Visuals and Tables
◎Aim
Using visuals (photos, illustrations, diagrams) and tables (fact files, charts, grids) supports comprehension by making abstract information more concrete and accessible. They must be relevant, professional, and pedagogically useful, not decorative.
1Visuals
Use visuals to support meaning, context, and interaction.
1Introduce or activate a topic
For example, use a photo of a workplace for a lead-in with an elicitation question.
2Clarify vocabulary
For example, use product images or office equipment to make key words easier to understand.
3Provide context
For example, use screenshots of emails or meeting agendas to create an authentic setting.
4Support role plays
For example, use pictures of people in a business setting.
Guidelines
- Relevance: every visual element must directly connect to the task.
- Quality: use high-resolution, professional images. Do not use inferior clip art.
- Cultural sensitivity: avoid culturally biased or stereotypical imagery. Keep in mind frameworks such as PARSNIPS.
- Clarity: keep visuals simple; don’t overload them with detail.
- Placement: put the visual next to the task it supports, not separated on the page.
✓Good example
Photo of an office → Describe what technology you see in the office.
✗Bad example
Random stock photo of smiling people → Read the email and answer the questions.
2Tables
Use tables to present structured information, support comprehension, and provide frameworks for note-taking or writing tasks.
1Present structured information
For example, use company profiles, schedules, or product data.
2Support comprehension
For example, compare fact and opinion, or show before-and-after information.
3Support writing
Use tables as frameworks for note-taking or writing tasks.
Guidelines
- Consistency: use the same table style throughout.
- Simplicity: only include necessary rows and columns. Avoid clutter.
- Labels: always label headings clearly, for example Company, Location, Products.
- Answer space: leave space in tables for learners to complete information.
- Alignment: keep text left-aligned for readability.
Example fact file table
3Charts and graphs
Use charts and graphs for numerical or statistical information such as sales figures or survey results.
- Always include a title and axis labels.
- Keep graphs simple; bar charts or pie charts are best for A0–B1 levels.
- Higher-level students (B2–C1) can handle line graphs or multiple data sets.
4Dos and don’ts
✓Do
- Use visuals and tables as active learning tools; students must interact with them.
- Caption visuals where necessary, for example Figure 1: Sales growth, 2022–2023.
- Keep style consistent across the product.
✗Don’t
- Use visuals as filler with no task.
- Overcomplicate tables with excessive data.
- Place visuals on separate pages from the related activity.
- Use decorative images that do not add to the task pedagogically.
✓Key takeaway
Visuals and tables should support learning, not decorate the page. They must be relevant to the task, clear and professional, and give learners a way to interact with language rather than just look at a picture.