ENG1516 Assignment 2 (2025)
QUESTION 1
1.1. Briefly explain three functions of illustrations in picture storybooks.
Illustrations play a very important role in picture storybooks, especially for young
children. First, pictures help to tell the story in a way that is easy to understand.
Sometimes children cannot read all the words, but by looking at the pictures, they can
still follow what is happening in the story. Second, illustrations show emotions and
actions. For example, we can see if a character is happy, scared, or angry just by
looking at their face or body language in the pictures. Lastly, pictures make the story
more fun and exciting. Bright colours and creative drawings catch the children’s
attention and help them stay interested.
1.2. Give two reasons why an educator should teach learners to interpret visuals.
Educators should teach learners how to understand and talk about visuals because
pictures are everywhere – not just in books, but also in everyday life like signs, adverts,
and social media. First, this helps learners to become more confident in reading pictures
and getting messages from them, which improves their overall understanding. Second,
it builds their critical thinking. When learners learn to ask questions like “Why did the
artist draw it this way?” or “What is the picture trying to show?”, they become more
thoughtful and aware of what they see.
1.3. What do the illustrations in AAAAAHHH! Mmawe! tell you about Tshedza?
, ENG1516 Assignment 2 (2025)
QUESTION 1
1.1 Briefly explain three functions of illustrations in picture storybooks.
Illustrations serve several important roles in picture storybooks, particularly for younger
readers who are still developing their reading skills.
Firstly, illustrations act as a visual aid that supports and enhances the
storytelling. Even when children are unable to fully decode written language, they
can still grasp the narrative by examining the images, which often depict key
events and character actions. This helps children to follow along and stay
engaged with the story.
Secondly, illustrations help express characters’ emotions and actions. Visual
cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, or posture, convey feelings like
happiness, fear, sadness, or excitement. This non-verbal communication
deepens children’s understanding of the characters and the plot.
Thirdly, illustrations add enjoyment and creativity to the reading experience.
Bright, colourful, and imaginative artwork captures children’s attention, stimulates
their imagination, and keeps them motivated to explore the book further. The
visual appeal of the pictures often enhances their emotional connection to the
story.
1.2 Give two reasons why an educator should teach learners to interpret visuals.
Teaching learners how to interpret visuals is an essential part of developing their
literacy and critical thinking skills.
Firstly, in today’s world, visuals are a major part of everyday communication. From
books and classroom materials to road signs, social media, and advertising, learners
are constantly exposed to images. Being able to interpret
QUESTION 1
1.1. Briefly explain three functions of illustrations in picture storybooks.
Illustrations play a very important role in picture storybooks, especially for young
children. First, pictures help to tell the story in a way that is easy to understand.
Sometimes children cannot read all the words, but by looking at the pictures, they can
still follow what is happening in the story. Second, illustrations show emotions and
actions. For example, we can see if a character is happy, scared, or angry just by
looking at their face or body language in the pictures. Lastly, pictures make the story
more fun and exciting. Bright colours and creative drawings catch the children’s
attention and help them stay interested.
1.2. Give two reasons why an educator should teach learners to interpret visuals.
Educators should teach learners how to understand and talk about visuals because
pictures are everywhere – not just in books, but also in everyday life like signs, adverts,
and social media. First, this helps learners to become more confident in reading pictures
and getting messages from them, which improves their overall understanding. Second,
it builds their critical thinking. When learners learn to ask questions like “Why did the
artist draw it this way?” or “What is the picture trying to show?”, they become more
thoughtful and aware of what they see.
1.3. What do the illustrations in AAAAAHHH! Mmawe! tell you about Tshedza?
, ENG1516 Assignment 2 (2025)
QUESTION 1
1.1 Briefly explain three functions of illustrations in picture storybooks.
Illustrations serve several important roles in picture storybooks, particularly for younger
readers who are still developing their reading skills.
Firstly, illustrations act as a visual aid that supports and enhances the
storytelling. Even when children are unable to fully decode written language, they
can still grasp the narrative by examining the images, which often depict key
events and character actions. This helps children to follow along and stay
engaged with the story.
Secondly, illustrations help express characters’ emotions and actions. Visual
cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, or posture, convey feelings like
happiness, fear, sadness, or excitement. This non-verbal communication
deepens children’s understanding of the characters and the plot.
Thirdly, illustrations add enjoyment and creativity to the reading experience.
Bright, colourful, and imaginative artwork captures children’s attention, stimulates
their imagination, and keeps them motivated to explore the book further. The
visual appeal of the pictures often enhances their emotional connection to the
story.
1.2 Give two reasons why an educator should teach learners to interpret visuals.
Teaching learners how to interpret visuals is an essential part of developing their
literacy and critical thinking skills.
Firstly, in today’s world, visuals are a major part of everyday communication. From
books and classroom materials to road signs, social media, and advertising, learners
are constantly exposed to images. Being able to interpret
