let’s learn about visual texts · ‘bonsai’ is a japanese word but it was the chinese who rst...

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LET’S LEARN ABOUT VISUAL TEXTS

Visual texts are texts that include images and words.

Some examples of visual texts are advertisements, posters, notices, flyers and instructional guides.

Visual texts can be used for a variety of purposes such as telling people how to do something, giving advice, encouraging people to attend an event or buy a product and telling people about a new shop or a new class.

The following is an example of a visual text.

Annual Charity Fun FairDo your part to help hundreds of needy children!

Say Yes is the first charity organisation focused solely on helping orphanages around the world. Over the years, we have visited orphanages in more than twenty countries and helped enrich the lives of thousands of children. With the help of our generous donors, we have been able to provide the children with toys, books and clothes.

This is our fifth charity fun fair and every year, the funds we manage to raise increase. This year, we hope to improve on the amount we raised at the fair last year. There will be games, exclusive handmade art and craft, delectable homemade cakes and pies as well as beautiful costume jewellery for sale! We are sure you will find something you like!

Come on down to 124 Luthern Lane (next to Luthern MRT Station) from 8 am to 6 pm on 12 September.

Donate generously and do your part for charity!

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As we go about our day-to-day activities, it is easy to get caught up in the tasks we have to accomplish and forget about the less fortunate around us. It is time for us to stop and think about those who are not as fortunate as we are.

Many people are unable to afford even basic necessities like food. Some only have one meal a day whereas others might survive on just bread and water for days. Having a proper meal seems like a luxury for these people.

Children whose parents can no longer look after them will be sent to orphanages. To raise these children, the orphanages rely on generous donors to provide the funds they need for food, toys, books and clothes. It is only with the help of the public that these children will be able to lead meaningful lives. With everyone’s help, we can do our part to give these children a better future.

What are you waiting for?

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1 The words at the top of a poster might tell you what the advertisement is about.

Examples of questions asked:

(a) The main purpose of the advertisement is to .

(b) Which of the following is true/not true about the fair?

(c) Who are the beneficiaries of the fair?

2 Pictures are used for several purposes. Often, they give the reader an idea of what the event is. The picture can also encourage people to attend the event or to complement the information about the event.


(a) What does the picture in the advertisement show you?

(b) Which of the following best describes the pictures in the advertisement?

3 More information is sometimes given about the organiser of the event.


(a) The main goal of Say Yes is .

(b) How does Say Yes give readers confidence in their organisation?

4 More information on the event is often provided. This information can be in a paragraph or in bullet points. The information will usually encourage the reader to attend the event. Sometimes, the event is compared with other events or the same event the year before.


(a) Which of the following is not part of the fun fair?

(b) Which of the following might be a reason people choose to visit the fun fair?

5 The venue and time of the event will be stated in the advertisement but at this level, information about this might not be tested. However, it is still important to understand all parts of the advertisement. Any possible questions asked will be inferential.

Example of questions asked:

(a) What is the purpose of stating ‘next to Luthern MRT Station’?


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6 Sometimes, advertisements about an event or a product will contain a line to encourage people to visit the event or buy the product. There might be an exclamation mark at the end of the sentence to create excitement.

Example of questions asked:

(a) What is the purpose of the last sentence at the end of the first page of the advertisement?

7 The write-up in an advertisement is related to the main purpose of the advertisement. In this example, the advertisement is about a charity fun fair. The write-up is then about charity and the importance of doing one’s part for charity. The questions asked will resemble typical inferential questions in a comprehension passage.


(a) What is the main reason people pay little attention to the needy?

(b) What might people usually take for granted?

(c) What does the information in paragraph 3 of the write-up on the second page of the advertisement tell you about the way orphanages are run?

8 There are also questions related to vocabulary in the advertisement. These could refer to single words or phrases.


(a) Which word in the advertisement suggests that the items found at the fair cannot be found elsewhere?

(b) What does the phrase ‘basic necessities’ suggest about the lives of the less fortunate?


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VISUAL TEXT COMPREHENSION

EXERCISE 1

Study the guide carefully and answer the questions that follow.

THE BEST GUIDE TO GROWING BONSAI FOR BEGINNERS

What you will need: y soil (coarse soil, Akadama and soft soil, Kanuma soil) y scissors y pliers y stick y gloves y a small flowerpot (with holes at the bottom) y green Moss y a small plant y aluminium wire

Steps: 1 Get ready Akadama soil (70%) and Kanuma soil (30%). 2 Put some coarse soil first. (Prevents leakage of softer soil and improves drainage) 3 Prune the extra branches and leaves. 4 Take out the plant and cut the extra roots. 5 Use pliers to cut the wire and tie the plant in the new smaller pot. 5 Add the mixed Akadama soil and Kanuma soil slowly. 7 Water the plant until only clear water is leaking. 8 Cover the soil with green moss ensuring that it remains intact in the soil.

Congratulations on creating your first bonsai! Take good care of it!


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Learn more about the plant you want to grow.

Evolution of the Bonsai Plant

‘Bonsai’ is a Japanese word but it was the Chinese who first created the bonsai over a thousand years ago. The Chinese started this art in 700 AD. Only the wealthy knew the special horticultural technique to grow the bonsai. As the bonsai is not naturally a small plant, special techniques were needed to ensure that the bonsai will retain the original characteristic of the tree. Besides growing the bonsai, the wealthy were also able to shape it into animals, dragons and birds to represent Chinese myths and legends. In Japan, the influence of Zen Buddhism during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) led to the redevelopment and improvement of the art as we know it today.

The Chinese gave the bonsai as luxury gifts. The Japanese too introduced it to the aristocrats and it became a symbol of prestige and honour. In later years, the bonsai gradually became a symbol of harmony between the soul and nature. By the fourteenth century, the bonsai was regarded as a highly refined art form. The Japanese upper class placed it indoors on specially designed shelves for display on special occasions.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Japanese art reached its peak and this significantly influenced the way the bonsai was grown. The main way to preserve the bonsai was to remove all but the most important parts of the plant. This exemplified the Japanese beliefs at that time — simplicity — as seen in the plain Japanese gardens. However, there was by then a demand by the general public to collect small trees from the wild and maintain them as dwarf trees or bonsai. This soon became a recognised art form in Japanese culture.

Over the years, the bonsai has been styled in many ways. More important elements such as rocks, small buildings and people were added by bonsai artists. The bonsai was also used to replicate landscapes in nature. In the mid 19th century, Western travellers to Japan came upon the bonsai. Their fascination with this miniature tree in a container helped spread knowledge of the bonsai to the rest of the world.

Today, the bonsai continues to evolve. The creativity and expertise of the growers have led to the creation of even more interesting bonsai.


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Choose the correct answer and write its number (1, 2, 3 or 4) in the brackets provided.

1 The phrase ‘the best guide’ suggests that .

(1) the bonsai is the best plant to grow (2) there is more than one guide on growing the bonsai (3) everyone needs to refer to the guide to grow the bonsai (4) some guides for growing the bonsai are for professional growers

( )

2 Why do you think there are holes in the flower pot?

(1) To allow better drainage (2) To give the roots space to move (3) To ensure that clean water passes through the soil (4) To allow the roots to absorb the nutrients in the soil ( )

3 What is a possible reason for removing the extra roots of the original plant before putting it into the new smaller pot?

(1) To ensure that new roots will grow (2) To ensure that the plant will fit into the new pot (3) To ensure that no weeds will grow in the soil of the new pot (4) To ensure that the plant will get the right amount of nutrients ( )

4 A person who plants the bonsai must ensure that the green moss is also in the soil.

(1) gently placed (2) firmly deposited (3) evenly distributed (4) loosely scattered ( )

5 ‘Horticultural technique’ refers to a method of .

(1) farming (2) tree cultivation (3) growing seeds (4) plant cultivation ( )


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6 The Chinese art of bonsai was closely related to .

(1) Zen Buddhism (2) Chinese philosophy (3) Chinese myths and legends (4) the religion of the Chinese people ( )

7 Which word in the write-up has the same meaning as ‘reproduce’?

(1) regard (2) maintain (3) replicate (4) preserve ( )

8 Which of the following statements is not true?

(1) The bonsai is genetically a dwarf plant. (2) The bonsai can be created in a variety of ways. (3) The bonsai became an established art during the Kamakura Period. (4) Travellers from the west came into contact with the bonsai when they

were in Japan in the mid 19th century. ( )

Answer Key:1 (2) 2 (1) 3 (2) 4 (2) 5 (4) 6 (3) 7 (3) 8 (1)


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EXERCISE 2

Study the advertisement carefully and answer the questions that follow.

ANNUAL CHARITY SHOW TO HELPTHE ORPHANS IN CAMBODIA

Come and join our show! Organised by Reach out to the Orphans. y Singing competition for children (7 to 10 years old) y Applications can be made at our website www.reachout.com or in all

primary schools. y Your name, age, telephone number and email address must be stated

clearly in the application form. y You need to send a 1-minute video clip stating the reason for taking part

in the competition. y Your video clip should be in AVI or MP4 format and uploaded to our

website with your application. y Auditions will be held at Reach out to the Orphans headquarters at

123 Grange Hill Lane. Check our website for the audition dates. y Short-listed participants will receive a certificate of appreciation and a

souvenir.

Reach out to the Orphans is a non-profit organisation established in 2002 to raise funds for orphans around the world.


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The following is an email from a participant last year.

3 January

To the staff of Reach Out to the Orphans

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the singing contest last year. I felt like a winner because I was able to sing my heart out for a worthy cause. Although I was not among the top ten in the competition, I was definitely on cloud nine.

At the show, I was amazed to see many people readily donating to support the cause of your organisation. My parents had the honour of speaking to those who had been donating for many years. They told my parents that they had visited the orphans in several countries who were under the care of your organisation. They were amazed by your well-structured and comprehensive programmes.

As a result of your work many orphans now have access to food and education. They can now love forward to a promising future. Although I am unable to be a volunteer this year, I shall be donating my savings of $240 to your organisation so that you will be able to help more orphans. It is not a substantial amount but I am glad to be able to play a part in this worthy cause!

Yours sincerely,

Susan Tay


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1 What is the main purpose of the Annual Charity Show?

(1) To ask for help for orphans (2) To promote love for orphans (3) To encourage students to sing (4) To organise a gathering for talented school children ( )

2 Children who are interested in joining the competition have to .

(1) visit Cambodia (2) write about their best performance (3) visit Reach Out to the Orphans headquarters (4) send a video clip on why they want to join the competition ( )

3 Applicants who will be in the singing competition.

(1) sign up early (2) are shortlisted (3) sign up in a group (4) have volunteered before ( )

4 The sender of the email recognised the .

(1) satisfaction of singing (2) joy of performing in public (3) importance of helping the needy (4) benefits of working in an organisation ( )

5 When Susan Tay wrote that she was ‘on cloud nine’, she meant that she was .

(1) eccentric (2) overjoyed (3) obsessed (4) out of her mind ( )


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6 The sender of the email learnt more about the organisation from .

(1) her parents (2) the organisers (3) the Cambodian orphans (4) other singers like herself ( )

7 Which is the main purpose of the email?

(1) To commend the organisation (2) To explain why people donate money (3) To indicate her interest in making a donation (4) To encourage more people to join singing competitions ( )

8 Which of the following is not a feeling Susan Tay experienced?

(1) pleased (2) shocked (3) impressed (4) uncertainty

( )

Answer Key:1 (1) 2 (4) 3 (2) 4 (3) 5 (2) 6 (1) 7 (1) 8 (4)


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EXERCISE 3

Study the advertisement carefully and answer the questions that follow.

FAMILY DAY CARNIVALCalling all residents of West Town!

Join us for a day of fun and family bonding!

Sunday, 15 June, 10 am to 7.30 pmVenue: Basketball courts, opposite West Coast MRT station

Admission is free. Keep your admission ticket. There will be a Family Day Lucky Draw and exciting prizes to be won.

Schedule of Events:10 am Opening Ceremony

10.30 am Try your hand at any of our 10 game stalls. (All stalls will be opened till 7.30 pm.)

11 am Registration for Colouring Contest (Open to all children from 4 to 6 years old) (Theme: Family Bonding) Participants must bring their own colour pencils. Registration Fee: $2

12 pm Lunch time (Get your food before everything runs out!)

2 pm Balloon sculpting and face painting6 pm Prize-giving ceremony for the top 10 winners of the colouring contest and announcement of the 20 winners of the Family Day Lucky Draw.


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Family Bonding

Our family members are the ones we turn to for love and support. We learn to count on them in times of trouble and share with them our happiest moments. Under the guidance of our family members, we develop characteristics of resilience and determination to help us to deal with the challenges we face in our lives.

The importance of the family cannot be disregarded. However, spending meaningful time can be challenging with the busy lives we lead. Often, we are too caught up with work or even leisure activities, forgetting how important our family is to us. Our days start off when we rush out of the house and end with us going to bed late at night. In between, is just a whirlwind of activities. However, we often overlook the small things in our daily lives that could actually have a lasting impact on our relationship with our family members. For example, remembering special occasions such as birthdays and taking the effort to ask about one another’s day. These do not take up much time and can be done despite our busy schedules. However, they do require effort.

Of course, the Family Day Carnival is an ideal way for families to come together. Clear your schedule, put away the gadgets and have fun with your family!


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1 What is the main purpose of the flyer?

(1) To search for children who are good at art (2) To encourage West Town residents to bond (3) To allow families to use the basketball courts (4) To encourage families to attend the Family Day Carnival ( )

2 Which of the following is true about the carnival?

(1) The colouring contest is a paid event. (2) No admission tickets will be given out. (3) Only children are allowed to take part in the lucky draw. (4) Lucky draw winners will be announced at the beginning of the carnival. ( )

3 The main aim of the picture at the top of the first page of the advertisement is to .

(1) explain what a family is (2) encourage more people to start a family (3) show that a family will be happy at the carnival (4) describe the things that can be done at the carnival ( )

4 The schedule of events will not show .

(1) when the carnival starts (2) how to get to the carnival (3) which event happens first (4) what events happen in the afternoon ( )

5 According to the write-up, the family helps young children to .

(1) support their parents (2) bond with one another (3) develop good character (4) celebrate their birthdays ( )


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6 The most important reason people have for neglecting their families is .

(1) having a busy schedule (2) a lack of interest in their family members (3) the lack of care from their family members (4) the lack of knowledge about how to spend time with their families ( )

7 The phrase ‘small things’ refer to things that .

(1) we cannot see (2) most people ignore (3) require an effort to do (4) can be done in a short time ( )

8 According to the write-up, what might be a reason people will not attend the carnival?

(1) They do not know about it. (2) They feel that it is not interesting. (3) They are not residents of West Town. (4) They are occupied with electronic devices. ( )

Answer Key:1 (4) 2 (1) 3 (3) 4 (2) 5 (3) 6 (1) 7 (4) 8 (4)


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EXERCISE 4

Study the leaflet carefully and answer the questions that follow.

DO YOUR PART TO KEEP OUR ENVIRONMENT LITTER FREE

y Always throw your litter in the bin.

y Pick up litter that you see even if you are not the one who littered.

y Organise a litter cleaning group with your friends. Visit parks and beaches or the void decks of blocks of flats.

y Speak to the younger students in your school about keeping the school litter free.

y Make no littering signs and place them in your school.


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Definition of litter:

• It refers to waste such as odds and ends, scraps of food, discarded matter, junk, cigarette butts, paper, tins and bottles, which are not properly disposed of and lying in an open or public place.

Despite having achieved success in many ways such as carrying out the ‘Keep Our Country Clean’ movement and imposing fines and corrective work orders on litter-bugs, the authorities still face many difficulties in keeping the country litter-free. However, the government will persist in its efforts.

Besides carrying out public outreach programmes to change the people’s attitudes towards littering, the government has ensured that bins are placed in convenient locations. Disposing of litter will be simple and fuss free.

More uniformed officers will also patrol the streets to ensure that the public complies with the non-littering rule. The increase in fines for offenders is another useful deterrent strategy.

Remember:

• Litter that is not discarded in an appropriate place, especially things such as electronics and appliances, can be highly hazardous.

• Litter dumped in canals, rivers and oceans can affect the quality of our waters.

• Be proud of your country and help to keep it clean!


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1 On the first page of the leaflet, why are some of the words in bold?

(1) To beautify the text (2) To catch the attention of litter-bugs (3) To inform the readers about unsightly litter (4) To promote the ‘Keep Our Country Clean’ campaign ( )

2 How does the image on the first page of the leaflet emphasise what the words in bold are promoting?

(1) It shows how and why litter should be thrown. (2) It highlights the importance of discarding litter. (3) It shows how and where litter should be thrown. (4) It encourages the public to throw away their litter. ( )

3 According to the write-up on the second page of the leaflet, litter includes .

(1) both big and small items (2) only items that are smelly (3) everything we do not want (4) only items that can fit into bins ( )

4 Which of the following statements is not true?

(1) Public awareness will help to reduce the littering problem. (2) Keeping public places clean is not everyone’s responsibility. (3) Placing bins in more places will help solve the littering problem. (4) Littering is a problem that is completely out of control in the country. ( )

5 The government is in its approach towards having a litter-free environment.

(1) lenient (2) resilient (3) inflexible (4) desperate ( )


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6 Strict laws on littering are a good deterrence for those who litter repeatedly as they will .

(1) be given a warning (2) be asked to pay a heavy fine (3) realise that it is a socially unacceptable behaviour (4) be wary of police officers who patrol the neighbourhoods ( )

7 How can the dumping of rubbish in waters affect the quality of life?

(1) It can cause water pollution. (2) It can affect the jobs of cleaners. (3) It can lead to an increase in litter-bugs. (4) It can led to more socially unacceptable habits among the public. ( )

8 There are both facts and opinions in the leaflet. Which of the following is a fact?

(1) The increase in fines for repeat offenders is another useful strategy. (2) The authorities still face many difficulties in keeping the country litter-

free. (3) Litter dumped in canals, rivers and oceans can affect the quality of our

waters. (4) Litter that is not discarded in an appropriate place, especially things

such as electronics and appliances are highly hazardous. ( )

Answer Key:1 (4) 2 (3) 3 (1) 4 (4) 5 (2) 6 (2) 7 (1) 8 (3)


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EXERCISE 5

Study the flyer carefully and answer the questions that follow.

CELEBRATE THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF J LINK,

A NEW 270 M PEDESTRIAN MALL!

Official Opening: 23 November, 10 am

Guest of Honour:

Ms Anne Hawk,

Minister for Environment & Resources


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The new J Link pedestrian mallA bigger covered walkway from Jackson East MRT station

to the future Science Centre at Lake Drive

The new pedestrian mall adjacent to Jackson Shopping Mall will be officially opened on 23 November. It replaces the walkway that previously linked several blocks of flats and Jackson East MRT station. This new covered and wider walkway allows pedestrians direct access to Jackson Shopping Mall, Blocks 135, 136 and 137 and Jackson Regional Library. Ramps, handrails, and public spaces will be available along the walkway.

Such spaces will allow Singaporeans to participate in community activities or spend time together with family and friends. This new walkway is in line with the government’s efforts to make improvements to living spaces in our country. Besides ensuring that movement within the neighbourhood will be more convenient and comfortable, it also contributes to the aesthetic value of the neighbourhood. The neighbourhood will certainly come alive, shedding its previous drab appearance.

The following are the new facilities within this walkway:

(a) A pavilion with a curved green roof for holding events. (b) A heritage corner for residents and visitors to learn more about the

interesting history of Jackson, the most significant industrial town for generations of Singaporeans.

(c) An exhibition corner to display residents’ and local artists’ works. (d) A children’s playground complete with swings, slide and a maze of

tunnels for endless fun.


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1 The main purpose of the flyer is to .

(1) promote the J Link pedestrian mall (2) showcase the talents of the residents and children (3) encourage residents and visitors to use the J Link pedestrian mall (4) encourage participation in the official opening of the J Link pedestrian

mall ( )

2 What is the main thing Ms Anne Hawk will probably do at the official opening?

(1) She will interact with residents of Jackson Town. (2) She will organise an event at J link Pedestrian Mall. (3) She will give a speech at the official opening of J Link. (4) She will make a journey on foot along this 270-metre pedestrian mall.

( )3 Why was the old walkway replaced with the new pathway?

(1) There were no shops along the old walkway. (2) It was too rundown and unpleasant to walk along. (3) It was too narrow to cater to the large number of people using it. (4) It was full of hills and tunnels, making access very difficult for the

residents. ( )

4 Wheelchair bound pedestrians may find this pedestrian mall a pleasant experience when making their way to the Jackson Regional Library for all of the following except .

(1) the ramps or handrails (2) the crowd during peak hours (3) the covered and wider walkway (4) the public space to enjoy a time of family bonding ( )

5 What is the purpose of the exclamation mark used on the first page of the flyer?

(1) It is to create interest in Jackson Town. (2) It is to show surprise at the launch of J Link. (3) It is to show pride in the completion of J Link. (4) It is to create excitement about the opening of J Link. ( )


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6 The main purpose of J Link is to .

(1) have a walkway with a curved green roof to host events (2) allow residents and visitors to gain access to Jackson MRT station (3) give residents and visitors a chance to shop while using the pathway (4) create a spacious passageway to ease crowding when walking in

Jackson Town ( )

7 The various amenities along J Link suggest that the authorities expect the residents to .

(1) be in a rush (2) avoid Jackson Regional Library (3) visit malls outside Jackson Town (4) take a stroll through their neighbourhood ( )

8 The phrase ‘aesthetic value’ refers to the of the neighbourhood.

(1) size (2) location (3) population (4) appearance ( )

Answer Key:1 (4) 2 (3) 3 (3) 4 (2) 5 (4) 6 (4) 7 (4) 8 (4)

let’s learn about visual texts · ‘bonsai’ is a japanese word but it was the chinese who rst...

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