Media Paper 2 PPE - Learner response
1) Type up your feedback in full (you do not need to write mark/grade if you do not wish to).
no feedback given.
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?
No, I am 17 marks away from my target grade.
These are the grade boundaries we've used, based on last year's A Level exam but raised slightly to account for the fact they will probably move up slightly (out of 84):
A* = 75; A = 66; B = 54; C = 44; D = 32; E = 20.
Now read through the AQA mark scheme for Paper 2 - you'll already have looked at this in class when marking the exam booklet of other students' responses. The original Paper 2 question paper is here if that is helpful too.
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:
Q1 - (9 marks)
Additional points: Include more detailed and accurate semiotic ideas in order to analyse the unseen well.
Be more descriptive in answering the question and include more subject specific terminology.
Q2 - (25 marks)
Additional points: Argue both sides of the argument whilst also making clear which side you agree with so that your answer is not biased.
Have more knowledge on video-games and be able to link appropriate theorists to the answer.
Give a conclusion which summarises everything you've said and what you think regarding the question.
Q3 - (25 marks)
Additional points: Focus more on the representations and cultural context which would allow you to show that you understand the CSPs.
Include more astute judgements and conclusions that are consistently well supported by relevant and detailed analysis of specific aspects of the products.
Q4 - (25 marks)
Additional points: I should draw on material from across the framework and media contexts; draw together elements across the course of study.Additional points: Include more detailed and accurate semiotic ideas in order to analyse the unseen well.
Be more descriptive in answering the question and include more subject specific terminology.
Q2 - (25 marks)
Additional points: Argue both sides of the argument whilst also making clear which side you agree with so that your answer is not biased.
Have more knowledge on video-games and be able to link appropriate theorists to the answer.
Give a conclusion which summarises everything you've said and what you think regarding the question.
Q3 - (25 marks)
Additional points: Focus more on the representations and cultural context which would allow you to show that you understand the CSPs.
Include more astute judgements and conclusions that are consistently well supported by relevant and detailed analysis of specific aspects of the products.
Q4 - (25 marks)
I should also show that I have accurate understanding of the theoretical framework that is demonstrated by consistently appropriate explanation of attempts to target different audiences.
Example: Q2: 13/25 marks
Additional points: I didn't mention media effects theories such as cultivation theory; I didn't focus on the question asking 'how valid' are media effects theories; I could have discussed the effect representations of women have on male gamers as suggested by Anita Sarkeesian; I could have discussed the ideological impact of The Sims on young gamers indoctrinated into the American capitalist dream...
4) Look at question 4 - the synoptic question on TV. Write a full, new essay plan for this question using the indicative content in the mark scheme (focus particularly on distribution) and taking care to include at least one paragraph that addresses the synoptic element. You can use bullet points but make sure you offer enough content to meet the criteria for Level 4 (top level). This will be somewhere between 4-6 well-developed paragraphs planned in some detail.
Intro - start off by giving your opinion on the question and then progress onto explaining your opinion and slowly begin to introduce your CSPs to back up your point(s). Talk about representations, media language, industries and audiences.
Paragraph 1 - talk about one of the CSPs in depth and apply to theories to it in order to back your point and show evidence.
Paragraph 2 - talk about the second CSP and link it to theories once again and explain how it backs the point you made in your intro.
Paragraph 3 - talk about the other side of the argument and why it could make sense; making sure your answer isn't biased and shows detailed understanding and provide evidence for whatever point made to show it's a valid argument e.g. something related to the distribution of one of your CSPs. This ends the argument in a more neutral way although your opinion has been made clear.
Conclusion - summarise everything said in the essay and conclude by re-emphasising your opinion on the question being asked.
Paragraph 1 - talk about one of the CSPs in depth and apply to theories to it in order to back your point and show evidence.
Paragraph 2 - talk about the second CSP and link it to theories once again and explain how it backs the point you made in your intro.
Paragraph 3 - talk about the other side of the argument and why it could make sense; making sure your answer isn't biased and shows detailed understanding and provide evidence for whatever point made to show it's a valid argument e.g. something related to the distribution of one of your CSPs. This ends the argument in a more neutral way although your opinion has been made clear.
Conclusion - summarise everything said in the essay and conclude by re-emphasising your opinion on the question being asked.
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.
- Practice 25 mark essay questions
- Revise CSPs from year 12 in more detail
- Work on analysing and breaking down unseen questions under timed questions
- Work on linking appropriate theorists to the CSPs
- Stick to the question throughout the essay and don't go off board
