Paper 2 mock exam: Learner response

 Paper 2 mock exam: Learner response

1) Type up your feedback in full (you do not need to write mark/grade if you do not wish to).

WWW: Lots of potential here, particularly in Q4. Now you need to reach that level in every question.

EBI: Question focus is the big one. Revise the CSPs/ statistics/ examples to provide more depth to your paragraphs. 

Mark: 32

Grade: D

2) Did you succeed in meeting or exceeding your target grade for A Level Media in this paper? If not, how many additional marks do you need to achieve your target grade in Paper 2?

I did not succeed in meeting my target grade for this A Level Media paper as my target grade is a C and I got one below that which was a D. Since I got 32 out of 84 marks in Paper 2 I was 8 marks off from getting a C in this paper. 

These are the grade boundaries we've used, based on real AQA exam grade boundaries (out of 84):  

A* = 70; A = 62; B = 51; C = 40; D = 30; E = 20.

Now read through the real AQA mark scheme for Paper 2. 

3) Write a question-by-question analysis of your performance. For each question, write how many marks you got from the number available and identify any points that you missed by carefully studying the AQA indicative content in the mark scheme:

Example: Q2: 13/25 marks
Additional points: I didn't focus on the question - validity of theory. I should have...

Q1: 4/ 9 marks

Additional points: I should have focussed on this question the minimal style of the cover – in contrast to other magazines – places it as an alternative, independent publication – form of deconstruction. The representation relies on recognising the way an image – or code – of masculinity replaces the traditional role of the female as cover model and object of the gaze.

Q2: 7/ 25 marks

Additional points: As a public service broadcaster, the BBC can be seen as exemplifying the argument that the media has to be regulated (in this case by Ofcom) in order to protect the public interest. The validity of the distinction between public and private industry and the increasingly blurred lines between the two could be explored – Capital is a commission from the independent production company Kudos, BBC Studios is a global, commercial subsidiary of the BBC which attempts to target global audiences.

Deutschland 83 is produced by the private German company RTL, a subsidiary of the European conglomerate Bertelsman – characteristic of the ownership structure of commercial media industries. The nature of Deutschland 83 as a series representing German history and culture conforms to the aims of public service broadcasting despite being outside of that model – suggesting that the apparent opposition between public and private isn’t always valid.

Q3: 8/ 25 marks

Additional points: The emphasis on the player’s decision making and ability to construct their own representation creates a challenge to the power of the producer to control which values and beliefs are conveyed. The immersive nature of the game means that the player is more vulnerable to accepting the values and beliefs being conveyed. The construction of the fictional world in the game could be too stylised to be accepted as version of reality – reinforcing the escapist nature of the wider form. Depiction of reality (Simulacra) real life simulator 

The representation of the central female character Aloy in Horizon Forbidden West can be read as representing issues of gender but also the specific cultural context of accusations of misogyny in the gaming industry. The construction of a future, post-apocalyptic world for the setting could distance it from contemporary cultural contexts or be read as a metaphor for them. Recognition of climate change which links to current ideologies of what is happening right now. 

Q4: 13/ 25 marks

Additional points: GQ increasingly targeting more specialised audiences, online using social media platforms such as their YouTube channel and their website. Will Welch with his representation to new masculinity e.g. Pharrell Williams on front cover in floral dress... , GQ Heroes targeted at specialised audiences instead such as upper class, wealthy people who can afford to attend their big events which is also being sponsored by BMW (expensive car make brand as well).

Gentlewoman niche, specialised audiences Uses and Gratifications theory Blumler and Katz pleasures, identity, relationships + surveillance. Only 2 editions out every year, unconventional magazine front cover, Scarlett Johansson, no cover lines. Inside the GW magazine we see representations of more independent strong  females such as Ramala Ali who is a professional female boxer (race + ethnicity). Got Gentlewomen Club - exclusive events + live experiences. 

4) Look at question 4 - the synoptic question. How many of the four key concepts did you cover in your answer? Write a new essay plan for this question using the indicative content in the mark scheme and taking care to include at least three of Language - Representations - Audience - Industries. You can use bullet points but make sure you offer enough content to meet the criteria for Level 5 (top level). This will be somewhere between 3-4 well-developed paragraphs planned in some detail.

In question 4 the main concepts I covered was Audience and Representations I needed to focus on more Language and Industry. 

1. Introduction - thesis statement answer the question - your opinion.

2. GQ - is it mainstream? Or specialised? The target audience can be defined as specialised by the magazine’s focus on youth, diversity, alternative fashion and a reference to queer culture. The producers of the magazine have shifted from more mainstream representations of social and cultural developments to more specialised ones.

3. Gentlewoman - niche, more targeted got a target audience. Only comes out twice a year. Can be argued it is a collectors item. The target audience can be defined by demographics and psychographics – the readership is relatively small and has an unusually high average income, distinguishing it from the mass audience.

4. Magazines attempts to become creative to target their their audiences. Both CSP's attempts to target their audiences through their ways and approach.  

5) Based on the whole of your Paper 2 learner response, plan FIVE topics / concepts / CSPs / theories that you will prioritise in your Easter Media revision timetable.

First topic: Seriously need to start making flashcards on the theories that I am less confident on.

Second topic: Need to start doing more practise exam exams such as the 25 markers as I need to structured and do them properly. 

Third topic: Need to make a revision timetable and follow it during the Easter break so I am organised and know what I need to do during the break instead of lazing around and doing nothing. 

Fourth topic: Reading through the support booklets that my teacher has given out to me as they have everything in them and I should slowly bit by bit go through it and break down the information so I know how to absorb and memorise the information. 

Fifth topic: Reading back from my Blogger work. I do not do this enough which is a poor decision as I do the blogger work and I should go and read back on it to remind me of the key information and theories I need to use that are relevant to the CSP's.