Cartoons use images, symbols and text to stand for a larger idea/message. They mix humour with strong messages so the types of questions you'll likely see in a reading comprehension text is:

• Interpreting what the cartoon means.
• What messages the cartoon is sending.

To do that, we need to understand the things a cartoon may include (there are many!).

• Symbolism – stand for something.
• Exaggeration – make a point.
• Labels – make the meaning of things clearer.
• Analogy – comparison between two things that aren't alike but share some common characteristic.
• Irony – difference between the way things are and the way things should be. Usually done if cartoonists want to express their opinion on something.

Think about what the cartoonist's perspective (point) is by doing the above things.

Addition to the above is also how things are drawn. For example:

• White space
• Size – is anything disproportioned? Exaggerated? Downplayed? What's large and what's small?
• Text
• Positioning
• Colour – what colours are used? One colour? Repetition of colours? What do certain colours symbolize?
• Speech bubbles – who is speaking and what are they saying?
• Angles – up (superiority) or down (inferiority)
• Facial expressions – how do characters feel?

Let's go through some of these elements with the cartoon examples below.

Let's look at these types of questions in the illustrated example below.

We'll also put into practice the approach to answering questions too.

Illustrated Example 1

Example 1

Question 1

Why is the media represented as an instrument that magnifies Ebola?

A because without it, no one would know about Ebola.

B because it creates hype that enhances the fear in the public.

C because Ebola can be seen with a camera aswell.

D the media is able to report and record those already experiencing the disease.

Question 2

What type of magnification is shown by the microscope and video camera respectively?

A scientific/visual

B microscopic/higher-level

C research/society

D genome/publicity

Example 2

Question 1

What does the cartoonist think is the largest killer in the USA?

A Ebola

B Fast food

C Alcohol

D USA lifestyle such as eating fast food, smoking and alcohol?

Question 2

How does the cartoonist convey his point?

A satire – society is more worried about Ebola being the killer whereas their lifestyle is proven to lead to large numbers of death each year.

B comparison – Ebola is highlighted as they major killer being placed in a yellow background.

C understatement – compared to Ebola, everything else is small time as evidenced by smaller text.

D stereotype – the stereotypical America is worried about their lifestyle and Ebola.

Source: http://www.usnews.com/opinion/cartoons/2014/08/07/cartoons-on-the-ebola-outbreak

Key Rules to remember:

• Look at how the cartoon is drawn – white space, size….
• Cartoons use images, symbols and text to stand for a larger idea/message. They mix humour with strong messages so the types of questions you'll likely see in a reading comprehension text is:
  • Interpreting what the cartoon means.
  • What messages the cartoon is sending.

Now it's time to do your assignment.

1. Download the assignment question here.
2. Print it out or if you want to do it electronically, save it.
3. Complete the questions to it.
4. Then check the solutions on the video below or download the ANSWER KEY here.

---