Analyzing multimodal texts

Genre

What kind of multimodal composition is it? An article with words and images, for example? A short film with sound and moving images?

Features

What modes (written words, sound, static images, moving images) are present in the composition? How does each mode work individually? How do the modes work together?

Purpose and audience

What is the purpose of the multimodal composition? Is it intended to provide information or argue a case, for example? Who is the intended audience? The general public? Teenagers? Retirees? Professionals in a particular field?

Meaning

How do genre, features, purpose, and audience work together to convey a message in the multimodal composition? How do you interpret the combined effect of the modes used in the composition? (Keep in mind that your interpretation—your take on the meaning—may differ from the composer’s intended message.)