Using Visuals
in Academic Writing
Visual Rhetoric...
The use of visuals (rather than words) to communicate an idea or support an argument.
mmm... donut
vs.
What can we gain by using visual rhetoric in our academic writing?
Make your writing...
- memorable
- direct your reader
- provide clear emphasis
- convey your message
- set a particular tone
- build credibility
Be taken seriously!
For example...
"A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature."
vs.
"The war against Vietnam is only the ghastliest manifestation of what I'd call imperial provincialism..."
- - Stephen Vizinczey, 1968
vs.
When should I include an image?
- How will a reader likely react to this image?
- Are the implied suggestions of the image consistent with the text’s purpose?
- Will the image effectively supplement the reader’s understanding of the text’s argument?
Perspective
Balance
Symmetry
Framing
Juxtaposition
Placing Images in Text
- Use quality images
- Near relevant text
- Borders
- Text wrapping
Creating Captions
- Brief
- Informative
- Gives Credit
or...
Figures, Graphs, and Charts
- Keep it simple!
- Distinguishable colors and patterns
- Text wrapping
The End!
- MLA http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
- APA http://www.landmark.edu/Library/citation_guides/apa.cfm#image
- Chicago http://guides.lib.washington.edu/content.php?pid=56693&sid=518033
Citing Images