Verbal abuse

Verbal abuse

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about interpreting an image and written text.
mouth yelling verbal abuse

THE ABUSE YOU YELL

AT YOUR KIDS STAYS IN THE

FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS

You're useless. You're dumb. I wish you'd never been bom.
Shout verbal abuse like this at your kids and you don't just hurt them,
you teach them to be abusive parents too.
Break the Cycle. Call 0800 222 999 for a free parenting booklet that will help.
 
NEW ZEALAND CHLDREN & YOUNG PERSONS SERVICE
 
 
 
  1. What is the dominant image in this advertisement?
     

     
    1. How is the idea "for generations" represented in the image?
       

       
    2. What is one feature of the image that suggests the person is abusive?
       

       
  3. Who is the intended audience for this message?
     

     
  4. What is one key word which links the verbal message with the visual message?
     

     
  5. Why are the lines at the bottom of the page in smaller type?
      

     
    1. An 'imperative' is a command or demand for action. Identify an 'imperative' in the text.
        

       
    2. Explain why you think the imperative form has been used.
       

       

       

       
  7. Is this Advertisement effective?     Yes   /   No     (Circle one)
    Give two reasons to support your answer.

     

     

     

     

     

     
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper.
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
English, Making meaning, Viewing
Keywords: 
poster, dominant image, repeated image, abuse, interpreting text
Description of task: 
Students examine a poster and body text about child abuse and answer questions on the effect of the dominant image, audience, lettering, and imperatives.
Answers/responses: 
 

Y10 (06/1998)
a) Open mouth which is yelling or screaming. moderate
b) i) Repetition of the image going on and on.
ii) Any 1 of:

  • Width of mouth.
  • Lips drawn back.
  • Teeth very prominent.
 very easy
moderate
c) Parents who verbally abuse their children. easy
d) Shout/yell (not verbal abuse). very easy
e)
  • Supporting details of the message.
  • Extra information.
  • Examples of abuse the ad is referring to.
 moderate
f) i) "Break . . . the cycle"; "Call 0800 . . ."
ii) It suggests you take action now/don't accept it.		 moderate
difficult
g) For any 2 reasons. Students can argue either position, e.g.,

Effective

  • The image used is powerful.
  • The ad promotes reflection on behaviour.
  • Next step/contact information is provided.

Not effective

  • The image used is unpleasant.
  • The key information is too small.
  • The target audience isn't clear.
 2 correct - difficult

1 correct - easy