How do I approach a question which asks me to write about visual sources? (Pictures, floorplans, maps etc.)

My most important piece of advice is not to be afraid of describing what you see. Refer to particular features which seem distinctive and relevant to the question even if they seem obvious. This will show that you have a real understanding of the image. Don’t jump to conclusions; support them with evidence from the source. This is particularly important when the image is familiar to you and deductions seem obvious. The question will be asking something broader but inviting you to use this particular image in your discussion. Contextualise the source with your own knowledge. There may not be a date alongside the source but think about whether you have seen anything similar. If so then mention it as a point of comparison. If it seems relevant to the question, you could evaluate the source itself as you would a textual source. Think about possible bias and context. 

LA
Answered by Lydia A. Classical Civilisation tutor

2716 Views

See similar Classical Civilisation A Level tutors

Related Classical Civilisation A Level answers

All answers ▸

How successfully do you consider that Sophocles and Euripides would have engaged the audience’s attention in the ways they started the four plays you have studied? Support your answer by reference to all four plays.


Comment on the Helen episode in Book 2 of Virgil's Aeneid (ll.568-600)


Why were the Romans so successful at Naval Combat in the First Punic War?


Was Socrates was a good or bad Athenian Citizen? Evaluate and support your answer based on Plato’s Apology.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning