Worked example
Question: A poster says “Save water” and shows a dry cracked ground. The image makes the warning stronger.
Key concept
Learning goal: I can explain how images add meaning to different kinds of texts.
- Compare different images of the same subject and explain what each image adds.
- Follow meaning across a sequence of images.
- Notice information shown in an image that is not stated in the written words.
- Discuss images in stories and cultural accounts by First Nations Australian authors and illustrators.
Steps to use
Look at image → Read words → Compare message → Explain effect
See it, then try it
Image and word meaning work together
Words: The park was quiet.Image A: empty swingsImage B: storm cloudsDifferent feeling
Explain what the image adds
shows extra detailcreates moodfocuses attentionsupports facts
Curriculum Coverage & Elaborations
Curriculum Coverage & Elaborations
The content description is the required target. The elaborations below are taught as examples and contexts, not as disconnected checklist wording.
- E1: comparing images from texts where images of the same subject are represented differently; for example, a cartoon image of an animal, a photograph of an animal and a digital image of an animal in an advertisement
- E2: understanding how authors and illustrators build up meaning across a sequence of images
- E3: understanding that some images convey meaning that is not included in the accompanying written text; for example, a diagram shows information about how parts of a plant are connected, which is not explained in the print text
- E4: exploring images in stories and cultural accounts by First Nations Australian authors and discussing the impact this may have (teaching context)
Common misconceptions
- Describing only — Explain how the image changes or supports meaning.
- Ignoring words — Read words and image together.
- One correct image only — Different images can support different meanings.
Try these
- Picture-card compare — Compare two neutral picture boxes with the same caption.Caption: The dog waited.
- Image adds what? — Say what the image tells that the words do not.setting / mood / detail
- Choose best image — Pick a picture-card layout for a text purpose and justify it.poster / story / report
Explain and apply
Image adds meaning
A story says The child opened the gift. The picture shows a grin. What does the image add?
Answer and teaching guidance
The picture adds the child's feeling. The words tell the event; the image gives extra meaning.
Match image to purpose
Which image helps an information page about plant parts: a labelled plant diagram or a birthday party picture?
Answer and teaching guidance
The labelled plant diagram fits because it helps the reader identify parts of a plant.
Compare two image jobs
A map image shows a path; a recipe image shows folding dough. What does each image help readers do?
Answer and teaching guidance
The map helps with location and direction. The recipe image helps explain an action in a procedure.
Check image evidence
A picture shows a kitten under a chair, but the words say The room was empty. What should the reader notice?
Answer and teaching guidance
The image adds information that changes the reader's understanding, so words and images must be read together.
Check your understanding
Quick checks
- What can an image add to words?
- How can an image change mood?
- Why read image and words together?
- Give one detail an image might show.
I am ready when I can
- I can compare different images of the same subject and explain what each image adds.
- I can follow meaning across a sequence of images.
- I can notice information shown in an image that is not stated in the written words.
- I can discuss images in stories and cultural accounts by First Nations Australian authors and illustrators.
Curriculum equivalents: Victoria, NSW and international
Curriculum equivalents for How images in different types of texts contribute to meaning
Mapped skill: compare how images in different types of texts contribute to meaning
These references identify matching or closely related learning. Curriculum sequence, terminology and depth vary, so teachers should use the mapped skill and lesson difficulty to confirm suitability.
| Region | Curriculum framework | Closest level or code |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Australian Curriculum v9.0 | AC9E1LA08 · Year 1 |
| Victoria | Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0 — English | VC2E1LA08 · Level 1 |
| New South Wales | NSW English K–10 Syllabus (2022) | EN1-RECOM-01 · Stage 1 |
| United States (USA) | Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts | Grade 1 |
| Canada (Ontario) | Ontario Curriculum — English | Grade 1 |
| United Kingdom (England) | National Curriculum in England — English | Year 2, Key Stage 1 |
| India | NCERT / CBSE — English | Class 1 |
Australian Curriculum v9.0 is the canonical source for this SkillrHub lesson. Victoria and NSW entries name the closest published state codes or outcomes; international entries are planning references rather than claims of identical curricula.
🎥 Optional Video Lesson
The SkillrHub lesson remains the primary learning resource. This optional video reinforces the explanation; you can complete the lesson and practice without watching.
Before you watch:
- Pause after each worked example.
- Try the examples yourself.
- Return to the SkillrHub lesson before continuing.
Recommended: How to Learn about Characters
Khan Academy Kids — Use clues in a story to understand a character, then compare how different images help a reader.
As you watch: Which clue helps you work out something about the character?
Load video player Loads YouTube in this lesson. See the video notice below.
Try it: Compare a character illustration with an animal photograph in an information book. Tell someone what each image helps you understand.
Video unavailable, inaccurate or unsuitable for this year? Report a video problem to SkillrHub by email. You can continue with the written lesson and practice resources.
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