The mock exam is two hours long
The first 30 minutes will be spent doing final prep and asking your teacher for advice. The last half hour is used for extra time and revising for your next exam...
The mock exam covers component one and two
But because it is only two hours long, each component will only take roughly 60 minutes.
Component one is split into two sections: component one a and component one b
Component one a normally has a 30 mark question on either media language or representation, and then a 15 mark question on either media language or representation. For this mock exam, however, only one topic out of representation and media language will come up.
Additionally, while in the final exam a and b will be evenly split, with 45 marks in each, for this exam, one will be larger than the other. And we're not telling you which!
Component one a has an unseen media product to analyse
This is just like the final exam. Make sure you're ready to textually analyse!You will also be asked to make explicit reference to case studies that we looked at in class
The three industries that could come up in component one a are newspapers, advertising and music videos
Remember, advertising in particular is very broad, and could include film posters and TV spot adverts, to name just two examples! Likewise you may be asked to compare a case study from one industry (for example music videos) with an unseen text from another industry (for example TV advert)
Component one b has shorter questions exploring industry and audience
For these questions, you will be asked to make explicit reference to case studies we have looked at in class.
The industries that could come up in component one b are advertising, newspapers, film industry, radio and/or videogames
Of course for this mock, radio will definitely not come up because we haven't looked at it yet! Make sure to check out the revision guide for more information. There's a few things to be aware of, for example with the newspaper industry, and how it differs between C1a ad C1b
The industries that will come up in Component two are TV, Magazines and online media...
...but for this mock, only one will come up! Please make sure you revise both the TV and magazine industries accordingly. Additionally, remember that the questions for C2 can and will focus on all four parts of the media studies framework: industry, audience, media language and representation, so read the question carefully to work out which aspect you should be talking about!
You must pay attention to the marks available and time your responses accordingly
The rule for the mock exam and the final exam is this:
- Component one a - 1 mark = 2 minutes (this is longer because you will need to textually analyse an unseen media product in addition to providing a written response
- Component one b - 1 mark = 1 minute (this is shorter because you will not be analysing an unseen text)
- Component two - 50 minutes per industry
You must arrive on time, during your designated block
Aim to get to college at least an hour before your exam session is scheduled to start. Yes this will involve getting up early in the morning. The mock exam is a dry run for the real thing, and this includes getting here on time. You are only given leeway in extreme circumstances, and train/bus delays do not count
The exam is completed under exam conditions
Maybe fairly obvious, this one, but bare in mind the following:
- You will hand write your response, unless you normally use a word processor
- You will not be able to access any notes or resources during the exam period aside from the question paper and the unseen media product
- Arriving late may result in disqualification
- Talking will result in disqualification
- Your phone going off or making any noise will result in disqualification
Some final tips
- Use the blog and the revision guide in your preparation, as there's lots of detailed advice and examples on here
- Write structured PEA paragraphs and for longer answer, a CAD introduction
- Make sure to incorporate detailed semiotic analysis
- Use media language at every opportunity
- Talk to your teacher in advance if you have any worries
- Look through the revision guide and make sure you are able to answer any question that comes up