Exam Information

 

✅ What is Question 1?

• 50-mark question based on a TV drama extract (usually British and contemporary).

• You'll analyse how a social group is represented using:

  • Camera

  • Editing

  • Mise-en-scène

  • Sound

• The group might be based on gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, class/status, disability, or regional identity.

• There will always be a contrast in representations (e.g., youth vs elderly).

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🕒 Timing & Planning Strategy

• You get 30 minutes to watch and plan, then 45 minutes to write.

• To be efficient, use a structured note-taking method:

During the planning time:

1. Top box (your “Big Answers”):
   Write 2–3 main points about how the group is represented overall.
   These will form the backbone of your essay and help keep you focused.

2. Divide the rest of your page into 4 labelled sections:

   • Mise-en-scène

   • Camera

   • Sound

   • Editing
     Use these to gather detailed evidence from repeated viewings.

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🎬 During the Viewings:

• First Viewing:
  Just watch and think about your big answers — how is the group represented?

• Second Viewing:
  Start filling in evidence under the four technical categories. Look for subtle, less obvious examples.

• Third Viewing:
  Focus on any weaker sections in your notes (e.g., you might have little on editing — fix that now).

• Fourth Viewing:
  Add specific detail to your earlier notes. (E.g., not just "fancy clothes," but "dark green velvet dress, symbolising wealth").

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✍️ Writing the Answer

• Introduction:
  Keep it short. State your overall argument and preview your main points (from the big answers).

• Paragraphs:
  Each paragraph should:

  1. Address part of your big answer.

  2. Use specific, technical evidence from all 4 categories.

  3. Use media terminology (e.g., "extreme close-up", not "shot up in her face").

  4. Include contrast (compare working class to upper class, for example).

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🧠 Example Given:

Using a clip from Downton Abbey, the teacher showed:

• Working class = overworked and oppressed (e.g., dull lighting, long hours, no personal freedom).

• Hierarchies exist within the working class (some maids have more power/status).

• Upper class = invisible and privileged (seen waking up late, surrounded by luxury, detached from labor).

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📌 Final Tips:

• Plan with focus so writing is smoother.

• Look for subtle and symbolic evidence for top marks.

• Use this method to stay organised, analytical, and exam-ready.