Graphic Design: Typography

17 Grade 10 Fine Arts questions on Graphic Design: Typography, with worked marking schemes. 17 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   Which feature is most characteristic of the graffiti lettering commonly painted on Kenyan matatus?

   A. Neat small italic letters written using a slanted nib

   B. Thin evenly spaced letters drawn with a ruling pen

   C. Bold stylised letters with outlines and bright fills

   D. Plain capital letters traced exactly from a stencil

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   6 marks

   Explain three factors that influence an artist's choice of typographic style for a design. (6 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any three well-explained factors, 2 marks each (1 mark for the factor, 1 mark for the explanation) (6 marks): - Purpose/message: a warning sign needs bold plain letters while a wedding card suits decorative script. - Target audience: young children need simple, rounded letters; youth may respond to graffiti styles. - Mood/occasion: the style should express the feeling of the event, e.g. festive, formal, solemn. - Legibility and viewing distance: signage read from far requires large, simple block letters. - Surface and medium: wall, fabric, paper or screen affects which style can be produced well. - Tools and materials available: calligraphy pens, brushes, spray cans or software limit what is possible. - Cultural context: some styles carry cultural or religious associations. - Brand identity: an organisation may require its own typeface for consistency. - Cost and time available: elaborate styles such as decorated graffiti need more paint and time than plain block letters.

3. Question 3

   4 marks

   (a) Explain the meaning of the term typography. (2 marks)

   (b) Distinguish between a typeface and a font. (2 marks)

   (4 marks)

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4. Question 4

   6 marks

   (a) Explain two ways in which a graffiti artist can create painterly effects in lettering. (4 marks)

   (b) State two safety precautions to observe when using spray paint for graffiti lettering. (2 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Any two well-explained ways, 2 marks each (1 mark for the method, 1 mark for the explanation) (4 marks): - Blending/fading colours within letters to create gradients and a sense of depth. - Adding highlights and shadows/3D drop shadows so letters appear to stand out from the surface. - Using drips, splatters or loose brush marks to give an expressive, spontaneous feel. - Outlining letters in a contrasting colour to make the fill colours glow. - Layering textures and patterns inside the letters. - Using digital brushes and effects to imitate paint textures in digital graffiti. (b) Any two, 1 mark each (2 marks): - Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. - Wear a face mask/respirator, gloves and protective clothing. - Wear goggles to protect the eyes from spray. - Keep spray cans away from heat and open flames. - Do not puncture or burn empty cans; dispose of them properly. - Paint only on surfaces where permission has been given.

5. Question 5

   5 marks

   In the space provided, draw a set of guidelines used for writing lower-case calligraphy. Label the four lines and write the word "day" on them so that each part of the letters sits in the correct position. (5 marks)

   (5 marks)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   In street graffiti, what is the quickly written, stylised signature of the artist called?

   A. Tag

   B. Mural

   C. Throw-up

   D. Piece

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   6 marks

   Describe the procedure a learner would follow to write the civic message "KEEP OUR TOWN CLEAN" in constructed block letters on a signboard for display at a market. (6 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any six steps in logical order, 1 mark each (6 marks): - Prepare the signboard surface by cleaning, smoothing and applying a background coat; allow to dry. - Decide on letter height and width suitable for the viewing distance. - Measure and rule light horizontal guidelines for the top and bottom of the letters, and margins. - Plan the spacing by counting letters and spaces so the message is centred. - Lightly draw the letters using a ruler and set square, keeping strokes of equal thickness. - Check spelling, alignment and spacing before painting. - Paint the letters neatly with a flat brush in a colour that contrasts with the background. - Clean up edges and remove visible guidelines once the paint is dry. - Clean brushes and store paints safely; work in a ventilated area.

8. Question 8

   5 marks

   Describe the procedure of improvising a flat-tip calligraphy pen from recyclable or found materials. (5 marks)

   (5 marks)

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9. Question 9

   4 marks

   Distinguish between constructed block letters and stencil-aided block letters by stating two differences. (4 marks)

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any two differences, 2 marks each (1 mark for each side of the comparison) (4 marks): - Constructed letters are drawn directly on the surface using measured guidelines, grids, rulers and set squares; stencil-aided letters are made by applying paint or ink through cut-out letter shapes. - Constructed letters are slower to produce for repeated messages; stencil-aided letters are quick to reproduce many times. - Constructed letters can be freely varied in size and proportion for each job; stencil-aided letters are limited to the size and style of the stencil cut. - Constructed letters have continuous unbroken shapes; stencil-aided letters often show bridges/breaks in letters such as O and A. - Constructed letters require greater drawing skill to keep uniformity; stencil-aided letters are uniform once the stencil is cut.

10. Question 10

    4 marks

    Explain two reasons why one should use a slanted tip when improvising a calligraphy pen. (4 marks)

    (4 marks)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    Adjusting the space between a particular pair of letters, such as A and V, so that the word looks evenly spaced is called

    A. Alignment

    B. Tracking

    C. Kerning

    D. Leading

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    4 marks

    Explain how each of the following affects the legibility of text in a design:

    (a) spacing (2 marks)

    (b) colour (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

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13. Question 13

    1 mark

    In typography, what are the small finishing strokes at the ends of the main strokes of some letters called?

    A. Serifs

    B. Bowls

    C. Ligatures

    D. Counters

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    4 marks

    Outline four criteria you would use to fairly critique a peer's typography work, such as a calligraphy seasonal card or a block-letter signage. (4 marks)

    (4 marks)

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15. Question 15

    1 mark

    When cutting a stencil for block letters on a sign, why are small bridges left in letters such as O, A and B?

    A. To make the letters look more like italic script

    B. To allow the paint to dry faster on the surface

    C. To hold the inner shapes of the stencil in place

    D. To increase the height of the letters on the sign

    (1 mark)

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16. Question 16

    4 marks

    A learner is writing a short greeting in lower-case calligraphy on a Christmas or Idd-ul-Fitr card. Outline four practices that will help the learner maintain the correct pen angle and consistent letters. (4 marks)

    (4 marks)

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17. Question 17

    1 mark

    Which recyclable or found material is most suitable for improvising a flat-tip calligraphy pen?

    A. A crumpled piece of foil paper

    B. A dry bamboo or reed stalk

    C. A ball of soft cotton wool

    D. A strip of plastic shopping bag

    (1 mark)

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