Paper One - Cartoon Analysis - Sample Student Paper

Dave and Andrew believe that looking at strong student samples is a great way to improve
your own skills with respect to Paper One. More specifically, we like to “light up” papers
and see how different students approach the same task. In this sample, pay close
attention to the student’s strong command on visual terminology. Also consider the
strength or weaknesses of the topic sentences in this paper. What comments would you
give this student? See the examiner comments below to see how closely your comments
are to those of the examiner.

Text:

Cartoon Title: “Fire and fury in the USA” by Patrick Chappatte, August 18, 2017

Context: This cartoon was released five days after the Charlottesville protests in the
United States where liberal activists protested against Donald Trump, white supremacy,
and oppression against people of color.

Guiding Question: How does the author use visuals and layout to communicate a
message?
Sample Student Paper:

Ironic Divisions

Patrick Chappatte’s 2017 cartoon “Fire and Fury in the USA” illustrates timeless pertinent
issues, relevant then and now. The social issues of white supremacy and the oppression of
people of color still hold true, and in fact are more relevant than ever. Following the
Charlottesville protests in the United States, with liberal activists urging people in power
to take action on such social issues, Chappatte highlights the apathy and disregard
political superpowers have on such issues in order to benefit their own agendas. Thus,
Chappatte’s use of visual elements and layout highlight the apathy of selfish world leaders
towards social injustices, as they coldly disregard division which could lead to war and
permanent separation.

Upon glancing at this comic, it is apparent that Chappatte draws the viewer’s attention to
the far bottom left corner, where a caricature of Kim Jong-Un, the supreme leader of the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), resides. Chappatte illustrates him with
heavy graphic weight –– fully coloring his outfit in black –– to draw the viewer’s attention
to his character. Kim is depicted slouching, lips pursed and eyes nowhere to be seen,
highlighting his blindness and apathy to the troubles and strife happening in the US, and in
his own country. Kim’s satirical character causes viewers to question his authority, and
thus subconsciously acts as a mirror of the other characters in the cartoon, such as Donald
Trump. Chappatte draws a parallel between the issues in the US and the DPRK, using the
visuals of the characters Kim and Trump, as well as the dialogue “North and South [...] at
war”. Chappatte does so to criticize both nation’s leaders, allowing viewers to understand
that Kim and Trump are similar in that they have no empathy for those struggling in
society, and those who are oppressed.

To create an uncomfortable atmosphere for the viewer, invoking thought, Chappatte uses
a warm hue throughout his political cartoon, with unsaturated colors. Warm hues typically
symbolize heat, dryness and unease, which Chappatte geniusly incorporates into his
cartoon to portray the apathy of the leaders, causing viewers to feel the anxiety and
wrongness of it all. The warm tones also help symbolize the boredom of Kim, the bleak,
dry atmosphere extending out from the gutters of the cartoon. Chappatte purposely uses
unsaturated colors to symbolize the insignificance the issues hold to Kim, which ironically
accentuate to the viewer the notion that action must be taken immediately in order to
prevent the apathy apparent in the lack of action in powerful figures.
Despite the overall lack of saturation in the cartoon, the viewer’s attention subsequently
turns to the far right, where a map of the US is situated in a bright, slightly more saturated
red. Chappatte uses red to symbolize danger, insinuating how the disregard of social
issues may ultimately lead to despair and chaos of the nations. This draws the viewer’s
attention back to Kim’s apathetic expression––his emotionless, pupil-less face–– further
ingraining the idea that Trump and Kim still have no regard for social issues, even if it
results in the anarchy of their nation. Chappatte thus highlights this danger to viewers
––of apathy towards oppression and other social issues–– extenuating the idea that Kim
and Trump act as such because they too are oppressors, and thus see no reason for the
liberal protests, thus not taking any action whatsoever.

Chappatte illustrates the irony of power through his usage of stars, once again insinuating
the lack of action taken to protect citizens from oppression. The visual of stars can be seen
scattered throughout the cartoon, but are particularly significant on the map of the US
situated on the right. Chappatte uses the stars to represent confederate statues,
symbolizing how it is rigid and unmoving. He does so to spotlight the role of both Kim and
Trump –– good friends with similar ideals, wanting to stay in power via any means –– rigid,
unmoving, stubborn and apathetic, just like the statues. Chappatte draws such a parallel to
highlight the corruption of political superpowers, and how in such a society where action
isn’t taken to protect citizens, peace cannot prevail; like the redness of the US depicted on
the map, society will always be in danger and eventually anarchy. This causes viewers to
ponder over their own perspectives not just on the two leaders, but also on their own
personal views on social issues.

Chappatte’s use of stars, however, do not just symbolize statues and rigidness. The stars
can also be seen on the flags of both the DPRK and the USA. The stars are normally used
to symbolize excellence and brilliance. Yet, Chappatte uses the symbol of stars in a
negative light, displaying it as power, greed and authority. Stars can also be seen on the
general’s collar, further emphasizing this sentiment. The ironic contrast with the
schematically associated meaning of stars with the contrasting connotation causes
viewers to scrutinize their perspectives on politics, power and justice. This further
accentuates the notion to viewers that political superpowers might not always act for the
people, but rather, might act on their own accord, to fulfill their own agendas.

Chappatte highlights the pertinence of social issues once again through the visual of the
DPRK’s nuclear missile, illustrating the lack of action taken to protect citizens. The missile
is drawn in the background, through a window behind Kim, where the viewer’s attention
falls on last. The visual of the stagnant missile is significant in the cartoon, highlighting the
apathy of Kim towards social issues in the US. Despite the “North and South” being “at
war”, no efforts have been taken to quell the chaos and protest. Normally viewers
associate nuclear missiles with war and the protection of their own country, as a means of
defence. Chappatte reinforces this association, allowing viewers to understand that there
is no protection for those citizens when it comes to social issues, as the authoritarian
powers simply do not care. Viewers feel disheartened and uneasy, therefore, and are
urged to think about their own political leaders and political lens, as well as their courses
for action regarding social issues and protecting those oppressed and marginalized
against.

Chappatte’s political cartoon “Fire and Fury in the USA” thus not only addresses social
issues and the support political leaders fail to provide, but also that of the DPRK.
Chappatte drew multiple parallels between the two nations, arguably moulding their
political statuses into one, causing viewers to associate their prejudices on either country
now with both nations, invoking their questioning of the political system. Chappatte
extenuates the idea of how authoritarian political leaders are apathetic to social change
and the notion of oppression, being oppressors themselves, and how such superpowers
may only act in their own interests, disregarding the people’s needs. Thus, Chappatte
urges viewers to once again think about their own views on politics, power and the judicial
system, an apparent issue that holds true even to this day. Chappatte’s cartoon may be a
retaliation, or his interpretation of, a small figment of history, but his underlying message
is one that is timeless and relevant, regardless of whichever era is in question.
Light it Up! (The Basics)

Lighting up your paper is a good way to see your strengths and weaknesses as a writer
with respect to the Criteria.

Highlighting Key:
● Textual references
● Features
● Author/audience relationship
● Key words from the question
● Ideas from the question throughout the paper

Sample Student Paper Lit Up:

Ironic Divisions

Patrick Chappatte’s 2017 cartoon “Fire and Fury in the USA” illustrates timeless pertinent
issues, relevant then and now. The social issues of white supremacy and the oppression of
people of color still hold true, and in fact are more relevant than ever. Following the
Charlottesville protests in the United States, with liberal activists urging people in power
to take action on such social issues, Chappatte highlights the apathy and disregard
political superpowers have on such issues in order to benefit their own agendas. Thus,
Chappatte’s use of visual elements and layout highlight the apathy of selfish world
leaders towards social injustices, as they coldly disregard division which could lead to war
and permanent separation.

Upon glancing at this comic, it is apparent that Chappatte draws the viewer’s attention to
the far bottom left corner, where a caricature of Kim Jong-Un, the supreme leader of the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), resides. Chappatte illustrates him with
heavy graphic weight –– fully coloring his outfit in black –– to draw the viewer’s attention
to his character. Kim is depicted slouching, lips pursed and eyes nowhere to be seen,
highlighting his blindness and apathy to the troubles and strife happening in the US, and in
his own country. Kim’s satirical character causes viewers to question his authority, and
thus subconsciously acts as a mirror of the other characters in the cartoon, such as Donald
Trump. Chappatte draws a parallel between the issues in the US and the DPRK, using the
visuals of the characters Kim and Trump, as well as the dialogue “North and South [...] at
war”. Chappatte does so to criticize both nation’s leaders, allowing viewers to understand
that Kim and Trump are similar in that they have no empathy for those struggling in
society, and those who are oppressed.

To create an uncomfortable atmosphere for the viewer, invoking thought, Chappatte uses
a warm hue throughout his political cartoon, with unsaturated colors. Warm hues typically
symbolize heat, dryness and unease, which Chappatte geniusly incorporates into his
cartoon to portray the apathy of the leaders, causing viewers to feel the anxiety and
wrongness of it all. The warm tones also help symbolize the boredom of Kim, the bleak,
dry atmosphere extending out from the gutters of the cartoon. Chappatte purposely uses
unsaturated colors to symbolize the insignificance the issues hold to Kim, which ironically
accentuate to the viewer the notion that action must be taken immediately in order to
prevent the apathy apparent in the lack of action in powerful figures.

Despite the overall lack of saturation in the cartoon, the viewer’s attention subsequently
turns to the far right, where a map of the US is situated in a bright, slightly more saturated
red. Chappatte uses red to symbolize danger, insinuating how the disregard of social
issues may ultimately lead to despair and chaos of the nations. This draws the viewer’s
attention back to Kim’s apathetic expression––his emotionless, pupil-less face–– further
ingraining the idea that Trump and Kim still have no regard for social issues, even if it
results in the anarchy of their nation. Chappatte thus highlights this danger to viewers
––of apathy towards oppression and other social issues–– extenuating the idea that Kim
and Trump act as such because they too are oppressors, and thus see no reason for the
liberal protests, thus not taking any action whatsoever.

Chappatte illustrates the irony of power through his usage of stars, once again insinuating
the lack of action taken to protect citizens from oppression. The visual of stars can be
seen scattered throughout the cartoon, but are particularly significant on the map of the
US situated on the right. Chappatte uses the stars to represent confederate statues,
symbolizing how it is rigid and unmoving. He does so to spotlight the role of both Kim and
Trump –– good friends with similar ideals, wanting to stay in power via any means –– rigid,
unmoving, stubborn and apathetic, just like the statues. Chappatte draws such a parallel to
highlight the corruption of political superpowers, and how in such a society where action
isn’t taken to protect citizens, peace cannot prevail; like the redness of the US depicted on
the map, society will always be in danger and eventually anarchy. This causes viewers to
ponder over their own perspectives not just on the two leaders, but also on their own
personal views on social issues.
Chappatte’s use of stars, however, do not just symbolize statues and rigidness. The stars
can also be seen on the flags of both the DPRK and the USA. The stars are normally used
to symbolize excellence and brilliance. Yet, Chappatte uses the symbol of stars in a
negative light, displaying it as power, greed and authority. Stars can also be seen on the
general’s collar, further emphasizing this sentiment. The ironic contrast with the
schematically associated meaning of stars with the contrasting connotation causes
viewers to scrutinize their perspectives on politics, power and justice. This further
accentuates the notion to viewers that political superpowers might not always act for the
people, but rather, might act on their own accord, to fulfill their own agendas.

Chappatte highlights the pertinence of social issues once again through the visual of the
DPRK’s nuclear missile, illustrating the lack of action taken to protect citizens. The missile
is drawn in the background, through a window behind Kim, where the viewer’s attention
falls on last. The visual of the stagnant missile is significant in the cartoon, highlighting the
apathy of Kim towards social issues in the US. Despite the “North and South” being “at
war”, no efforts have been taken to quell the chaos and protest. Normally viewers
associate nuclear missiles with war and the protection of their own country, as a means of
defence. Chappatte reinforces this association, allowing viewers to understand that there
is no protection for those citizens when it comes to social issues, as the authoritarian
powers simply do not care. Viewers feel disheartened and uneasy, therefore, and are
urged to think about their own political leaders and political lens, as well as their courses
for action regarding social issues and protecting those oppressed and marginalized
against.

Chappatte’s political cartoon “Fire and Fury in the USA” thus not only addresses social
issues and the support political leaders fail to provide, but also that of the DPRK.
Chappatte drew multiple parallels between the two nations, arguably moulding their
political statuses into one, causing viewers to associate their prejudices on either country
now with both nations, invoking their questioning of the political system. Chappatte
extenuates the idea of how authoritarian political leaders are apathetic to social change
and the notion of oppression, being oppressors themselves, and how such superpowers
may only act in their own interests, disregarding the people’s needs. Thus, Chappatte
urges viewers to once again think about their own views on politics, power and the judicial
system, an apparent issue that holds true even to this day. Chappatte’s cartoon may be a
retaliation, or his interpretation of, a small figment of history, but his underlying message
is one that is timeless and relevant, regardless of whichever era is in question.
Light it Up! (The Argument)

Lighting up your argument helps you make sure your paper is balanced and includes
interpretation, analysis and evaluation. This kind of exercise will help you to understand
more clearly the nuances of the rubric.

Paper Highlighted for:

● Thesis and links to thesis

● Convincing and insightful analysis
● Convincing and insightful interpretation
● Elevated language and/or sentence structure
● Circular structure

Ironic Divisions

Patrick Chappatte’s 2017 cartoon “Fire and Fury in the USA” illustrates timeless pertinent
issues, relevant then and now. The social issues of white supremacy and the oppression of
people of color still hold true, and in fact are more relevant than ever. Following the
Charlottesville protests in the United States, with liberal activists urging people in power
to take action on such social issues, Chappatte highlights the apathy and disregard
political superpowers have on such issues in order to benefit their own agendas.
Chappatte’s cartoon thus highlights the apathy of global political superpowers towards
social injustices, coldly disregarding social reform and strife for their own benefit.

Upon glancing at this comic, it is apparent that Chappatte draws the viewer’s attention to
the far bottom left corner, where a caricature of Kim Jong-Un, the supreme leader of the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), resides. Chappatte illustrates him with
heavy graphic weight –– fully coloring his outfit in black –– to draw the viewer’s attention
to his character. Kim is depicted slouching, lips pursed and eyes nowhere to be seen,
highlighting his blindness and apathy to the troubles and strife happening in the US, and in
his own country. Kim’s satirical character causes viewers to question his authority, and
thus subconsciously acts as a mirror of the other characters in the cartoon, such as Donald
Trump. Chappatte draws a parallel between the issues in the US and the DPRK, using the
visuals of the characters Kim and Trump, as well as the dialogue “North and South [...] at
war”. Chappatte does so to criticize both nation’s leaders, allowing viewers to understand
that Kim and Trump are similar in that they have no empathy for those struggling in
society, and those who are oppressed.

To create an uncomfortable atmosphere for the viewer, invoking thought, Chappatte uses
a warm hue throughout his political cartoon, with unsaturated colors. Warm hues typically
symbolize heat, dryness and unease, which Chappatte geniusly incorporates into his
cartoon to portray the apathy of the leaders, causing viewers to feel the anxiety and
wrongness of it all. The warm tones also help symbolize the boredom of Kim, the bleak,
dry atmosphere extending out from the gutters of the cartoon. Chappatte purposely uses
unsaturated colors to symbolize the insignificance the issues hold to Kim, which ironically
accentuate to the viewer the notion that action must be taken immediately in order to
prevent the apathy apparent in the lack of action in powerful figures.

Despite the overall lack of saturation in the cartoon, the viewer’s attention subsequently
turns to the far right, where a map of the US is situated in a bright, slightly more saturated
red. Chappatte uses red to symbolize danger, insinuating how the disregard of social
issues may ultimately lead to despair and chaos of the nations. This draws the viewer’s
attention back to Kim’s apathetic expression––his emotionless, pupil-less face–– further
ingraining the idea that Trump and Kim still have no regard for social issues, even if it
results in the anarchy of their nation. Chappatte thus highlights this danger to viewers
––of apathy towards oppression and other social issues–– extenuating the idea that Kim
and Trump act as such because they too are oppressors, and thus see no reason for the
liberal protests, thus not taking any action whatsoever.

Chappatte illustrates the irony of power through his usage of stars, once again insinuating
the lack of action taken to protect citizens from oppression. The visual of stars can be seen
scattered throughout the cartoon, but are particularly significant on the map of the US
situated on the right. Chappatte uses the stars to represent confederate statues,
symbolizing how it is rigid and unmoving. He does so to spotlight the role of both Kim and
Trump –– good friends with similar ideals, wanting to stay in power via any means –– rigid,
unmoving, stubborn and apathetic, just like the statues. Chappatte draws such a parallel to
highlight the corruption of political superpowers, and how in such a society where action
isn’t taken to protect citizens, peace cannot prevail. Thus, much like the redness of the US
depicted on the map, society will always be in danger and could possibly reach a state of
anarchy. This causes viewers to ponder over their own perspectives not just on the two
leaders, but also on their own personal views on social issues.

Chappatte’s use of stars, however, do not just symbolize statues and rigidness. The stars
can also be seen on the flags of both the DPRK and the USA. The stars are normally used
to symbolize excellence and brilliance. Yet, Chappatte uses the symbol of stars in a
negative light, displaying it as power, greed and authority. Stars can also be seen on the
general’s collar, further emphasizing this sentiment. The ironic contrast with the
schematically associated meaning of stars with the contrasting connotation causes
viewers to scrutinize their perspectives on politics, power and justice. This further
accentuates the notion to viewers that political superpowers might not always act for the
people, but rather, might act on their own accord, to fulfill their own agendas.

Chappatte highlights the pertinence of social issues once again through the visual of the
DPRK’s nuclear missile, illustrating the lack of action taken to protect citizens. The missile
is drawn in the background, through a window behind Kim, where the viewer’s attention
falls on last. The visual of the stagnant missile is significant in the cartoon, highlighting the
apathy of Kim towards social issues in the US. Despite the “North and South” being “at
war”, no efforts have been taken to quell the chaos and protest. Normally viewers
associate nuclear missiles with war and the protection of their own country, as a means of
defence. Chappatte reinforces this association, allowing viewers to understand that there
is no protection for those citizens when it comes to social issues, as the authoritarian
powers simply do not care. Viewers feel disheartened and uneasy, therefore, and are
urged to think about their own political leaders and political lens, as well as their courses
for action regarding social issues and protecting those oppressed and marginalized
against.

Chappatte’s political cartoon “Fire and Fury in the USA” thus not only addresses social
issues and the support political leaders fail to provide, but also that of the DPRK.
Chappatte drew multiple parallels between the two nations, arguably moulding their
political statuses into one, causing viewers to associate their prejudices on either country
now with both nations, invoking their questioning of the political system. Chappatte
extenuates the idea of how authoritarian political leaders are apathetic to social change
and the notion of oppression, being oppressors themselves, and how such superpowers
may only act in their own interests, disregarding the people’s needs. Thus, Chappatte
urges viewers to once again think about their own views on politics, power and the judicial
system, an apparent issue that holds true even to this day. Chappatte’s cartoon may be a
retaliation, or his interpretation of, a small figment of history, but his underlying message
is one that is timeless and relevant, regardless of whichever era is in question.
Examiner Comments:

Criterion A: Understanding and Interpretation 5 out of 5

● How well does the candidate demonstrate an understanding of the text and draw
reasoned conclusions from implications in it?
● How well are ideas supported by references to the text?
The candidate shows excellent knowledge and understanding of the text. Although
not required, there are indications the student understands the context and
audience of the text. Implications and nuances are present in the discussion.
There are many well-chosen references from the cartoon, and they are discussed in
detail and show insight.

Criterion B: Analysis and Evaluation 5 out of 5

● To what extent does the candidate analyse and evaluate how textual features
and/or authorial choices shape meaning?
The candidate successfully analyzes and evaluates a range of features. The student
shows excellent analysis of a range of aspects, and there is consistent discussion of
the authorial choices shape meaning. More “evaluative” language in the response
might make the paper stronger.

Criterion C: Focus and Organization 5 out of 5

● How well organized, coherent, and focused is the presentation of ideas?
The candidate offers a clear organizational structure that maintains focus on the
guiding question. Dave and Andrew might take away one point here because the
topic sentences do not always anchor in a main idea, thus (at times) making it
unclear how the writing further develops the argument. As students, it is
important to remember to build strong ideas into the topic sentence of all
paragraphs.

Criterion D: Language 4 out of 5

● How clear, varied, and accurate is the language?
● How appropriate is the choice of register and style? (“Register” refers, in this
context, to the candidate’s use of elements such as vocabulary, tone, sentence
structure, and terminology appropriate to the analysis.)
The candidate shows strong command of language. There are very few language
errors in the response. Language is carefully chosen, but more voice in the paper
would lead to the top mark band. Please refer to Dave and Andrew’s video, “How
to Add Voice to Writing” for more information on this important aspect of writing.

Evaluation: 5-5-4-4 = 18
Be sure to check out the companion video to this
document: Paper One - Political Cartoons - Student
Sample - FULL RESPONSE - SCORE 7. This will enable
you to further understand key concepts and develop the
critical skills necessary that lead to success in IB English.