As you learned in Chapter 2, a critical response analyzes the ideas in a text and expresses your reactions to them. When you respond in writing to a visual argument, you rely on your highlighting and annotations to help you understand the writer’s ideas and see how the words and images work together to make a particular point.
As you prepare to write a critical response to a visual argument, keep in mind the questions in the following checklist.
Questions for Responding to Visual Arguments
In what source did the visual appear? What is the target audience for this source?
For what kind of audience was the visual created? Hostile? Friendly? Neutral?
For what purpose was the visual created?
Who (or what organization) created the visual? What do you know about the background and goals of this person or group?
What issue is the visual addressing?
What position does the visual take on this issue? How can you tell? Do you agree with this position?
Does the visual include words? If so, are they necessary? What points do they make? Does the visual need more—
Does the visual seem to be a refutation—that is, an argument against a particular position?
Is the visual effective? Attractive? Interesting? Clear? Convincing?
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When you write a critical response, begin by identifying the source and purpose of the visual. Then, state your reaction to the visual, and examine its elements one at a time, considering how effective each is and how well the various elements work together to create a convincing visual argument. End with a strong concluding statement that summarizes your reaction.