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 ▸

Describe the events after the Battle of Gaugamela that led to Darius’ murder. Make five points.


How far do you think Augustus’ building programme in the city of Rome was motivated by practical considerations and how far by other factors?


How far does the Ara Pacis Augustae fit with the main themes of the ‘Res Gestae Divi Augusti'?


Is it fair to describe Augustus' foreign policy as a matter of aggressive expansionism?


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