WASSCE SHS
Elements are the parts you can see, such as line, shape, colour and texture. Principles describe how those parts are arranged, such as balance, emphasis and rhythm.
General Knowledge in Art asks you to tell an element from a principle. Line, shape, form, colour, texture and space are elements. They are the material of the picture or the object. Balance, contrast, emphasis, rhythm, proportion, unity and variety are principles. They describe the arrangement. A patch of yellow is colour, an element. Making that yellow the first thing the eye sees is emphasis, a principle. Texture you can touch is different from texture that is only drawn. Say which one the question means.
A full answer names the word and shows it in a work. Balance can be symmetrical, like a mirror, or asymmetrical, with different parts that still feel even. Rhythm is a repeated shape, line or colour. Proportion is the size of one part against another. Unity means the parts belong together. Variety keeps that unity from becoming dull. "It looks nice" does not name the principle. Point to the repeated colour, the large title, or the equal sides.
The Visual Arts tips guide sets out the papers, how to answer a theme, and the mistakes that cost marks. WASSCE Visual Arts tips
An element is not a principle. Colour, line and texture do not swap with balance, emphasis and rhythm. If the question says explain, one example is required. Symmetrical and asymmetrical are both balance. Do not define rhythm as the speed of a song unless the question is about music. This paper is about the visual work.
These are practice questions in the style of the paper, with a model answer and a mark scheme. They are not a promise of what your paper will ask.
2 marks
Name one element of design and one principle of design. (2 marks)
Colour is an element. Emphasis is a principle. Line, shape, texture and space are other elements. Balance, rhythm, proportion and unity are other principles.
4 marks
Explain emphasis, using a poster as the example. (4 marks)
Emphasis is the part the eye reaches first. On a poster, a large title in a strong colour against a dark ground is the emphasis. Size and contrast both push that title forward.
2 marks
Why is "it looks nice" an incomplete answer about unity? (2 marks)
Unity means the parts belong together. The answer has to say how, for example a colour repeated across the work. A feeling, with no part named, does not show the principle.
More questions on this topic are inside glearn, marked as you answer, with the reason written out. The first ones need no account.
Practise Visual Arts freeColour is an element. It is a part you can see. Using a colour to make one part stand out is emphasis, which is a principle. Name which one the question asked for.
Symmetrical balance mirrors the two sides. Asymmetrical balance uses different parts that still feel even in weight. Both are balance. Say which kind the work uses. All WASSCE Visual Arts past questions