What this lesson teaches
I can read and choose the right maps, graphs, photographs and other visual resources.
Syllabus 8834, Fieldwork, Additional Notes on Data. Students are required to be familiar with the following types of data: Maps: contour maps, choropleth maps, isoline maps, dot maps, flow-line maps, proportional symbols maps and cartograms; Graphs: pie charts, bars, histograms, scatter graphs, radar charts, triangular graphs and line graphs; Photographs: landscape photographs, aerial photographs and satellite images; Others: tables, schematic diagrams, illustrations and cartoons.
Make a guess
A cartoon shows an official cheering "Ten new bins!" while rubbish overflows around them. What is its message?
- The cartoon proves the city's bins are full.
- People should throw away more rubbish in bins.
- Counting bins does not prove waste is managed.
- The city has solved its waste problem.
Show the answer
Counting bins does not prove waste is managed.
The contrast between the words and the overflowing rubbish questions whether adding bins solved the problem. Collection, behaviour and upkeep matter too.
Explain a cartoon's message using specific details, then separate that message from verified evidence.
A cartoon shares a viewpoint through words, symbols, choice of detail and exaggeration. Start with what is shown. Here, a speaker celebrates ten new bins while rubbish overflows around them. That contradiction is the key.
The cartoon suggests that counting bins does not prove waste is well managed. Collection times, behaviour, upkeep and the amount of waste matter too. Explain how the details lead to the message, rather than just listing objects.
Ask whose view is shown and whose is missing. A cartoon may criticise officials but leave out their budget limits. Illustrations and schematic diagrams also select details, but usually to explain rather than persuade.
Test any factual claim with other evidence, such as collection records or repeat observations. This made-up cartoon says nothing about a real place. In an exam resource, use the source information given to judge purpose and context, without inventing who the author is.
- Cartoon
- A viewpoint shown through exaggeration and symbols.
- Contrast
- Often carries the main message.
- Test the claim
- Use records and observations.
Step by step
Describe the contrast
Words, symbols and visible conditions.
Explain the message
Link details to the criticism.
Evaluate its reach
What is missing, and what evidence would test it?
Worked example: Support your interpretation
"The confident speech contrasts with the overflowing bins. This suggests new bins are not enough if collection cannot keep up. The cartoon shows a possible failure, but gives no evidence of how often it happens."
Watch out for this
Explaining a cartoon means agreeing with it.
You can explain its message accurately while questioning its evidence.
Check your understanding
Which response best uses this cartoon as a source?
- Explain its contrast and say what evidence would test it.
- List each object in the cartoon in careful detail.
- Treat it as proof that waste schemes in the city fail.
Show the answer
Explain its contrast and say what evidence would test it.
Yes. It interprets and evaluates.