AQA GCSE Media Studies Revision Guide - Revised Edition

This will be made clear in the wording of the question. This could include phrases such as ‘how is this demonstrated in the extract?’ or ‘how is this constructed in the extract?’, or ‘in an analysis of the extract’. Alternatively, the question could ask you to answer with reference to the full named episode(s). Make sure you check this carefully, as you will not be rewarded for any examples drawn from elsewhere if the question relates only to the screened extract. Also use this time to interpret the questions for yourself, putting them into your own words if it makes them clearer for you. For example, a question on the sample AQA Media Two paper says: ‘ Narrative features grab and hold the audience ’s attention.’ How far does an analysis of the extract of ‘Co-Owner of a Lonely Heart’ show this to be true? [12 marks] ‘Co-Owner of a Lonely Heart’ was one of the TV CSPs at the time, but a similar question could be asked about any TV CSP extract. Let’s look at this question in detail. You can see that you are being asked about the extract only, so you know that you shouldn’t be referring to details from within the rest of the episode, nor from the other television CSP. Before you see the extract, you might want to remind yourself what ‘ narrative features’means. You will be looking for elements within the extract that move the story forwards. This could include the representation and actions of the characters, the way they interact, and the function of them within the storyline (you might see something related to Propp ’s theories). You could also look at how obvious the main plotline is within this segment, any sense of threat or con ict to disrupt the equilibrium , and the use of enigma . Or perhaps you might focus on the use of editing to create clarity or confusion. The question asks about how these features ‘grab and hold the audience ’s attention’, so you are not only going to be discussing the narrative features themselves, but you should also write about how the audience will respond to each aspect you mention. Will this aspect help the audience be sucked into the storyline, and want to watch more, or will it be somehow o -putting? Although you’re not referring to details from the rest of the episode, you are expected to know where this extract ts into the narrative as a whole, so if it is, for example, the opening sequence , you could refer to how it sets the audience up for the rest of the episode. Finally, the question asks how far you think this extract shows the statement to be true. You are being asked for your conclusion, backed up by evidence from the extract. You can agree that in this extract the narrative features do grab and hold the audience ’s attention, or you can disagree and say that they don’t. Both answers are acceptable, as long as you give good reasons based on speci c details from the extract. Although this is the nal part of the question, it does not mean you should answer it only at the end. Instead, the question is inviting you to make judgements throughout the answer as you write about each ‘ narrative feature’. 12 AQA GCSE Media Studies Revision Guide Copyright: Sample material