A photograph of painter Salvador Dali in his studio with various objects like water, cats and furniture floating around him.

Salvador Dali A (Dali Atomicus) 09633u, Halsman, Philippe, Library of Congress

The photograph above got your attention right away, didn’t it? The authors and editors of the texts you encounter also attempt to grab your attention. When you open a book, turn to an article, or research a topic, you might look for graphics like photographs or drawings that provide clues for what you are about to read. This is a strategy that can help you predict the topic of a text. Authors add these visuals to get your attention, set the tone, or make a point. Sometimes they are successful; sometimes not. This lesson will teach you how to evaluate texts for the clarity of their graphics and for their visual appeal.