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. 

Related Classical Civilisation A Level answers

All answers ▸

To what extent do the Roman sources praise women for the way they perform their duties and to what extent do they criticise them?


How did the Roman hunting games express Roman imperial identity?


• ‘Plutarch’s biography of Alexander shows a greater understanding of the wider issues than Arrian’s more detailed history’. How far do you agree? Refer to both Arrian and Plutarch.


To what extent is Medea a sympathetic character?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences