Verbal Visual Essay
Overview: For your novel project, you will be creating two main components for this assignment.
You will create a visual representation of the major themes using the characters, ideas and
images presented in the book. You will also be selecting quotes, creating statements and giving a
rationale.
1. Visual Component:
You will create a visual image using drawings, sketches, photographs, magazine clippings and or
three dimensional materials. You may also present your image in a full digital or partial digital
format. The expectation is that you use the skills that you have in the best way that you can.
However, this assignment is not about art, it is rather about insight. Like any essay, you will need
a clear thesis.
The images you select are support for this thesis. So they should focus on the imagery created
within the novel. Rather than creating separate and disjointed images, you should attempt to have
your images work together to create one over all image or impression. Similar to how an essay
when read in its entirely creates an overall impression.
Ideas to consider: the total impression, the focus, symbolism, allusion, subliminal messages,
integration of quotes, juxtaposition, foil, contrast, aesthetics, and form elements of design
2. Verbal Component
Part A – Within the visual image you will incorporate;
 5 Short quotations from the novel about one sentence in length
 5 short statements of about one sentence in length which represent what you believe is
important
Like an essay, your work creates a greater impact if all ten of your verbal choices work together to
enforce a coherent interpretation of the text. All statements should relate to the visual components
of the piece. You will need to incorporate these ten statements into the image, do not just write
them around the borders.
Part B
Include a rationale that explains your visual and verbal choices. This may be spoken or written.
Remember: Interpretation is opinion + evidence. If you can explain your evidence, your opinion
cannot be wrong.
RUBRIC FOR VERBAL-VISUAL ESSAY
STUDENT: ________________________________________ DATE: _________________
Categories
Knowledge/
Understanding
Understanding of the
text through the
selection of quotes,
statements and images
50-59%
Level 1
The student
demonstrates
60-72%
Level 2
limited relationship of
pictures and text
some relationship of
pictures and text
- limited representation
of theme through ideas,
symbols and images
- some representation
of theme through ideas,
symbols and images
- represents of theme
Thinking/
/Problem Solving
The student
demonstrates
- evidence of careful
thought when choosing
and integrating verbal
components into the
visual elements
Verbal components are
disjointed, hastily
inserted, and/or
seemingly out of place
limited competence in
classifying
Communication
some variety of
pictures and ideas
evidence of some
thought when verbal
components are
integrated into visual
image
73-85%
Level 3
86-100%
Level 4
considerable
relationship of pictures
and text
thorough and insightful
relationship of pictures
and text
- appropriate
representation of
theme through ideas,
symbols and images
- thorough and
balanced
representation of
theme through ideas,
symbols and images
Verbal components are
integrated into the
visual image to
reinforce a coherent
analysis of the text.
considerable
competence in
classifying
The student
demonstrates
-clear thesis and
supporting points
limited clarity in thesis
and support
some clarity in thesis
and support
considerable clarity in
thesis and support
-creative presentation
of ideas
limited originality/colour
in presentation of ideas
some originality/colour
in presentation of ideas
considerable
originality/colour in
presentation of ideas
Verbal components
are seamless
integrated into the
visual image to
reinforce a coherent
and insightful analysis
of the text
thorough competence
in classifying
Insightful and clear
effectiveness and
detailed insight
thorough clarity and
insight in thesis and
support
thorough
originality/colour in
presentation of ideas
Application
The student
demonstrates
- explanation provides
conclusion
limited competence in
summarizing message
some competence in
summarizing content
considerable
competence in
summarizing and
concluding content
thorough competence
in concluding content
and showing insight