In many of your college classes, you’ll have the opportunity to read and write about multimodal texts, such as advertisements, maps, videos, or websites. Multimodal texts combine one or more of the following modes—words, static images, moving images, and sound—to explain information, pose arguments, and convey messages.

To analyze a multimodal text, first you need to read it carefully and critically.

Reading multimodal texts actively

Previewing a multimodal text

Annotating a multimodal text

Conversing with a multimodal text

Outlining a multimodal text

Summarizing a multimodal text

Analyzing a multimodal text

Balancing summary with analysis for a multimodal text

Drafting an analytical thesis statement for a multimodal text

Writing guide: Analysis essay