Mocks Prep

Section One: Short Answer 30%

There will be five questions in the first section. You are required to answer two questions.

You should refer to at least one media work you have studied during the year in your responses and use relevant media terminology and/or appropriate media language.

Suggested working time: 30 minutes.

Section Two: Extended answer 70%

There will be five questions in the second section. You are required to answer two questions.

This section requires you to use extended answer form to answer the questions. Extended answers include but are not limited to conventional essay format; answers can use lists and dot points if they are appropriate to your answer.

Justify your choices with evidence from any media work you have studied and other relevant information, referring to specific examples, using relevant media terminology and/or appropriate media language.

Suggested working time: 120 minutes.

Topics for you to consider for short answers

1. Persuasive techniques' influence on audience

2. The construction of theme

3. Changing impact of distribution networks

4. Production context impacted on aesthetics

5. Trends in media use

Topics for you to consider for extended esssays

1. How studying propaganda helps audiences see it's purpose and how it shapes society

2. Cultural influence on media content, which then challenges or reinforces culture and social norms

3. That media producers must satisfy the expectations of their targe audience, despite the constraints such as budget, regulations, and editorial control

4. How auteurs leverage signature visual styles to express a personal artistic vision, frequently challenging dominant social representations

5. How omission shapes, reinforces, and challenges audience attitudes and values, just as selection and emphasis do

Across all five extended answer questions, there is a suggested four-part structure.  While the structure is not compulsory, the content of each section should be addressed in your answer:

1. Context & Case Study Overview (3 Marks)

• Core Task: Introduce the chosen media work(s) and set up the foundation for the prompt.

• What to Write: State the title, creator, format, release context, and a concise summary of the work that directly links back to the central concept of the question.

2. Descriptive Analysis (4 Marks)

• Core Task: Define and describe the key concept or context named in the prompt.

• What to Write: Identify the primary theoretical focus (e.g., audience expectations, cultural context, auteur style, or points of view) and outline its main characteristics with supporting context.

3. Detailed Technical Breakdown (6 Marks)

• Core Task: Analyse how the media work is constructed using specific evidence.

• What to Write: Provide in-depth discussion on production elements, code choices, or industry factors (e.g., selection/omission, funding/distribution constraints, cultural influences, or aesthetic choices) using relevant media terminology.

4. Critical Evaluation & Impact (7 Marks)

• Core Task: Judge the overall effect, success, or broader impact of the work.

• What to Write: Assess how effectively the media work achieves its intent—whether that is challenging/reinforcing audience attitudes, conveying a message, or shaping real-world perceptions.