/required-skills-and-knowledge-concept/overview-of-language-mode-viewing-andrepresenting