Looking at 'Analysis' of sources particulary visual. Using the SOAPSTone Overview and the Process of: Describe - Identify - Interpret - Evaluate - Reflect.

2. Using SOAPSTone (SOAPS Tone) as a basis of analysing, will assist in looking at the details
presented by a source (speech, poem, story, image such like).
• S = Subject
• O = Occasion
• A = Audience
• P = Purpose
• S = Speaker
• T = Tone

3. Subject
• Title and author of the source.
• What is the general topic, content, or idea contained in the source?
Occasion
• What is the time and place?
• Why was the source created at that time?
• Any Historical significance?
• Any Geographical significance?
Audience
• The audience to whom this source is directed.
The audience may be one person, a small group, or a large group; it may
be a certain person or a certain people.
Purpose
• What is the reason behind the source?
• Why was it created?
• What goal did the author have in mind?
Speaker
• Who is speaking via the source?
• What role does he/she play? Historic or contemporary person/group?
Tone
• What is the attitude expressed by the source?
• Examine the choice of words, emotions expressed, imagery used to
determine the source’s attitude.

4. Describe:
• Look closely at the image.
• DO NOT INTERPRET the image at this stage; write down what you see.
• Describe what you see with as much detail as possible: images, symbols, colours,
composition (layout/placement of objects).
Complete the statement:
When looking at this image, I see….
Describe – identify – interpret – evaluate - reflect
Identify:
• Identify basic information about the image.
• What questions do you have about this image that you would need answered before you
begin to interpret it?
Complete the statement:
After looking closely at this image, I want to know…

5. Describe – identify – interpret – evaluate - reflect
Interpret:
• Given what you SEE and what you now KNOW about the image, what do you think it
means?
• What message/s do you think the creator is trying to express?
Complete the statements:
 The message/s this image sends to me is/are…
 I think the creator is trying to say…
Evaluate:
• What do you think might have been the intended purpose of this image?
• The intended audience?
• Do you think this image effectively achieves its purpose? Why or why not?
Complete the statement:
Based on my analysis of this image, I think it did/did not achieve its purpose because…

6. Describe – identify – interpret – evaluate - reflect
Reflect:
• What do you think was the intention (possible impact) of the image?
• How might the message ‘expressed’ have influenced or influence the ideas and actions of
others?
• What does the image tell you about the life in the particular place and time it represents
– past, present or future.
• Do you want to know anymore?
• Have you anymore questions or queries?
Complete the statements:
 I believe the impact of this image might have been…
 I believe the impact of this image is…
 From analysing this image, I have learned…
 Some questions I have are…

7. SOAPSTonE Chart
SOAPSTone Document Analysis
SOAPSTONE Analysis of the Declaration of Independence