Past paper questions
This Easter, you have a full two weeks to revise everything we have covered so far, and to begin to read ahead for the next topic.
Here are a few past paper questions to get you going:
January 2013
SECTION A: TEXT
A1. To what extent are the key
representations in your three main texts stereotypical? [30]
A2. Explore the genre
conventions in your three main texts. [30]
SECTION
B: INDUSTRY AND AUDIENCE
B1. To what extent are stars
and/or celebrities important to the promotion of your three main texts? [30]
B2. Explore the different ways
your three main texts target their audiences. [30]
B3. Explore the different ways
audiences interact with your three main texts. [30]
B4. ‘Distribution is the key to success.’ How far do
you agree? Refer to your three main texts in your answer.
June
2013
SECTION A: TEXT
A1. Explore the
narrative structure of your three main texts.
A2. ‘Most texts
today mix genres.’ How true is this of your three main texts?
SECTION
B: INDUSTRY AND AUDIENCE
B1. What do texts
offer audiences? Refer to your three main texts in your answer.
B2. How do your
three main texts use digital technology?
B3. How do your
three main texts position audiences?
B4. To what
extent are your three main texts global?
January
2014
SECTION A: TEXT
A1. Explore how
the key representations in your three main texts have been constructed. [30]
A2. Explore how
narrative is constructed in your three main texts. [30]
SECTION B: INDUSTRY AND AUDIENCE
B1. Explore the
use of digital technologies in your selected industry. Refer to your three main
texts. [30]
B2. How is your
chosen industry regulated? Refer to your three main texts. [30]
B3. To what
extent do your three main texts appeal to different audiences? [30]
B4. ‘A global
audience is important to media industries.’ Discuss this statement with
reference to your three main texts.
Revision tips
What you do with these is up to you, and completely depends on your learning style. Here are just two suggestions:
Revision tips
1)
Pick one, set a
timer for 50 minutes and complete a response exam style. Mark it yourself,
circling references to V&T codes and underlining bits where you applied
theory and knowledge, suggesting deeper connotations and meanings for audiences.
2)
Pick one, open a
load of your notebooks, revision guides and browser windows, and research the
question. Have the films/TV shows on in front of you. Find examples of digital
marketing. Remind yourself of how British and American shows are regulated differently.
Make notes.
Both have their advantages. I
suggest starting with 2, then shutting off everything and writing a response
with the research fresh in your head.
In general, revision is more fun if you do it in groups. Do be aware you might be the kind of person who works better alone, maybe with headphones on, listening to relaxing music. There's certainly no right or wrong way to revise!
Thinking ahead - The music industry
I would also like you to start
reading ahead for the music industry topic, which is our next topic (after we
finish TV). A good place to start is the Wikipedia page on the subject, which is an excellent
general introduction, and will lead you to lots of relevant articles. Remember,
we’re looking at the industry in general, not just music videos!
If you REALLY want to think
ahead, you can start thinking about your own choice of artist to study. Please make good use of this opportunity to pick an artist you are particularly interested in, and hopefully are an expert in already! They
must fit the following criteria:
·
Either group or solo artist
·
Must be British (check if necessary)
·
Must have released a major album in the last five years (so
since 2011)
·
Recommended that the artist is ‘somewhat mainstream’ (picking a
super obscure artist can lead to problems, but I would definitely
recommend an artist on an independent label. If in doubt, it’s probably best to
pick someone ‘big’… you can check this out later on)
·
Any genre is OK, as long as the above requirements have been
met. Again, if in doubt, check with me. You have a few weeks to choose anyway
(your chosen artist will be the final act we study this year)
Have an awesome holiday!