Diploma Exam Preparation - Visual Reflection


Riley's Plan


  Consider

Consider Riley’s strategy for blending a critical and personal response to the visuals.

Riley:  When I respond to a visual, I think about three questions:  What? So What? and Now What?

âž”    What? 

What do I see? Describe what I see.  What word/phrase summarizes the main idea of this image?

âž”    So What? 

What does that image make me think and feel?  How does it influence my thinking and feelings?


âž”    Now What? 

Why is this idea important in the BIG PICTURE?

©Thinkstock

Once I have completed these tasks, I can identify the main idea I want to address.  Then, I organize my response into three body paragraphs.  I like to use the What? So What? and Now What? strategy because it is easy for me to remember.  Then I add an introduction and a conclusion paragraph.  Here’s an example of some planning I’ve done using a real example: 


Introductory Paragraph


  • Clearly state the main idea (What?): Gratitude

  • Explain how I will explore the main idea (So What?): I will provide one sentence per visual (depending on how many are provided in the exam), connecting it to the topic. Then I will provide my perspective based on an experience (or experiences) in my own life.

  • State why this idea is important (Now What?): I will explain how being grateful gives a person the perspective needed to overcome obstacles. 


What? (First Body Paragraph)


  • How do I think the photographer conveyed his or her message?
  • I list and discuss three of the photographer’s choices that convey his idea strongly.


So What? (Second Body Paragraph)


  • How do I feel about the main idea and the issue(s) it raises?
  • What specific details do I see that makes me feel this way?
  • How does what I see connect to what I value and believe?

Now What? (Conclusion)


  • I restate my main idea.

  • In one sentence, I restate the strongest example that supports the photographer’s idea.

  • In one sentence, I restate my own reaction to the visual, based on what I value and believe.

  • In a few sentences I discuss what I learned from the photographer’s idea and how that affects me and my life.  I end with a statement explaining why this idea should matter to society as a whole.