GCSE Media Exam WalkthroughLesson Objectives: To review the format and

requirements of the exam.

GCSE Media Studies RevisionTuesday the 4th of June1pm – 3.20pmAdditional resources are on Moodle in the GCSE Revision section of the Media area.

You should know all this…

• Exam is 1 hour 45 minutes.• This includes 30 minutes to watch the extract.• You will be shown the extract 4 times, with

breaks to make notes. You can also make notes during the second, third, and fourth screening.

• You have 1 hour and 15 minutes to answer the questions.

• Remember to leave yourself 30 minutes to answer the TV Comedy question.

Watch the extract and focus on Question 1.

What points could you make to answer Question 1?

• Question 1: Explain two ways the characters and/or events in the extract fit the action adventure genre. Use examples from the extract.

• This question is worth 10 marks. You should spend 5 minutes in the exam answering this question. You need to make sure that you:

• identify two different conventions• include evidence from the extract to support the points you

make• explain the effect of each convention• use terminology

Question 1: Explain two ways the characters and/or events in the extract fit the action adventure genre. Use examples from

the extract.

• There is a chase sequence and then a battle between the two boats. This is conventional as it creates tension and excitement typical for the action adventure genre.

• There are clear protagonists and antagonists. The protagonists are more attractive, and are shown to be the underdogs. This is another generic convention, as it encourages the audience to root for the heroes.

What points could you make to answer Question 2?

• Question 2: Explain how each of the following is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre:

• soundtrack• camerawork• editing• mise-en-scene

• Use examples from the extract.

This question is worth 20 marks. You should spend 20 minutes in the exam answering this question. To do well you need to:• discuss all four technical areas• use at least one specific example from each technical area – try to use

more as this will help you to achieve an A or A*• use specific examples• explain the effect of every example you use• use terminology

Question 2: Explain how each of the following is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre:

soundtrackcamerawork

editingmise-en-scene

• Dramatic non-diegetic music is used at the start of the sequence to signify a battle is about to take place.

• The sound effects of the canons are high in the sound mix to make the scene more exciting, and emphasise the conflict.

• Crosscutting is used to cut back and forth between the two ships to create tension.

• An eyeline match is used to show Jack’s point of view, to emphasise that he is imprisoned, and cannot join in the battle.

• Fast paced editing is used to create a sense of chaos, and heighten the tension in the sequence.

Question 2: Explain how each of the following is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre:

soundtrackcamerawork

editingmise-en-scene

• Fast paced camera movements, including zooms and pans are used to show the protagonists trying to fight back. This emphasised their sense of desperation.

• An aerial shot was used to show the two boats, to develop tension by showing the antagonists gaining on the protagonists.

• Props such as canons were used to signify violence.• Make up was used to make the antagonist seem

more sinister and intimidating.

Watch the extract again. What points could you make to answer Question 3?

• Question 3: Discuss how people are represented in the extract. Use examples from the extract. Refer to stereotypes in your answer.

This question is worth 20 marks. You should spend 20 minutes answering the question in the exam. To do well you need to:• discuss representation in detail• demonstrate understanding of representation• use a range of specific examples from the extract to support

the points you make• discuss stereotyping accurately

Question 3: Discuss how people are represented in the extract. Use examples from the extract. Refer to stereotypes in your answer.

• Anti-stereotypical representation of conflict and violence as both a male and female activity.

• Anti-stereotypical representation of the female characters – contrast feminine/masculine female characters.

• Stereotypical representation of the antagonist as scarred and unappealing.

• Stereotypical representation of the protagonists as more attractive.

• Stereotypical representation of the protagonists as predominantly white, Western characters.

• Anti-stereotypical inclusion of older character in the protagonists.

TV Comedy

• Remember to leave yourself 30 minutes in the exam to answer the TV Comedy questions.

4(a)

• When is ‘New Girl’ on?• Why is it on E4?• Why is it scheduled when it is?• When is ‘Blandings’ on?• Why is it on BBC1?• Why is it scheduled when it is?

4(b)

• What audience pleasures does ‘New Girl’ offer?• What examples can you think?• What audience pleasures does ‘Being Eileen’

offer?• What examples can you think of?• What are the similarities and differences

between the audience pleasures in the two programmes?