Instructions:
• Browse different reliable sources and select 4 different political cartoons that catch your attention.
Suggestion: The more elaborated the cartoon is, the easier it will be to complete this assignment. Read the
questions below before you start your search.
• The cartoons must be political in nature and current (maximum 3 years old).
• Each cartoon must be related to different political topics and characters. The cartoons cannot portray the
same political figure(s), even if the content is about different topics.
• Each answer must be at least 3 complete sentences (Arial font, size 12, double-spaced). Number each
question and separate them by paragraphs. No essay format is needed. Do not put all your answers in one
paragraph!
• You MUST copy and paste the image of the cartoon before you answer the questions so I can see it while I
am grading.
• Submit your assignment in Microsoft Word or pdf. (No .pages. No zip files)
• You must include your sources.
• Answer ALL of the following questions below for EACH cartoon (a total of 15 questions for each cartoon).
One cartoon at a time.
• DO NOT re-type the questions. Identify each answer with numbers.
Observation & Reflection Phases: Describe What You See and How You See It
- What is happening in the cartoon? Explain.
- What specific political issue is being portrayed in the cartoon? Explain
- What do you think the cartoonist’s opinion on this issue is? Explain.
- Are there any text bubbles and/or caption? How important are they? Explain.
- Do you see an exaggeration? What does the exaggeration mean? Explain.
- Do you see a stereotype? What does the stereotype mean? Explain.
- Do you see an irony? What does the irony mean? Explain.
- Does the cartoon portray any emotions? Which ones? Explain.
- What minor details are there? How important are they? Explain
- Is there anything controversial about the cartoon? Explain.
Note: If your answer is “No” to 2 of the questions between #4 and #8, you MUST choose a different cartoon.
You will lose points if you don’t.
Continue…
Evaluation Phase: Assess the Effectiveness - Do you think the cartoon is effective in the message it tries to convey? Explain.
- Do the people/ objects/ words in the cartoon adequately represent the political issue? Explain.
- Were you persuaded by the cartoonist’s point of view? Why or why not? Explain.
- If you were asked to modify something in the cartoon what would it be? Explain. Note: Answers such as “I
wouldn’t modify anything.” will not be accepted. - Did the cartoon encourage you to look deeper into the political issue it portrayed? Why or why not? Explain.