Unit 1

How Am I Influenced by Images?

Lesson 2

Reader's Notebook

Viewing Images

In this lesson, you will use the following viewing strategy: use what you know, decide what's important, and evaluate. This strategy is one you will continue to use throughout this unit.


Often, posters, photographs, or illustrations really capture your attention. The image below is from a previous year’s Grade 6 provincial achievement exam. Images such as this cartoon have a key detail or feature. The key feature can be a face, a large object, or even something shiny.

Lines draw the viewer’s eye to the key parts of the image.

Vertical lines are straight up and down. These make you think of strength or power.
Horizontal lines go across an image. These lines make you think of rest.
Diagonal lines lead up or down an image from corner to corner. These lines add action or interest.
Read pages 68 and 69 of Literacy in Action.

Go to the next page to Making Meaning.