Abstract
Scientific writers frequently employ images to convey their ideas. These images can be used in quite specialised ways and their interpretation often requires particular skills. As with written scientific examination text, scientific images may present linguistic challenges that are beyond the abilities of some examination candidates. Systemic functional analysis can be used to study the structures of these images and to evaluate their effect. It can also be used to study the relationships between images and written text and the effect of these relationships. The lexicology of the examination can often tie images to written text. These ties can trammel the interpretation of the question. Special semantic relationships in the lexicology of an examination text can also adversely affect comprehension.
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References
Kress, G., & van Leeuwen, T. (1996). Reading images: The grammar of visual design. London: Routledge.
Skeat, W. W. (1879). Etymological dictionary of the English language. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Harrison, P., & Waites, G. (1997). The Cassell Dictionary of Science. London: Cassell.
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Day, A. (2014). Pictures and Words. In: The Structure of Scientific Examination Questions. SpringerBriefs in Education. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7488-9_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7488-9_2
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