Watch closely!


In reviewing these images, you have noticed that you need to study each illustration's composition closely. Consider its texture, angle, lighting, colour, and focal point.


Remember: Shaun Tan created each of these illustrations by hand; each stroke of his pencil exists for good reason. Pay careful attention to these details to make the most out of your reading of this novel.


Time to Work

Complete your initial observations of Section I in The Arrival.  The Observations Charts are under the Worksheets tab. 

If you are thorough in your observations on these charts, it will help you complete future assignments.  The charts will not be formally assessed.
Download and complete your initial observations of Section I in The Arrival.

Download and complete the charts for Sections II-VI now.
Once you have finished your Act I chart, compare your observations to Danica's chart on the same section.


General Reading Strategies

You may find the following strategies helpful in studying this graphic novel. These strategies are presented in no particular order; rather, you can use or modify any of these suggestions to suit your specific needs.

Strong readers use many of the following reading strategies:

  • Review the assignment and set a purpose for reading.

  • Invent section titles and captions for key images.

  • Ask questions while they read and look for the answers.

  • Observe events that are significant to character development.

  • Note recurring images (motifs) and consider their purpose in terms of the entire text.

  • Predict what will happen in future sections.

  • Summarize the main idea for the section.

  • Make connections to other texts they have seen or studied.

  • Share questions with a friend, family member, or teacher to discuss them further.


If you want more information about how to study visuals, review the Film Study tutorial. You can apply the general principles of film to improve your comprehension of visual texts.