Mrs B's exam tips

The notes below were given out in class but just in case you missed them...

Happy studying and good luck in your exams!!


REMEMBER: all of the following advice on specific questions is based on what has been in previous years’ papers. It is up to you to READ THE QUESTIONS CAREFULLY and make sure you answer what they ask, linking your answer closely to the wording in the question.

Tuesday 12th June – Textual Analysis, Moving Image, Higher Tier: Sitcoms

Question 1:
Likely to ask you to state what is typical / conventional of the extract to the sitcom genre
Use brief notes, not full sentences. Do it quickly, but don’t rush in and get it wrong

Question 2:
Likely to ask you to explain something about the extract, so be careful you both state the feature and explain what makes it important/different/whatever the questions asks you.

Question 3:
Short essay question, usually for 12 marks (no more than 12 minutes to plan & answer)
Write about all of the bullet points in the question

Questions 4a and 4b:
One question is likely to ask you about how sitcoms are similar/different/typical/conventional (i.e. you need to use your knowledge of the conventions of sitcom). The other will ask you why people watch/enjoy/dislike sitcoms, which is asking you to show your knowledge of the audience pleasures of sitcoms.
Make sure you READ the questions CAREFULLY and ANSWER THE QUESTIONS.
Use examples from two of the sitcoms we have studied to support EVERY point you make – show the examiner that you have detailed knowledge and understanding of the genre as a whole for maximum marks.
DO NOT WRITE ABOUT THE EXTRACT YOU HAVE JUST WATCHED!!!!!


Monday 18th June – Cross-Media Topics, Higher Tier: News

Section A
Will ask you about the audience and how at least two different media appeal to or target their audience.
This is where you write about the Ipswich Murders story.
Write about the specific features that The Sun, BBC Six O’clock News and/or the BBC website have that appeals to their target audience. Make sure you clearly identify who the target audience is early on.

Section B
Will ask you about how representations of people, places or events have changed over time.
This is where you write about how the representation of the Queen and Royal Family has changed between the Coronation and today. Use specific quotes, headlines and descriptions of images to support your points. You can also write about any news stories about the Royals that you have read recently.