Use Illustrations, Images and Captions to Find Information
This element focuses on developing the functional skill of extracting meaning from visual sources such as photographs, drawings, diagrams, and their accompanying captions. It is directly applicable to real-world tasks like following instructions on packaging, understanding public signage, or interpreting information in leaflets and simple workplace documents.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The NOCN Entry Level Award in English Skills (Entry 2) is designed to build foundational literacy skills for learners who are developing their reading, writing, and speaking and listening abilities. This qualification focuses on practical English use in everyday contexts, such as understanding simple texts, writing short messages, and communicating in familiar situations. It is ideal for students who need to gain confidence and competence in English before progressing to higher levels or applying these skills in work and life.
At Entry 2, learners are expected to read and understand short texts with simple vocabulary, write basic sentences with correct punctuation, and participate in straightforward conversations. The curriculum covers key areas like identifying main points in texts, spelling common words, using capital letters and full stops, and asking and answering questions. Mastering these skills is crucial for further study, employment, and daily interactions, as English proficiency underpins success in most other subjects and real-world tasks.
This award fits within the Foundations for Learning framework, which provides a stepping stone for students who may have struggled with traditional academic routes. It is often taken alongside other Entry Level qualifications in maths or digital skills, helping learners build a holistic foundation. By achieving this award, students demonstrate they can handle basic English tasks independently, preparing them for Entry 3 or GCSE study.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Reading for meaning: Understanding short texts (e.g., signs, notices, simple stories) by identifying the main idea and key details.
- →Writing clearly: Forming simple sentences with correct capital letters, full stops, and common spellings (e.g., days of the week, basic verbs).
- →Speaking and listening: Taking part in short conversations, asking and answering simple questions, and following straightforward instructions.
- →Vocabulary building: Recognising and using common words related to everyday topics like shopping, work, or health.
- →Punctuation basics: Using capital letters for names and start of sentences, and full stops to end sentences.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Identify specific details from a range of common illustrations
- Match short captions to the correct image or part of an image
- Use images and captions together to answer simple factual questions
- Explain how an illustration or caption helped locate information
- Locate key information from a series of images to follow a simple process
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for clearly indicating the exact part of the image where the answer is found
- Evidence should demonstrate accurate pairing of at least two captions with corresponding illustrations
- Look for a verbal or written explanation that references the visual element when giving an answer
- In a sequence activity, credit is given for ordering images correctly and referencing the captions
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Always read the caption before studying the image—it often states exactly what to look for.
- 💡Use your finger to point to the part of the image that answers the question before writing or speaking your answer.
- 💡When matching captions to images, underline key words in the caption and scan the images for those elements.
- 💡In assessments, if you can’t find the answer in the image, re-read the caption; the answer may be stated there.
- 💡In reading tasks, always read the question first so you know what to look for in the text. Underline key words in the question to stay focused.
- 💡In writing tasks, plan one or two simple sentences before you start. Check your work for capital letters and full stops – these are easy marks to gain.
- 💡In speaking and listening, speak clearly and at a steady pace. If you don't understand, it's fine to say 'Can you repeat that, please?' – this shows good communication skills.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Overlooking the caption entirely and relying only on the image, leading to misinterpretation
- Misreading common symbols or signs (e.g., confusing a 'no entry' sign with a 'fire exit' sign)
- Selecting an answer based on a familiar but irrelevant detail in the picture instead of focusing on the question
- Assuming all information in an image is essential rather than filtering for task-relevant detail
- Misconception: Spelling doesn't matter as long as the word is recognisable. Correction: While some phonetic spelling is accepted, accurate spelling of common words is expected at Entry 2. Practice high-frequency words like 'because', 'people', and 'friend'.
- Misconception: Capital letters are only for the start of sentences. Correction: Capital letters are also needed for proper nouns (names, places, days, months). Forgetting this can lose marks in writing tasks.
- Misconception: Listening means just hearing the words. Correction: Active listening involves understanding the speaker's main point and responding appropriately. You may need to ask for repetition if unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for NOCN Use Illustrations, Images and Captions to Find Information
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Entry 1 English Skills (or equivalent basic literacy) – familiarity with the alphabet, simple words, and basic sentence structure.
- •Ability to recognise and write letters and numbers – needed for forming words and sentences.
- •Basic listening skills – following simple spoken instructions in everyday contexts.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Visual information retrieval
- Caption and image linkage
- Everyday document interpretation
- Signs and symbols recognition
- Sequencing from pictures
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