December Mock: Learner Response

 WWW: This is a good lesson in the level of revision and preparation we need for the next set of mock exams. You start really well in several questions but dont have the examples from the CSPs to open up the higher level.

EBI: Revise terminology. Revise OSP: This is a weaker area (did you miss several of those lessons


2) Use the mark scheme for this Paper 2 mock to read the answers AQA were looking for. First, write down a definition and example of non-diegetic sound (Q1.1 and 1.2). Non digetic sound :
all sounds made by or heard by the characters. any example of dialogue from the extract such as ‘When Lyra says, “So you’re a kitchen boy then?

3) Next, identify three points you could have made in Q1.3 - camerawork and the extract. Look for the indicative content in the mark scheme - these are the suggested answers from AQA. 
  • The opening shot in the extract focuses on the omelette in Will’s hand – almost a close-up – with handheld camera movement following the plate to the table. This focus on the food Will has cooked seems to establish him as the less dominant person in the relationship. The medium shot of Lyra suspiciously looking at the food reinforces this power imbalance in their relationship.
  • As Lyra walks into the house, the camera moves backwards with her – a faster- paced dolly shot to signal to the audience that things are changing, the relationship is moving on. Will is left out of focus and trying to keep up – once again communicating to the audience the power imbalance in Lyra’s favour.
  • Will’s suggestion that they work together is made while Lyra is shown in a medium close-up over-the-shoulder shot. This allows the audience to see her reaction – a slight smile that suggests she is in favour of the suggestion and grateful to have an ally after a lot of time alone.

4) Now look at Q1.4 in the mark scheme - pick out two points from the mark scheme that you could have included in your answer.
  • Will’s expression and body language is very timid which subverts masculine stereotypes. In contrast, Lyra’s movements and expressions exude confidence. This can be seen in the extract both outside at the table and later when discussing which beds they will take.
  • The way Lyra first investigates and then eats the omelette also subverts feminine stereotypes. Her interaction with props in the scene deliberately subvert ideas of  being ‘ladylike’ or feminine.
5) Focus on Q2 - the 20-mark essay on representations of age and social and cultural contexts. Pick out three points from the mark scheme that you didn't include in your answer.
  • Media representations of teens/young adults usually identify this group by their attitudes, behaviour, language, clothing and music. There are many negative stereotypes of teenagers in television drama in which characteristics such as laziness, anti-social behaviour, inability to concentrate and self-indulgence are portrayed as ‘typical’.
  • There are also positive representations of teens in which attributes such as freedom, independence, creativity and social awareness are likely to be emphasised. Some frequently represented characteristics of teenagers may be seen as positive by younger audiences but as negative by older audiences. These include rebelliousness, openness to change, liberal values on matters such as sexuality and a much stronger commitment to friendship groups than to family or country.
  • Susan is clearly in touch with popular culture. As a stereotypical teenager, she is engrossed in pop music on her radio and her modern clothes differentiate her from the teachers. In spite of her intellectual superiority, she is polite and deferential to her teachers. She is not afraid, though, to challenge her ‘grandfather’, the Doctor, in order to defend Barbara and Ian.

6) Turning your attention to Section B, write a definition and example of user-generated content - use the mark scheme to check it. 
User-generated content means materials contributed to media or posted on websites by non-professionals.

7) Look at Q4 - the 20-mark essay on the power of influencers. Pick out three points from the mark scheme that you didn't include in your own answer. 
  • Kim Kardashian is one of the most successful social media influencers of all time. She uses her social media presence to promote herself and her brands to her 350 million followers. Kardashian is highly sought after as a brand ambassador and is paid millions of dollars by companies to promote their products.
  • There is an army of influencers: social media users and celebrities with large, devoted followings, who give their followers access to a carefully curated version of their lives. In this “authentic” context, sponsored content, known as “sponcon”, has proved a potent tool for selling products.
  • Much of Rashford’s power comes from his skilful use of social media to promote good causes such as food poverty and childhood literacy. His work with Fareshare and his campaign for free school meals during holidays during the pandemic meant that he was directly opposing Prime Minister Boris Johnson. That Rashford won the battle demonstrates the power he now has.

8) Now look at Q5 - the 20-mark essay on regulation and the internet. Again, pick out three points from the mark scheme that you didn't include in your own answer. 

  • Rashford and Kim Kardashian are prominent on Instagram – she has more than 350m followers. Instagram has been linked with higher rates of depression and anxiety in teenage girls which perhaps suggests regulation is needed. There are over 25m Instagram users in the UK alone which is a staggeringly high number. It seems remarkable that much of the media is heavily regulated – e.g. TV and radio by Ofcom and yet such an influential platform as Instagram is free to do whatever it likes. 
  • With regard to Marcus Rashford, candidates may point out that Rashford’s website and social media is not regulated in the same way as traditional television channels. Social media companies have community guidelines but rely on users to report offensive or damaging posts. Even then, they may not get seen by a real human moderator. Rashford himself has highlighted abuse on social media and called on the social media companies to do more about online abuse or trolling. However, his pressure on the government has been restricted to free school meals rather than regulation of social media. 
  • There are also debates regarding authenticity and anonymity on social media. Twitter/X no longer has celebrity verification so it is more difficult than previously to tell if a real celebrity or influencer is posting. The ‘blue check’ can now be bought by any user willing to pay Elon Musk £8 a month which arguably makes the platform more dangerous and more in need of outside regulation.

  • 9) On a scale of 1-10 (1 = low, 10 = high), how much revision and preparation did you do for your Media mock exam? Be honest here - it's a good chance to think about how to approach the next set of mock exams.

    10) List three key things you want to revise before the next mock exams in February (e.g. particular CSPs, terminology, exam technique etc.) 
    • I want to revise certain CSPs
    • Key terminology
    • The structure on how to answer the questions

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