9-18-12 Bernhardt Assignment

g Warman          

9-18-12

English 1510

Bernhardt Assignment

Summary:

                In “Seeing Texts” by Stephen A. Bernhardt, the argument of visual apprehension is brought up.  This involves giving the text visual cues that go along with the actual written text.  Often, Bernhardt explains, the most logical and important information in the text is buried beneath the text itself. With visual texts being incorporated, the awareness of categories and divisions being explained within the text. By using a schematic representation of the text, such as a graph, hierarchy, or somehow dividing the information into different categories (paragraphs), allows the reader to pull most everything out of what the author is trying to get across.  Basically, a visual representation or design of the text is a gateway for the reader to get all the information, especially information that was initially hidden by the text itself, out of the text.

Synthesis:

                Bernhardt argues his point about visual representation being vital in texts because they bring up information that the reader would not have grasped from the written text itself.  His argument of using spatial representation for helping readers to obtain and retain information goes hand in hand with many researchers of the human mind and human intelligence.  His theory is similar to the idea that some people are visual/spatial learners: they must physically see the information in charts, graphs, or other organized fashions. 

Response:

                Bernhardt’s argument in this article is very interesting and informative.  His idea that a visual representation of a text helps the reader comprehend and really grasp all of the texts content made sense to me.  For myself, text that is organized into categories, charts, or paragraphs is a much easier read and I really draw all of the information out of it. Also, the fact that he incorporates an example, the picture on pages 43 and 44, really helps settle his idea and argument because when I looked at the picture, it allowed to me to connect the dots with his argument.  His argument is valid and correct because he proved it to me by giving me an example and causing me to see the results myself as I was able to better understand the argument.

QDJ Answers:

4) By every student following a specific format, it makes it easier on the teacher to grab all the information from each of the essays written by the students.  With each student’s essay being set up and formatted the same, the information of each essay will be found in the same spot (assuming the format is MLA and a certain amount of paragraphs/pages are mandated).

AEI Answers:

3) Bernhardt using the term gestalt in reference to the information that we do not originally derive from a text.  He explains how using visual representation of some form, the reader is made aware of information that they would not have originally obtained through the written text alone.