SQA / QS National 5
National 5 Graphic Communication revision
Revision notes, key terms, practice questions and worksheets for every SQA / QS National 5 Graphic Communication topic: drawing standards, orthographic and pictorial drawing, CAD modelling and DTP layout. Choose a topic.
Drawing & spatial awareness
- Preliminary, production & promotional graphicsExam questions often show three graphics and ask you to describe the purpose of each. Name the type…
- Orthographic projectionOrthographic projection shows an object as separate flat (2D) views, each looking straight at one…
- Line types, dimensioning & scaleAll sizes in mm; don't write "mm" after each one.
- Sectional, assembly & exploded viewsA sectional view shows the inside of an object as if it has been cut through along a cutting plane.…
- Pictorial drawing & perspectiveOne-point perspective: the front face is drawn true shape; all depth lines go to one vanishing…
- Surface developments & true shapesA surface development (a net) is the flat shape that folds up to make a 3D form. Packaging is…
- Building drawings & symbolsLearn the symbols in the appendix of the course specification. Common ones: door (with the swing…
- Sketching & illustrationProportion: sizes look right relative to each other. Compare widths and heights before you start.
CAD & technology
- 2D CAD tools & sketchingExam questions show a sketch changing in stages and ask you to name the tool used at each stage…
- 3D CAD modellingExtrude: a 2D profile pulled out to a set distance to make a solid.
- Assemblies, constraints & file typesMate: two faces brought together, facing each other (touching).
- Rendering & visual enhancementThe three techniques that make a CAD model look realistic are materials, surface texture and light…
- Hardware, software & file managementAdvantages: accurate; easy to edit and reuse; libraries save time; drawings and renders come from…
- Technology, society, environment & safetyThe paperless office: less paper, ink, printing and storage cost; documents shared and searched…
Design & DTP
- Design elements & principlesBe specific: name the actual items. "The red heading contrasts with the black background" scores…
- Colour theorySecondary: orange, green, purple (violet), each made by mixing two primaries.
- Desktop publishing (DTP) terms & techniquesThumbnails: small, quick sketches of layout ideas. They let you try a range of ideas fast and share…
- Informational & promotional graphics"Easy to read" doesn't score: give the specific purpose of that chart type.