A graphic essay (sometimes called a visual essay) uses a combination of text and images to explore a specific topic. Graphic essays can look like comics, graphic novels, magazines, collages, artist books, textbooks, or even websites. Graphic essays often first take the form of written essays and then have graphic elements added to enrich the reader experience. Unlike infographics, which also combine text and images, graphic essays are often more text-based and usually have a narrative arc or specific reading order.
Your first step is to choose a play–OTHELLO our OUR TOWN. Next, choose a critical approach you want to use:
OTHELLO
Formalist (look back at the Formalist Discussion for details)
You can write about any literary element: symbol, language, foreshadowing, etc.
Outline
Topic (Play and Critical Approach):
INTRODUCTION
A complete introduction paragraph with a hook (interesting/shocking statement about your topic), background information (3-4 sentences providing contextual information about the play, and a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should introduce the critical approach and your argument.
The thesis statement needs to be the last sentence of the introduction.
RHETORICAL PRECIS
Select one of your sources (Critical Article from the Databases) and follow the four-sentence format to write a rhetorical precis.
RHETORICAL PRECIS FORMAT:
Sentence #1 will include the following:
Name of the author and (if possible: a phrase describing the credentials of the author)
The type (e.g. essay, lecture, research paper, etc.) and title of the work
The date, if available (inserted in parentheses)
A rhetorically accurate verb (such as “assert,” “argue,” “suggest,” “imply,” “claim,” etc.) that describes what the author is doing in the text
A THAT clause in which you state the major assertion (thesis statement) of the author’s text
Sentence #2 will include the following:
An explanation of how the author develops and/or supports the thesis (such as by comparing and contrasting, narrating, illustrating, defining, etc.)
Present your explanation in the same chronological order that the items of support are presented by the author in the text
Sentence #3 will include the following:
A statement of the author’s purpose
Followed by an IN ORDER TO clause in which you explain what the author wants the audience to do or feel as a result of reading the work
Sentence #4 will include the following:
A description of the intended audience
A description of the tone the author uses
BIG QUESTION
Brainstorm 3 BIG QUESTIONS you have about your topic. For this assignment, your BIG QUESTIONS should be related to how/why the person is successful? Your supporting reasons should answer these questions. You’ll select the most essential big question for your visual essay.
Example:
SUPPORTING REASONS
Write three strong supporting reasons to back up your claim.
Each supporting reason must include a specific topic sentence, properly embedded and cited quote, and two sentences of commentary explaining the quote and how it supports the claim.
Example:
VISUAL DATA
Using the tools in Canva.com (or Google if you are using Slides) and the information you researched, create a visual data representation. This can be a pie chart, bar graph, or another chart/graph.
Page 2
IMAGE
Include an image that represents your topic. Cite it in MLA Format.
IMAGE CAPTION
Write a detailed 1-2 sentence caption that uses specific and descriptive language to explain what is happening in the picture.
QUICK FACTS
Write and include five quick facts. These should be written in your own words and come from the sources you use in your Works Cited page. Quick facts should be one-sentence each.
WORKS CITED
Include a Works Cited box with at least three sources (your two texts and your image).
Design Elements
Choose 1-2 colors and stick to that color palette.
