Key Media Concepts A

Exam Section A

For this section of the exam you will be shown a 5 minute clip from a TV drama, you will then be asked to use evidence from the clip to explain to the examiner how the extract creates meaning for the audience. The structure of the exam is as follows:

First screening - No note taking
Second, third and fourth - Note taking allowed
45 minutes to write your response.

In order to succeed it is important you do not simply tell the examiner what is happening, but instead explain how use of the four key media concepts in moving image are used to create meaning. The four key areas you will be asked to address are:

Camera shots, angles, movement and composition
Editing
Sound
Mise-en-scene

When we say create meaning, we mean how specific groups are represented through the use of the above tools. This is essentially a question about Analysis & Representation. Use the following guidance to help your revision and understanding of these areas, and techniques to discuss them.

Section A Mock Guidance

Basic Guidance

This Google Slide outlines some basic guidance for how to structure your response to Section A. The exemplars given are in relation to the opening courtroom scene in S01 E01 of The Wire which can be found at the following link:

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x64bdtw

Section A Key Glossary

Key Terms Glossary

This document is verbatim from the Cambridge specification. If you are able to recognize and understand every technique listed in that document you will be at a good advantage in the exam. Remember, analysis is worth a significant portion of the grade, so merely identifying these techniques is not all you will be expected to do. You will need to understand how they are used to construct meaning in relation to the Representational argument you are making (see below for Representation guidance).

Section A Exam Grid

Sample Exam Grid

You may wish to make use of this grid in your exam practice attempts. It is a useful structure to ensure you are addressing each of the four key concepts within the Section A exam.

Discourse Markers.pdf

Discourse Markers

Use this sheet to help you expand on your higher level discourse. If you are finding you're repeating the same terms over and over again, this is the document for you. Use it to find alternative terms to enhance the flow of your essay.

Theories

In order to demonstrate further understanding of Media texts, it may be appropriate to apply a Media Theory. These theories are usually the result of extensive research by individuals well respected in their field. Do not feel like you must constantly refer to these theories; consider them more as additional support for your arguments and also to gain additional marks. Please see the guidance Google Slide above for further guidance regarding how to make use of these:

Representation Theory

Your argument should be structured around a Representational issue. This means that you must spot an opposition tied to representation in the extract and then structure all of your discussion of camera, editing, sound and mise-en-scene around this representational issue. The representation you are discussing is essentially the backbone of your argument in your response.

GCSE Representation.pdf

Representation Framework

Use this document to help you formulate discussion of Representation in your Section A response. This is a new key marking criteria for the exam and should be addressed where possible.