Introduction to Editorial Cartoons

As people express their opinions about current events and social changes, these ideas are picked up and reflected through editorial cartoons. Editorial cartoons are an important part of our media and social commentary.

Questions based on editorial cartoons on the GED Social Studies Test require students to distinguish fact from opinion, as well as to understand symbolism and irony.

In order to successfully answer questions about editorial cartoons, students should understand that they

• Use humor to express a point of view about a specific issue
• May be sarcastic in tone
• May depict well-known people through exaggerated caricatures
• Often use widely known symbolism to express ideas