Framework 2: An introduction to graphology

Lesson 2

Graphology refers to the layout on the page. Features you could comment on include:

a)  Images
b) Font-bold/italics/underlines/size-has the font been centralised.
c) Use of colour
d) Captions
e) Logos
f) Columns
g) Hyperlinks and Tabs
h) Deviant Spelling
i)  Headlines

It's important that you don't simply list the features of the layout but you comment on what the graphology reveals about meaning.

Key questions are:

1. How has the writer used graphology to represent the ideas in the text?

2. How has the writer used graphology to represent themselves as knowledgeable and to show themselves as an expert e.g. logo, bold, font and font to represent the company etc?

3.How has the writer used graphology to shape the readers' response? Is there an image that supports the readers' ideas or an  image to challenge the readers' ideas?

4.What does graphology reveal about the mode of the text? Does the graphology encourage interactivity? The use of graphology shows the text is highly planned and is distant i.e. it has been created away from the audience. Does the graphology show that the writer is aiming to be personal? Is the target audience represented in the picture?

5.How has the writer used graphology to create cohesion i.e. guide the reader through the text and to link different parts of the text together?

Remember don't spend the whole essay on graphology but it is worth mentioning. You are expected to comment on the layout. But if you answer questions 3-5 you will be hitting the top part in the mark scheme. In other words, it is low for AO1 but provides high marks for AO3.

Graphology and mode features from kparuk