Visual: http://thecompanion.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/education-system.png
Inquiry question: Is the increasing dependency on standardized testing scores hurting or benefiting students in todays society?
Explanation of the visual: The different animals lined up in the picture represent the diverse students in classrooms across the country. The man sitting at the desk giving the instructions represents the typical standardized tests distributor that people have been accustomed to seeing. Although the task presented is rather simple, some of the animals (students) are not capable of doing it. Not all of the animals are able to climb the tree because of their physical nature. However, some of the animals would find climbing the tree easy and would pass the exam. This represents standardized testing because all students across the country are being given then same exam with the same questions. However, not all students are being taught the same material and have the same comprehension skills. Certain students will indeed benefit from standardized testing because of their ability to perform well. The students who aren't able to do well on these tests are left behind and are considered "unintelligent".
How this responds to my inquiry question: The point of my research question is to find out whether or not standardized testing is benefiting or hurting students. The visual I have chosen seems to give me a very clear answer to this question. Although it is very bias to one side of the of the argument, it still gives viewers a clear perspective about how standardized tests affect the students.
Why I chose this visual: Because of my personal background with standardized testing and the many other known problems dealing with standardized test, I have decided to focus my research more on how these tests are hurting the students and how the future of schools will not sustain if it continues to depend solely on standardized tests. This picture serves as a summary of my main argument and will hopefully persuade my readers. This visual is pretty easy to understand and makes a clear point, standardized tests are not fair for everyone and will always favor someone. It challenges the fact that standardized tests are supposed to be seen as a fair tests and even shows how it is unfair.
Intertextuality: This visual connects with a wide range of viewers. Children will find this interesting because of the light humor that is added with the different animals, but still understandable. Adults will easily understand this and possibly relate to the picture because of the standardized tests they had to go through as students.
I think the visual you found is very creative and works very well with your inquiry question. If you include other visuals throughout your paper you may be able to find one that you don't really agree with, but can use to show others views on the issue.
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