Cartoons use images, symbols and text to stand for a larger idea/message. They mix humour with strong messages so the types of questions you'll likely see in a reading comprehension text is:

• Interpreting what the cartoon means.
• What messages the cartoon is sending.

To do that, we need to understand the things a cartoon may include (there are many!).

• Symbolism – stand for something.
• Exaggeration – make a point.
• Labels – make the meaning of things clearer.
• Analogy – comparison between two things that aren't alike but share some common characteristic.
• Irony – difference between the way things are and the way things should be. Usually done if cartoonists want to express their opinion on something.

Think about what the cartoonist's perspective (point) is by doing the above things.

Addition to the above is also how things are drawn. For example:

• White space
• Size – is anything disproportioned? Exaggerated? Downplayed? What's large and what's small?
• Text (covered in more detail in the next checkpoint)
• Positioning
• Colour – what colours are used? One colour? Repetition of colours? What do certain colours symbolize?
• Speech bubbles – who is speaking and what are they saying?
• Angles – up (superiority) or down (inferiority)
• Facial expressions – how do characters feel?

Let’s discuss the above using the below cartoons (see video):

Let's look at these types of questions in the examples below. We'll also put into practice the approach to answering questions learnt in previous checkpoints.

Example Question/s

Watch video for explanation of the following question/s:

Why is the media represented as an instrument that magnifies Ebola?

A because without it, no one would know about Ebola.
B because it creates hype that enhances the fear in the public.
C because Ebola can be seen with a camera aswell.
D the media is able to report and record those already experiencing the disease.

What type of magnification is shown by the microscope and video camera respectively?

A scientific/visual
B microscopic/higher-level
C research/society
D genome/publicity

What does the cartoonist think is the largest killer in the USA?

A Ebola
B Fast food
C Alcohol
D USA lifestyle such as eating fast food, smoking and alcohol

How does the cartoonist convey their point?

A satire – society is more worried about Ebola being the killer whereas their lifestyle is proven to lead to large numbers of death each year.
B comparison – Ebola is highlighted as they major killer being placed in a yellow background.
C understatement – compared to Ebola, everything else is small time as evidenced by smaller text.
D stereotype – the stereotypical American is worried about their lifestyle and Ebola.

Source: US News

Key Rules to remember

• Look at how the cartoon is drawn – white space, size….
• Cartoons use images, symbols and text to stand for a larger idea/message. They mix humour with strong messages so the types of questions you'll likely see in a reading comprehension text is: (1) Interpreting what the cartoon means (2) What messages the cartoon is sending.

Practice time!

Now, it's your turn to practice.

Click on the button below and start your practice questions. We recommend doing untimed mode first, and then, when you're ready, do timed mode.

Every question has two solutions videos after you complete the question. The first is a quick 60 second video that shows you how our expert answers the question quickly. The second video is a more in-depth 5-steps or less explainer video that shows you the steps to take to answer the question. It's really important that you review the second video because that's where you'll learn additional tips and tricks.

Once you're done with the practice questions, move on to the next checkpoint.

Now, let’s get started on your practice questions.

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