Download Cartoon Analysis

Language A: Language and Literature DP1
Topic 1: Language in a Cultural Context
Cartoon Analysis
Another text type that could appear on your IB exam in Paper 1 is a cartoon or
comic. Yes, comics often make us laugh, but like any text type, it is possible for a
comic to have a deeper social and/or political meaning.
What tools is the cartoonist using to make a point?
Like all of the texts we have been analyzing, you will have to identify the content,
purpose, audience, tone, mood, diction, syntax and structure of the cartoon.
In addition, there are five main tools used by cartoonists:
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exaggeration - Cartoonists will overdo physical characteristics of people or things
in order to make a point.
labeling - Objects or people are often labeled by cartoonists to make it clear
exactly what they stand for.
symbolism - Objects are used to stand for larger concepts or ideas.
analogy - Cartoonists will 'draw' a comparison between two unlike things.
irony - The difference between the way things are and the way things should be.
On the back of this page is a handout that will help guide in your analysis by drawing
your attention to the specific details of the cartoon. It will still be up to YOU to state
the effect of these details.
As practice, analyze the cartoon above.
Language A: Language and Literature DP1
Topic 1: Language in a Cultural Context