A pictogram uses pictures and symbols to represent a word, phrase, or idea as a form of communication. Some examples of pictograms in use in the real world include labels (e.g. chemical dangers) or traffic signs. Picture Play 1 uses pictograms.
Pictograms, sometimes also known as pictographs, were used in many cultures as a form of communication before writing. The first pictographs date back to the Stone Age, but the most common are those found in ancient Egypt, which are also known as hieroglyphs.
Below is a selection of 20 pictograms representing common phrases used in spoken English. Click on the image to have a closer look (bigger picture).
Hover your mouse pointer over the grey box below an image to reveal the answer.
The images are in SVG format (Scalable Vector Graphics), an XML-based vector image format. Usable in most, if not all, word processors such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, WPS Office, LibreOffice, etc. To download an individual image, right-click on the enlarged image you want and select “Save image as”. This will open a save dialog where you can save the file to your computer. You can use any of the images for your quizzes, but not re-publish them, in any format. The picture’s filename is its answer.
