ENG1516
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 28 MAY 2025
, ENG1516 – Assignment 2 (2025)
QUESTION 1
1.1 Briefly explain three functions of illustrations in picture storybooks.
Illustrations serve an essential role in picture storybooks, especially for young readers
who are still developing literacy skills. First, they help communicate the storyline
visually, making it easier for children to follow even if they struggle with the text.
Through images, children can infer what is happening in the plot. Second, illustrations
express emotions and actions, which help bring characters to life. Facial expressions
and body language in the images often provide emotional context and can reinforce or
extend the written message. Third, illustrations help to maintain engagement.
Colourful, imaginative visuals make the reading experience more enjoyable and
stimulate children’s curiosity and imagination.
1.2 Give two reasons why an educator should teach learners to interpret visuals.
Firstly, teaching learners to interpret visuals helps them to understand and
communicate meaning in a world that is increasingly visual. Since children are
exposed to images daily—in books, media, advertising, and online—learning to “read”
visuals enhances their comprehension skills across contexts. Secondly, visual
interpretation develops critical thinking. When learners analyse why certain images
are used or how illustrations support the story, they begin to ask deeper questions and
understand that images can convey ideas, persuade, or represent different viewpoints.
1.3 What do the illustrations in AAAAAHHH! Mmawe! tell you about Tshedza?
The illustrations in AAAAAHHH! Mmawe! provide valuable insights into Tshedza’s
personality and emotions. Through her facial expressions and body language, we can
see that Tshedza is curious, imaginative, and sometimes anxious or overwhelmed
by the world around her. The artwork often shows her wide-eyed and expressive, which
reflects her strong emotional reactions to the events in the story. The bright colours and
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 28 MAY 2025
, ENG1516 – Assignment 2 (2025)
QUESTION 1
1.1 Briefly explain three functions of illustrations in picture storybooks.
Illustrations serve an essential role in picture storybooks, especially for young readers
who are still developing literacy skills. First, they help communicate the storyline
visually, making it easier for children to follow even if they struggle with the text.
Through images, children can infer what is happening in the plot. Second, illustrations
express emotions and actions, which help bring characters to life. Facial expressions
and body language in the images often provide emotional context and can reinforce or
extend the written message. Third, illustrations help to maintain engagement.
Colourful, imaginative visuals make the reading experience more enjoyable and
stimulate children’s curiosity and imagination.
1.2 Give two reasons why an educator should teach learners to interpret visuals.
Firstly, teaching learners to interpret visuals helps them to understand and
communicate meaning in a world that is increasingly visual. Since children are
exposed to images daily—in books, media, advertising, and online—learning to “read”
visuals enhances their comprehension skills across contexts. Secondly, visual
interpretation develops critical thinking. When learners analyse why certain images
are used or how illustrations support the story, they begin to ask deeper questions and
understand that images can convey ideas, persuade, or represent different viewpoints.
1.3 What do the illustrations in AAAAAHHH! Mmawe! tell you about Tshedza?
The illustrations in AAAAAHHH! Mmawe! provide valuable insights into Tshedza’s
personality and emotions. Through her facial expressions and body language, we can
see that Tshedza is curious, imaginative, and sometimes anxious or overwhelmed
by the world around her. The artwork often shows her wide-eyed and expressive, which
reflects her strong emotional reactions to the events in the story. The bright colours and
