A-level exam paper Autumn 2020

 This exam paper was published in Autumn 2020, and was intended for students who wished to sit an exam after the June 2020 papers were cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

MEDIA STUDIES – A Level Component 1

Media Products, Industries and Audiences

2 hours 15 minutes

SECTION A: ANALYSING MEDIA LANGUAGE AND REPRESENTATION

Representation

Question 1 is based on both of the following:

 • the audio-visual resource: an extract from the music video, Find Me by Tinie Tempah, ft. Jake Bugg (2017)

 • the set advertisement you have studied: Wateraid

• You will be allowed one minute to read Question 1.
• The music video extract will be shown three times.
• First viewing: watch the music video extract.
• Second viewing: watch the music video extract and make notes.
• You will then have five minutes to make further notes.
• Third viewing: watch the music video extract and make final notes.
• Once the third viewing has finished, you should answer Question 1.

1. Compare how this music video extract and the advertisement for Wateraid represent social groups. [30]

In your answer you must:
• consider the similarities and differences in how social groups are represented
• consider how stereotypes can be used positively and negatively
• make judgements and draw conclusions about how far the representations reflect social
and cultural contexts.

Media Language

Question 2 is based on the print resource: a newspaper front page for the Daily Mail (November 15, 2018). Study the resource carefully before answering the question.

2. Explore how codes and conventions are used to construct meaning in the Daily Mail front
page. [15]

SECTION B: UNDERSTANDING MEDIA INDUSTRIES AND AUDIENCES

3. (a) Briefly explain what is meant by a mainstream film. [2]

(b) Briefly explain the function of the BBFC in the film industry. [2]

(c) Explain the role of regulation in the global distribution of films. Refer to Straight Outta Compton to support your points. [9]

In Question 3(d) you will be rewarded for drawing together knowledge and understanding from

across your full course of study, including different areas of the theoretical framework and media

contexts.

(d) Explain the ways in which social and political contexts may influence independent films.
 Refer to I, Daniel Blake to support your points. [12]

4. (a) Explain the significance of fans to the success of media products. Refer to Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation to support your points. [8]

(b) How do media producers target specialised audiences? Refer to Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation to support your points. [12]

MEDIA STUDIES – A level Component 2

Media Forms and Products in Depth

2 hours 30 minutes

SECTION A – TELEVISION IN THE GLOBAL AGE

Option 2: Humans and The Returned

2. ‘Television products are significantly influenced by the contexts in which they are produced.’
How evident is this in Humans and The Returned? [30]

SECTION B – MAGAZINES: MAINSTREAM AND ALTERNATIVE MEDIA

Option 1: Woman and Adbusters

4. Curran and Seaton argue that media industries are generally controlled by a small number of
powerful companies whose main purpose is to create a profit. Evaluate this theory of power and media industries. Refer to Woman and Adbusters in your response. [30]

SECTION C – MEDIA IN THE ONLINE AGE

Option 2: Zoe Sugg/Zoella and Attitude

8. (a) Explain Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity. Use Zoe Sugg/Zoella to support your response. [15]

(b) Explore how the Attitude website targets and attracts a specialised audience. [15]