1) Type up any feedback on your paper (you don't need to write the mark and grade if you want to keep this confidential). If you only have marks and a grade on the paper, write a WWW/Next Steps yourself based on your scores.
Mark: 73/84 // Grade: 9
EBIs:
- 1.3) Consider the power dynamic that is established and how this is done.
- 1.4) Consider the way Lyra gives up her independence willingly, losing one of her subverting characteristics.
- 2) Consider some of the less capable moments in His Dark Materials, showing that adults are perhaps somewhat needed.
- 4) Consider the potential propping up of influencers from brands that they are intended to promote (is it that the influencer is influential or the brand is influential)?
- 5) Contrast some of your initial ideas with a need for freedom of speech. Who decides what is okay to post/say?
2) Use the mark scheme for this Paper 2 mock (posted on GC) to read the answers AQA were looking for. First, write down a definition and example of non-diegetic sound (Q1.1 and 1.2).
1.1) Non-diegetic sound is sound that is not made or heard by the characters.
1.2) One example is a stinger that adds energy or sets tone.
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.
- Camera angle is used in an interesting way in the extract. Will is often shown from a low angle which should suggest power or dominance. However, his expression and body language is very timid so in fact seems to further emphasise Lyra’s confidence. When Lyra is sitting at the table, the camera is deliberately placed at Lyra’s level so she is not presented as weak or vulnerable.
- 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.
- When Lyra takes Will’s bed, a medium shot of Will allows the audience to see his helpless body language and expression to show that he is not particularly happy with the situation but recognises Lyra is a force of nature and he has no hope of challenging her.
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.
- However, there is perhaps one exception to this when Will suggests that they work together. Lyra is shown responding with a slight smile that suggests she is in favour of them teaming up and perhaps therefore removes a little of her independence.
- 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.
5) Look at 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’.
- Susan is a stereotypical loner. Although she claims to like the school, she is not seen to engage with other pupils and they laugh at her mistakes (e.g. re decimal currency).
- As with many modern representations of teenagers, HDM suggests stronger ties to friends than to families. Lyra’s attitude towards her friends in contrast to her mother Mrs Coulter is a good example of this. Older characters are viewed with suspicion.
6) Turning your attention to Section B, write a definition and example of user-generated content - use the mark scheme to check it.
3.1) User-generated content consists of posts and media created by users of a platform.
3.2) One example is a post on Twitter / X.
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.
- Marcus Rashford’s Instagram engagement rate of 6% is exceptionally high. With more than 15m followers on Instagram this means an incredible number of ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ on his post. This boosts Rashford’s power and influence – and makes him even more appealing for mainstream brands and commercial partners.
- Even Marcus Rashford is not immune to criticism however. He has been accused of being too political and fans and critics have told him to ‘stick to football’. His recent website rebrand put a much bigger emphasis on his football career with a homepage dominated by animated GIFs of his notable goals and football achievements. The reduction in content that focused on his fashion shoots, celebrity lifestyle or volunteering suggests that celebrities are not all-powerful and are still subject to public opinion and criticism.
- Some media theorists have suggested that in the digital age it is audiences that have the power rather than companies, industries or traditional celebrities. Social media and YouTube levels the playing field and gives ordinary people the chance to create and share content. This would suggest that celebrities and influencers do not have more power than ever before and in fact the internet is a democratising force giving power to normal people.
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.
- Open access to the internet and the freedom to express opinions and challenge those of others have become essential to a functioning pluralist democracy.
- The video game industry makes a significant economic contribution which could be curtailed if tighter regulations and controls were introduced.
- If regulations become more severe, the opportunities for self-expression, personal creativity and the ability to explore and perform identities would be harmed – users would be fearful of prison, fines or other forms of retribution.
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.
5 - I did some flashcard revision on Seneca and watched YouTube videos about the CSPs.
10) List three key things you want to revise before the next mock exams in February (e.g. particular CSPs, terminology, exam technique etc.)
- Statistics concerning Marcus Rashford and Kim Kardashian's online presence
- Music Video: Blackpink and the Arctic Monkeys
- Key Industry concepts, e.g. vertical/horizontal integration