Introduction to the Visual Introduction to the Visual EssayEssay

English 12English 12

StewartStewart

What is a visual essay?What is a visual essay?

It is an alternative to the It is an alternative to the formal, written essay.formal, written essay.

Instead of using words, Instead of using words, images and pictures are used images and pictures are used to convey the ideas that support a thesis.to convey the ideas that support a thesis.

The only complete sentences found on The only complete sentences found on the visual essay are in the quotes.the visual essay are in the quotes.

Words may be used in conjunction with Words may be used in conjunction with the images, but used sparingly.the images, but used sparingly.

Preparation Preparation

1)1) Identify quotes that pertain to the Identify quotes that pertain to the novel’s themes and will assist you novel’s themes and will assist you in writing your thesis.in writing your thesis.

2)2) Write your thesis statement; a Write your thesis statement; a generic form might look like this:generic form might look like this:“ “ In the novel, In the novel, The Lord of the Flies The Lord of the Flies the themes of power and loss of the themes of power and loss of innocence are ...”innocence are ...”

PreparationPreparation3)3) As though you were going to write a As though you were going to write a

formal written essay, you will develop an formal written essay, you will develop an outline for your visual essay (to be outline for your visual essay (to be provided).provided).

4)4) You will then translate the main points of You will then translate the main points of your outline into significant words, your outline into significant words, images, pictures or symbols.images, pictures or symbols.

PreparationPreparation

5)5) Put all of this on a ½ piece of Bristol Put all of this on a ½ piece of Bristol board:board:

ThesisThesis QuotationsQuotations ImagesImages