ENG1516
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 28 MAY 2025
,ENG1516
ASSIGNMENT 2
Due 28 May 2025
This assignment is based on Units 3 and 4 in Tutorial Letter 501. Work through these two
units before you attempt the assignment. Answer the questions below in full sentences.
QUESTION 1
1.1. Briefly explain three functions of illustrations in picture storybooks. (3)
Illustrations help convey the story: In many picture books, especially wordless or picture-
narrative books, the plot is told entirely through images. Even in picture storybooks with
some text, illustrations often advance the storyline and help young readers understand
what is happening (Fang, 1996: 133; Nikolajeva, 2006: 6).
They enhance emotional understanding: Illustrations especially close-ups and facial
expressions allow readers to perceive characters’ emotions more clearly. This deepens
their emotional connection to the story and helps develop empathy (Evans et al., 2017:
80).
They support visual literacy development: Illustrations expose children to visual elements
like line, colour, shape, and composition. These are essential for developing visual
literacy, an increasingly important skill in today’s media-rich world (Evans et al., 2017:
80–84; Hendry et al., 2011: 219–231).
, 1.2. Give two reasons why an educator should teach learners to interpret visuals.
To develop visual literacy in a media-saturated world: Learners are constantly exposed
to visual messages through social media, advertisements, and the internet. Teaching
them to interpret visuals empowers them to critically "read" and understand these
messages, protecting them from manipulation and helping them make informed
decisions (Hunt, 2004: 627; Unit 3).
To enhance reading comprehension and vocabulary development: Visuals in picture
books provide cues that support meaning-making and help learners link images to text.
This strengthens their understanding of the story, builds vocabulary, and develops both
literacy and interpretative skills (Rudd, 2010: 104; Unit 4).
1.3. Consider the children’s book AAAAAHHH! Mmawe! by Sarah McGregor and
Dumisani Jere (the book is available as a pdf file on myUnisa). Briefly discuss what
the illustrations in this book tell you about the main character, Tshedza?
Emotional Vulnerability and Reassurance
Tshedza’s wide-eyed expressions and startled posture during moments like the
WHOOSH! BANG! CRASH! scene highlight his youthful fears.
Contrasting warm, bright colors yellow during playful interactions e.g., with Banda the
dog versus darker, muted tones e.g., the empty, quiet house emphasize his emotional
shifts from anxiety to comfort.
Mmawe’s blue hair, a calming visual motif, symbolizes stability and nurturing, reinforcing
Tshedza’s reliance on familial support.
Curiosity and Playfulness
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 28 MAY 2025
,ENG1516
ASSIGNMENT 2
Due 28 May 2025
This assignment is based on Units 3 and 4 in Tutorial Letter 501. Work through these two
units before you attempt the assignment. Answer the questions below in full sentences.
QUESTION 1
1.1. Briefly explain three functions of illustrations in picture storybooks. (3)
Illustrations help convey the story: In many picture books, especially wordless or picture-
narrative books, the plot is told entirely through images. Even in picture storybooks with
some text, illustrations often advance the storyline and help young readers understand
what is happening (Fang, 1996: 133; Nikolajeva, 2006: 6).
They enhance emotional understanding: Illustrations especially close-ups and facial
expressions allow readers to perceive characters’ emotions more clearly. This deepens
their emotional connection to the story and helps develop empathy (Evans et al., 2017:
80).
They support visual literacy development: Illustrations expose children to visual elements
like line, colour, shape, and composition. These are essential for developing visual
literacy, an increasingly important skill in today’s media-rich world (Evans et al., 2017:
80–84; Hendry et al., 2011: 219–231).
, 1.2. Give two reasons why an educator should teach learners to interpret visuals.
To develop visual literacy in a media-saturated world: Learners are constantly exposed
to visual messages through social media, advertisements, and the internet. Teaching
them to interpret visuals empowers them to critically "read" and understand these
messages, protecting them from manipulation and helping them make informed
decisions (Hunt, 2004: 627; Unit 3).
To enhance reading comprehension and vocabulary development: Visuals in picture
books provide cues that support meaning-making and help learners link images to text.
This strengthens their understanding of the story, builds vocabulary, and develops both
literacy and interpretative skills (Rudd, 2010: 104; Unit 4).
1.3. Consider the children’s book AAAAAHHH! Mmawe! by Sarah McGregor and
Dumisani Jere (the book is available as a pdf file on myUnisa). Briefly discuss what
the illustrations in this book tell you about the main character, Tshedza?
Emotional Vulnerability and Reassurance
Tshedza’s wide-eyed expressions and startled posture during moments like the
WHOOSH! BANG! CRASH! scene highlight his youthful fears.
Contrasting warm, bright colors yellow during playful interactions e.g., with Banda the
dog versus darker, muted tones e.g., the empty, quiet house emphasize his emotional
shifts from anxiety to comfort.
Mmawe’s blue hair, a calming visual motif, symbolizes stability and nurturing, reinforcing
Tshedza’s reliance on familial support.
Curiosity and Playfulness
