What Is Visual Comprehension?

Meaning is not created by words alone! Images such as tables, diagrams, maps and graphs also contribute to meaning in texts. For this reason, it is important that our students have the ability to interpret and make meaning from images they encounter every day in texts. This is the heart of what visual comprehension encompasses!

To help your students practise this critical skill, the Teach Starter team has created this visual comprehension slide deck. The resource features 20 different images, each accompanied by four thoughtfully crafted questions. These questions prompt students to think beyond surface-level observations and explore how visual features can communicate meaning of their own.

The images featured in the slide deck include:

• Maps
• Timelines
• Graphs
• Flow Charts
• Life Cycles
• And more!

This resource downloads as a Microsoft PowerPoint or editable Google Slides file. By engaging with a variety of visual images, students will develop skills in analysing, interpreting and evaluating information in meaningful and enjoyable ways.

Delve Deeper Into Visual Comprehension Examples

This slide deck of visual comprehension examples can be used in a variety of ways to complement your English program. Here are some suggestions from our team:

• Whole-Class Lesson – Project one slide onto your interactive whiteboard and guide the class through the four questions together, having multiple students share their ideas for each question. This highlights how there can be multiple valid interpretations of a visual text.
• Small Group Work – Divide students into groups and assign each group a different slide. Groups can discuss and record their answers to the questions, then present their findings back to the class. This approach fosters collaboration, deeper discussion and peer-to-peer learning.
• Independent Work – Provide individual students with a printed slide or assign it digitally so they can complete the questions on their own. This setup is perfect for assessment, early finishers, homework or targeted practice for students who need extra support or challenge.

Download to Teach Visual Text Comprehension

Use the Download button above to access your preferred version of this visual text comprehension slide deck. (Note: If you choose the Google Slides file, you will be prompted to make a copy of it on your personal drive before opening.)

With everything prepared and classroom-ready, you can immediately start using the slides to support your students’ learning and enhance their ability to interpret visual information.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Visual Comprehension Resources From Teach Starter

Are you looking for more visual comprehension resources to use in your English lessons? Click below for a great sample of teacher-made, curriculum-aligned activities!

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