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The Value of Graphic Novels in Education

Graphic novels tell stories through a combination of words and illustrations in a style similar to comic books. While some see graphic novels as inferior to traditional books, they have been shown to motivate reluctant readers, especially boys, and support literacy development by providing context clues. Teachers have found graphic novels to be effective educational tools for a variety of subjects like history, science, and literature by promoting skills like vocabulary and narrative comprehension.

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Tran Truc Lam
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2K views4 pages

The Value of Graphic Novels in Education

Graphic novels tell stories through a combination of words and illustrations in a style similar to comic books. While some see graphic novels as inferior to traditional books, they have been shown to motivate reluctant readers, especially boys, and support literacy development by providing context clues. Teachers have found graphic novels to be effective educational tools for a variety of subjects like history, science, and literature by promoting skills like vocabulary and narrative comprehension.

Uploaded by

Tran Truc Lam
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Reading: Graphic Novels
  • Questions and Answers - Reading
  • Listening Section
  • Listening Plan Questions

READING: Graphic novels

People who think graphic novels are just comics with a different name should think again

A. Graphic novels, as the name suggests, are books written and illustrated in the style of a
comic book. The term graphic novel was first used in 1978 by author and artist Will Eisner to
distinguish a comic novel he had written and illustrated from newspaper comic trips. He
described graphic novels as consisting of “sequential art” – a series of illustrations which,
when viewed in order, tell a story.

B. Although today’s graphic novels are a recent phenomenon, this basic way of telling
stories has been used in various forms for centuries. Early cave drawings, hieroglyphics and
medieval tapestries are examples of this. The term graphic novel is now generally used to
describe any book in a comic format that resembles a novel in length and narrative
development.

C. Many adults feel that graphic novels are not the type of reading material that will help
young people become good readers. They believe that graphic novels are somehow a bad
influence that prevent “real” reading. In other words, they think that they are not “real” books.

D. However, many quality graphic novels are now being seen as a method of storytelling on
the same level as novels, films or audio books. From originally appealing to small following
of enthusiasts, they are now being accepted by librarians and teachers as proper literature
for children and young adults. The main advantages are that they promote literacy, and
attract and motivate young people to read.

E. How do we know this? In the past few years, teachers and school libraries have reported
outstanding success getting children to read with graphics novels. Many have mentioned the
motivational factor of the graphic novel. This has been especially true with children who are
usually reluctant to read, especially boys. The colourful pictures attract them, and then
encourage them to find out what story is about. Providing young people of all abilities with a
wide range of reading materials, including graphic novels, can help them become lifelong
readers.

F. Furthermore, one of the main benefits of graphic novels is that it can help students who
are learning a foreign language, and who are having problems improving their reading skills.
This is because the pictures provide clues to the meaning of the words. Language learners
are therefore more motivated by graphic novels, and will acquire new vocabulary more
quickly.

G. Many teachers have reported great success when they have used graphic novels with
their students, especially in the areas of English, social study and arts. They have
discovered that, just like traditional forms of literature, they can be useful tools for helping
students examine aspects of history, science, literature and art.

H. The idea that graphic novels are too simple to be regarded as serious reading is no
longer valid. The excellent graphic novels available today demand many of the same skills
that are needed to understand traditional works of fiction. Often they actually contain more
Text Text
sophisticated vocabulary than traditional books. Reading them can help students develop
the skills that are necessary to read more challenging works.


Questions 1-7

The reading passage has eight paragraphs, A-H.

Which paragraph contains the following information?

Write the correct letter, A-H

NB You may use any letter more than once

C
1. people with negative attitudes towards graphic novels ……………………

G
2. a variety of school subjects where graphic novels can play an important role ………………

E
3. why a graphic novel’s visual element speeds up learning …………………

H
4. a modern definition of graphic novels ……………………

D
5. graphic novels are as good as any other method of telling a story …………………

H
6. graphic novels sometimes use advanced words ……………………

B
7. the historical use of pictures as a method of storytelling ……………………

Questions 8 – 13

Complete the table below

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer

Boys colourful pictures

Story
LISTENING

Questions 1-8

Complete the table below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for
each answer.

Natural History day: morning events


All events begin at 9.30. You must attend one of these.
Questions 9-13

Label the plan. Write the correct letter, A-K, next to Questions 9-13.

9. Administration office …

10. Café …

11. Student common room …

12. Lockers …

13. Library …

Common questions

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They serve as educational tools by helping students examine aspects of history, science, literature, and art, facilitating engagement and understanding through their visually-driven storytelling format .

Perceptions have evolved from graphic novels being seen as inferior to traditional books to being accepted by educators for their ability to promote literacy and motivate young people to read. They have become recognized as valuable tools comparable to novels, films, and audiobooks .

Will Eisner distinguished graphic novels from traditional comic strips by using the term 'graphic novel' to refer to works that consist of 'sequential art,' meaning a series of illustrations that tell a story when viewed in sequence .

Graphic novels may require comparable reading skills to traditional literature because they often contain sophisticated vocabulary and complex narratives that demand the same analytical and comprehension skills needed to understand traditional works of fiction .

Graphic novels are appealing to reluctant readers due to their colorful pictures, which attract attention and motivate them to engage with the story. This can be particularly effective for engaging boys who might otherwise be disinterested in reading .

Graphic novels help language learners improve reading skills by providing visual clues that aid comprehension and context for vocabulary acquisition, thereby increasing motivation and aiding faster learning .

Graphic novels enhance literacy by attracting and motivating young readers, especially those reluctant to engage with traditional texts, thus encouraging lifelong reading habits through engaging visual narratives and accessible content .

Graphic novels impact reading skill development by introducing sophisticated vocabulary and demanding comprehension and analytical skills akin to those needed for challenging literary works, thus preparing readers for more complex genres .

Early forms of storytelling with similarities to graphic novels include cave drawings, hieroglyphics, and medieval tapestries, which all used sequential art to convey stories visually, much like modern graphic novels .

The changing attitudes are attributed to the recognition of graphic novels' ability to promote literacy, engage reluctant readers, and effectively convey complex narratives, aligning them with recognized methods of storytelling like traditional literature and films .

READING: Graphic novels People who think graphic novels are just comics with a different name should think again A. Graphic n
sophisticated vocabulary than traditional books. Reading them can help students develop the skills that are necessary to read
LISTENING Questions 1-8 Complete the table below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer. Natural Histo
Questions 9-13 Label the plan. Write the correct letter, A-K, next to Questions 9-13. 9. Administration office … 10. Café …

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