GCSE Media Studies

Revision Knowledge Organisers

Component 1
Exploring the Media
Monday 3rd June at 1pm
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Section A: Media Language and Representation
Section B: Exploring Media Industries and Audiences
 Section A: Media Language and Representation

Which texts am I asked questions on for section A?

 GQ magazine
 Pride magazine
 This Girls Can advert
 Quality Street advert
 Spectre film poster
 The Man with the Golden Gun film poster
 The Sun newspaper
 The Guardian newspaper

What do I have to do in Section A?

 Section A includes questions 1a, b, c, 2a and 2b.

 Question 1a, b, c - focuses on the use of media language and how it creates meaning, such as camera shot, mise en scene (lighting, costume, setting,
facial expression and body language) layout & design (colours used, fonts) language, characters and narrative (story created). It is a denotation,
connotation question – describe aspects of the set text you are being questioning on and then analyse the meaning (connotation) created by each
aspect. Question 1a, b, c is marked out of 15 – 5, 5, 5.

 Question 2a - focuses on the social context. This is asking you to consider how the production of the set text you are being questioned on is affected by
what society was like in the time in which it was made. For example: The Quality Street advert was made in 1956 – how does this advert reflect society’s
views on gender at that time? Question 2a is marked out of 5.

 Question 2b – focuses on representations created in a set text which is then compared to an unseen text. For this question you will need to write using
the structure Point, Example, Explanation/Analysis. Question 2b is an extended response and is marked out of 25.
Magazines
 GQ Magazine (July, 2016)

Production Context The Target Audience Messages and Values

Mag launched in 1931,
renamed in 1967, Produced by
Conde Nast, Multi--‐platform
(iPad, website, app) 115,000
copies printed, 400,000
readers. The magazine for men
with an IQ -‐‐ not just
about girls
Social/ Cultural Context
Metrosexual -‐‐ ok for men to
care about looks,
Spornosexual -‐‐ extremely
body focused, obsession with
muscles, The modern man
should ‘have it all’ -‐‐ health,
wealth, strength, success etc
Historical/Political Context
African Americans are often
depicted in a bad way,
influence of Civil Rights to
change this but still negative
#OscarsSoWhite --‐ black actors
not being recognised, racism
Mostly men who are 25 -‐‐ 45 years old, they have a high Key message about how to be a man = strong, fit, successful,
income (£300 watch), into fitness, fashion, like to know you have to have the right look. Masculinity = physical
about new technology, want to know about hard hitting strength. Men are valued on wealth and looks. They should
stories, like to buy brand names and are willing to pay for aspire to be successful like the Rock.
them (evidence = cover lines cover these sorts of stories)
Media Language
Technical Codes Visual Codes Written Codes
ECU of bicep = strength The Rock is staring out at us -‐‐ Direct address, Rock = strength, stability, large font
Layout -‐‐ Strapline at top = what a man should be Facial expression and body language = Man up! -‐‐ Imperative/ command
Rock cover line is biggest = important confident, determined, serious, tensing his Most bankable star -‐‐ hyperbole,
Colour Palette -‐‐ Red, Black, White bicep = strong, powerful Typography -‐‐ size and colour used to
Cover lines are varied = lifestyle magazine Mise en scene -‐‐ causal costume, has made his show importance, highlight, style of
Left third = most important info face/hair look good, tattoos = brave, real man font is classy. GQ -‐‐ short and catchy
Main image = most important, appeal to TA
Representation -­­ Gender and Ethnicity
Rock as a role model for men, someone to aspire to be like -‐‐ strong, powerful, determined, successful (wealthy), good work ethic, kind,
does not do bad things (breaks the stereotype drug dealer).
Shows a male representation that is hyper masculine, strong and muscular (bicep) -‐‐ men should be like him
Men must have it all like the Rock -‐‐power, wealth, heath, fancy watches, the latest fashion etc.
Most bankable star = he is successful because he has a lot of money.
The mag also tells men ‘how to be a man’ suggesting that they are not good enough as they are (coverline Man up! Focus on making
yourself better. Focus on wellness perhaps not so stereotypical of traditional representation of masculinity.

Key Terms and conventions Link to Theorists and theories

strapline, extreme close up, cover line, colour palette,
direct address, flashes, left third, masthead, anchorage,
capitalist ideology, hyperbole, Spornosexual, pose,
Metrosexual, body language, facial expressions
Red connotes strength, power, courage, energy, warmth
Black connotes power, sophistication, classic, stylish
The Rock is the ‘hero’ (Propp) -‐‐ he has become successful through hard work and determination, he has
key qualities of a hero -‐‐ he is strong, powerful, cares about others
He has broken the stereotypes (Stuart Hall) associated with African Americans by being a positive
figure
Use and G Theory: Personal Identity -‐‐ some men will see themselves as being like the Rock,
Surveillance -‐‐ some men will read this mag so they know what is happening in the world of fashion,
fitness etc.
Personal Relationship -‐‐ some people will feel a connection with the Rock and want to read all about
him
 Pride Magazine (November, 2015)

Production Context The Target Audience Messages and Values

Monthly, lifestyle mag, first published in Females of colour, aged between 24 -‐‐ 35, are Key message -‐‐ Be proud of who you are and your culture, have
1990, readership (including online) 300,00, middle class or higher, many would have a good confident and self-‐ respect. Focus on body image -‐‐ reminding
circulation (printed copies) of over education, they would be interested in fashion and the reader that they could/ should look better (women are
146,000, distributed by COMAG (part of beauty, spend a lot of money on fashion and valued based on looks). Women should aspire to be successful
Conde Nast), still in Black ownership, name beauty products, most of the audience would live
like Naomie Harris. Mixed messages: straighten hair -‐‐
links to black liberation but could be in London, they are a niche audience (smaller than
conforming to European ideas of beauty, consumerist context
confused with Gay Pride average with specific interests)
about buying hair care products like relaxers, straighteners.
Social/ Cultural Context Media Language
Modern mags focus more on Technical Codes Visual Codes Written Codes
beauty, less on homemaking Masthead -‐‐ covered but still recognisable Pose is confident and sexy Personal pronouns -‐‐ we, you, draws TA in,
mag encourage us to feel Strapline -‐‐ best magazine of its kind She looks at us -‐‐ direct address Hyperbole -‐‐ failed, sexualised, mocked
bad about ourselves but Colour Palette suggests pride, strength strong Costume not revelling but still tight Alliteration -‐‐ Bond and Beyond emphasis her
they will make us better Cover lines -‐‐ serious issues (FGM), success of NH, Serious facial expression -‐‐ she serious! success as a Bond girl (sexy)
BLM -‐‐ campaign against range of topics, aligned around NA Colours are eye catching, contrasting Use of acronym (FGM) -‐‐ assumption that the
police racism, big on Twitter Breaks left third rule -‐‐ worried about topics? Hair/make up = pretty, beautiful but TA will know what it is, comfortable dealing
as is Pride (lots of followers) Narrative -‐‐ cover lines start of a story not over the top with a controversial topic.
Historical/Political Representation -­­ Ethnicity, Gender, Issues
Context NH a successful black women as a role model, came from a similar background to the TA, The magazine presents black people
The term Pride come from as outgoing, confident, and ambitious, NH is attractive, slim, fashionably dressed -‐‐ fits the female stereotype, the magazine
the Civil Right Movement (like other magazines) encourages women to work harder to improve themselves because they are inadequate (How far
that encourages/ celebrates would you go?), the importance of body image is the same for different races, a lot of pressure on women to be perfect, the
black culture, wanted people mag reminds reader that they are judged on their looks (Objectified, Sexualised, Mocked)
to be proud of being black
FGM -‐‐ hard hitting issues but is it reported on from the beauty/ cosmetic surgery side? brave move to have such controversial
and having afro hairstyles
topic on the cover, use of! shows they view it as shocking and not being done for religious reason but because of aesthetics/
etc, challenges stereotypes.
beauty.
Key Terms and conventions Link to Theorists and theories
strapline, cover line, colour palette, direct Use of stereotypes --‐ Stuart Hall says stereotyping reduces people to a few simple traits or characteristics that are often
address, flashes, left third, masthead, negative about minority groups. The cover challenges ethnic stereotypes but does reinforce some gender stereotypes
anchorage, polysemic, hyperbole, FMG, (challenges others). Gender Representation -‐‐ Laura Mulvey talks about the male gaze and how women are shown
BLM, pose, metrosexual, body language, (behaviour and looks) in a way that men would like. Cover does reinforce some gender stereotypes e.g. looks but
facial expressions, image as commodity challenges others e.g. she is strong and powerful. Narrative -‐‐ Roland Barthes and the use of enigma codes -‐‐ cover lines
tease us to want to read more.
red connotes strength, power, courage,
“to provide readers with a sense of community, comfort, and pride in this mythic feminine identity” (Bignell).
energy, warmth, black connotes power, “define and shape the woman’s world” (McRobbie)
sophistication, classic, stylish
Advertising
 This Girl Can (2016)

Production Context The Target Audience: Messages and Values

Developed by Sport England. Females aged 24-‐ 40. This group were identified as least likely to take Key message is that women should be proud of what they
Funded by Lotto. Purpose part in sport for fear of being judged because of their appearance. look like and therefore not be afraid of being judged when
was to break down the key Appeal – young woman as the model, appearance -‐‐ not perfect, not a doing sport or physical activity.
barrier that stopped women celebrity, she is clearly enjoying being activity, group working out Values woman not based on looks (she does not look
from doing sport (fear of
together, bright colours, positive slogan (fox), typical), instead the value is being healthy and happy.
being judged). Wanted to
celebrate active women.
Use of hashtag = appeal to modern audience, way to get info, create Brand name/Identity -‐‐ ‘This girl can’ suggests that anyone
Included TV adverts as well social cohesion by bring people together can get active.
Social/ Cultural Context Media Language
Research showed that there Technical Codes Visual Codes Written Codes
was a massive gender gap in Mid shot = focus on action (enjoying it) Costume – ordinary = anyone can do this, bright Mantra – made up of two similes, turning a
participation. As a result of Central Image – centre = important = eye--‐catching, not stereotypical negative into a positive --‐change attitude about
the campaign 1.6m got Logos at the top/small = less important Hair/Make up – messy = she does not care sport, Simile 1–sweating like a pig = unladylike.
involved. Numbers of Slogan – Large/ central in front of image) Body Language – full movement/ enjoying it Simile 2-‐‐ feeling like a fox=sexy dong exercise.
women joining teams is now = very important (covers the woman) Facial Expressions – eyes closed/ singing, happy Language =Informal simple but positive.
increasing faster than men. No Photoshop = looks are not important Colour – red (passion/happy), text is white = Typography bold, unusual font. “GIRL” = wide
Nike copied this idea. Colour Palette – bright and eye catching stands out appeal. #thisgirlcan – encourages involvement
Historical/Political Representation
Context The campaign was Challenging dominant ideology that women can’t do sport by portraying physical activity for women in an extremely positive way.
run by ‘Sport England’ who Counter-‐‐stereotype – She is enjoying sport, doesn’t care about being judged on how she looks, she is not weak or unsuccessful at sport. She is
are a government independent, confident and happy (body language and facial expression)
organisation. Aspirational role model – she is not a famous sports person, shows that anyone can do this
There is no commercial Focusing on what ‘real’ women –no airbrushing, photoshoping, not glossy not perfect but happy. Other adverts don’t do this
aspect to the campaign – ‘Girl’ use to represent all women but some women may not like this word as it has negative connotation (childish, silly, too young)
they were not aiming to
make money.
Key Terms and conventions Link to Theorists and theories
Copy, Slogan, Logo, Central Image, Typography, Brand Propp -‐‐ Dominance of image suggests she is the ‘protagonist’ / hero as she has overcome fear
Identity, Propp, Rule of Thirds, Mantra, Protagonist, Laura Mulvey -‐‐ this image does not objectify woman; it is not focused on how they look or
Dominant Ideology, Stereotype, Counter-‐ Stereotype, portraying them in a way that men stereotypically would like.
Hashtag, Social Cohesion, Enigma Code, Use and Use and Gratification -‐‐ Personal Identity, the audience can see themselves in this person because
Gratification Theory, Personal Identity, The Male Gaze she is not a celebrity. They can identify with her because she is ordinary, normal and like her they
(Laura Mulvey), Objectify/ Objectification too could learn not to fear being judged and get active.
Engima Code (Barthes) -‐‐ ‘this girl can’ -‐‐ what can she do? Creates a sense of mystery, wonder
 Quality Street (1956)

Production Context The Target Audience Messages and Values

Quality Street made by
Mackintosh in 1936. In the
1930’s chocolate was
expensive. This product
was cheaper for families.
The tin was introduced in
the 1950s along with
colourful wrappings.
Social/ Cultural Context
Luxury and high class things
were now more available
(chocolate). Very
traditional gender roles -‐‐
men worked, women
stayed at home and had to
make husbands happy
Historical/Politica
l Context
Rationing had ended =
more sugar available. The
Regency Era (elegance) is
referred to (Major Quality
Miss Sweetly) -‐‐ the 1950s
was a similar time post war.
People in the 1950s -‐‐ very different from today’s audience. Aspirational message linked to class -‐‐ this product was
Men could buy this for their wives and girlfriends symbolic of elegance and higher class but now working men
Working, educated families -‐‐ new techniques made it cheaper can buy it for their families as a treat.
to make, big words used in the copy Brand identity -‐‐ The chocolate is luxurious even though it is
Women -‐‐ fits the idea that all women like chocolate. now cheaper = references to the Regency Era, use of gold and
Adults -‐‐ features adults in the advert purple, pose of people in the frame
Media Language
Technical Codes Visual Codes Written Codes
Composition -‐‐ Triangular arrangement Costumes look like sweets (girls); Man is in a suit = PERSUASIVE LANGUAGE
of people, halo effect around man, professional/working. Use of Gold = wealth/ luxury Alliteration = delicious dilemma
product is framed in the central = attention Rich warm colour palette =attention, wealth Superlatives=delicious, delightful,
Camera -‐‐ Mid shot of people so we can Facial Expressions = excited by chocolates (treat) distinctive
see what they are doing. Lower third -‐‐ Body language (Kiss) = girls stealing sweets, man happy! Description of new sweets = we
were all the text is found (less important) Typography -‐‐ bold, strong, colourful (purple = royalty) need to buy and try
Logo -‐‐ at the bottom but in colour (stands out) Hand drawn images -‐‐ lack of technology Formal -‐‐ educated audience.
Representation
Male dominated -‐‐ he is in control (chocolate/women), he is higher in class, the ‘provider’ (suit) and high status (central image), traditional
stereotype that was common at the time of the advert. He is rewarding the women with chocolate.
Major Quality -‐‐ of higher class than Miss Sweetly, has power (military uniform) and status
Women -‐‐ love of chocolate, subservient body language suggest that they do as they are told, please the man (implies that this is what all
women need to do to be successful). Women are also shown as manipulative -‐‐ distracting the man to get to the chocolate.
Miss Sweetly -‐‐ very typical feminine colours and showing of skin. Even her name is suggesting a stereotype.
Age -‐‐ makes young people look fun and exciting (ad with old people show them knitting -‐‐ less fun )

Key Terms and conventions Link to Theorists and theories

structural features, slogan, logo, copy, central image,
typography, lines of appeal, superlative, alliteration,
brand identity, rationing, regency era, patriarchal,
intertextuality, rule of thirds, Z line composition,
triangular composition, male gaze
Intertextuality -‐‐ the people in the frame are from Quality Street ads from the 1930s.
Narrative/ Propp -‐‐ male is the ‘hero’ choosing between two ‘damsels in distress’ (distressed over
the dilemma of which chocolate to choose), he has a more serious dilemma to solve -‐‐ which girl.
Patriarchal Society -‐‐ This adverts is showing that men are seen as having more power and status
than women.
Laura Mulvey and the male gaze -‐‐ the two women are shown in a way that men would like. They
are slim and pretty, acting like they really like the man and are being subservient.
Film Posters
 Spectre (2015)
Production Context Intertextuality
Film released 26/12/2015, starred The white tuxedo references earlier Bond films – Roger Moore wears one as does Sean Connery in Goldfinger. Sense of familiarity and
Daniel Craig (4th time as Bond),
nostalgia. The pose is very similar to the pose of Roger Moore in The Man with the Golden Gun and many other Bond films. The logo (the
based on the books by Ian Fleming,
film produced by Eon Productions/ 007 with the 7 shaped like a gun) is an iconic symbol of the franchise and instantly recognizable. Names like Ian Flemming and Albert R
Sony and distributed by United Broccoli are well known for their connect with Bond films of the past.
Artists (MGM), Budget=$245mill, Even the name Spectre (which means ghost) is intertextual as it refers to the ghosts/ enemies from James Bonds past and knowledge of
box office=$880 mill, Poster by the other Bond films Daniel Craig has been in will help you to understand the plot of this film.
Empire Designs a British company
Social/ Cultural Context Media Language
The masked man is Bond from Long shot of Bond = central image = he is dominant, he is the hero/protagonist Direct address= he is confident, strong Dark coloured
the opening scene, symbolising background=connotes mystery / death White Tuxedo = connotes wealth, professionalism, the high life, Red Carnation= connotes love but also danger
The Day of the Dead festival Common prop of a gun -‐‐ tells is the genre (action/spy) and that he is always ready for action Credit block at the bottom, small = less important but does
parade in Mexico City. It was includes key info Title in lower third but big, ‘Spectre’ connotes ghosts from Bond’s past, ‘chain-link’ type text connotes that the film links to previous
not a real event until the Bond films ( villains from Daniel Craig’s previous Bond films are/were part of the Spectre organisation) Actor/director/author name at top in gold
success of the film. It now connotes luxury, important, attracts audience 007 logo under title = recognisable and the audience would watch this film, Serious facial expression tells
happens annually. The Tom us about his personality he is cool calm and collected, High Key lighting on Bond = connotes that he is good, important, Low key lighting on figure in the
Ford white tuxedo is a background connotes they are a villain, the skull costume connotes death and danger for Bond, Small font for actors name -‐‐ so well-‐‐known that it
reference to Bonds of the past does not need to be big, the central image is more than enough to identify him
and was considered dated. Representation
After Spectre, celebrities such Bond = Strongly masculine, closed body language connotes lack of emotion, independence, a professional, a ruthless assassin his pose suggests
as David Beckham wore it at strength and power Bond’s posture is strong and dominant, his arms are folded in a stereotypically masculine stance. High Key lighting= the
events showing what Bond
strong light on his face shows his rough masculine features but also suggests that he is a good man and will do the right thing The gun = danger,
wears has cultural significance.
Note the lack of the typical
finger on the trigger – ready to kill if necessary and has the skills to do this, the gun suggests danger but his posture connotes confidence with a
‘Bond girl’ in the poster. Bond relaxed attitude toward such dangers. Hero = Typical man hero of the action genre, he is white which is the stereotype in film (white characters
as a character has evolved with are good, bad characters are other ethnicities). Audiences are led to believe, through this representation, that this is how a man should be.
the times. Sexual innuendo is Villain in the background is also male, reflecting the male--‐dominated nature of the franchise, the main protagonist and antagonist who drive
no longer a big part of Daniel the narrative are both male. Lack of female representation -‐‐ unusual as often Bond is pictured with women to show his popularity and the
Craig’s Bond and the female quality of protection. Women are under--‐represented in the action genre even though they were featured in Spectre and in powerful roles
characters in Spectre are strong (e.g. M and Moneypenny) Other posters featured female characters.
intelligent women
Key Terms and conventions Link to Theorists and theories
equilibrium, disequilibrium, new equilibrium, binary The skeleton mask depicts someone hiding in the shadows and could be seen as Propp’s Villain / antagonist, but
opposites, enigma code, antagonist, protagonist, this acts as part of the Enigma Code (Roland Barthes) because it is really just Bond’s costume but on the poster it
creates a sense of mystery as we wonder who is it and what they might do. According to Todorov a film will always
franchise, intertextuality, credit or billing block, logo, high have narrative disruption -‐‐ will that disruption (or disequilibrium) be caused by the skeleton character. It could be
key lighting, direct address, low key lighting, costume, seen as another darker side to Bond and act like a binary opposite (Levi Strauss)
props, posture, body language, facial expressions, The skeleton also references the title ‘Spectre’
typography, male gaze. The dominance of Bonds image suggests he is the film’s protagonist and so probably a ‘good guy’. According to
Vladimir Propp’s theory, he would be considered the ‘hero’. Lack of ‘male gaze’ as there are no females shown.
 The Man with The Golden Gun (1974)

Production Context Narrative Representation of Issues and Events

Film released 19/12/74, starred The images on the poster suggest possible events that might happen in One of the main themes in this Bond film was the 1937 global energy
Roger Moore (2nd time as Bond), the film. They act as Action Codes and make the genre clear crisis. With the embargo on oil, countries were considering
based on book by Ian Flemming, film There is a golden gun (wealth), aimed at Bond. Is the villain going to try alternative power sources and this is portrayed through the
produced by Eon Productions and and kill Bond (the bullet has 007 on it)? An extreme close up shot is used iconography of the power plant and the related explosions. By
distributed by United Artists (MGM), to show the gun and bullet. including this theme, the producers are encouraging audiences to
Budget=$7mill, box office=$97 mill, The film will be filled with action e.g. cars chases (and crashes), there will consider what might happen if oil really did run out and predict what
Poster by Robert McGinnis be explosions etc. All of this is typical of an action adventure film the outcomes might be
Social/ Cultural Context Media Language
Featured Kung Fu as martial arts Technical Codes Visual Codes
were popular due to stars like Bruce Mid shot of Bond = central image = he is dominant, he is the hero Bonds costume = suit = smart/ sophisticated/ the hero
Lee and Jackie Chan. Filmed in Asia Bright colour palette = eye catching, exciting, fits the action/ spy genre Lots of image = tell us about the narrative
(Hong Kong, Thailand, Macau) Credit block at the bottom, small = less important but does includes key info Bond holds a gun (prop) = signifies danger, action part of his
At this time man were seen a Title in lower third but big = more important, Includes writers name = famous ‘uniform’ = intertextuality with other Bond posters
dominant and women were seen as Actor name at top in colour = very important, includes writers name = famous Hand drawn images = limited technology in 1974
objects but the poster does feature s 007 logo at the top = recognisable and the audience would watch this film Girls costumes = bikinis = typical of old posters, sexualised
strong girl. Minority ethnic group Long shot of a karate girl = not stereotype but use of ‘exotic’ ethnic stereotype Body language = one appears to be looking at the golden gun/
were often depicted as dangerous, Bond looks at us = direct address, he is confident, strong assassin and pointing at Bond, other one has her arm out to
exotic to be pitied or laughed at. . protect Bond = are they allies or enemies?
Historical/Political Context Representation of Gender and Ethnicity
Film set during the 1973 Energy Males – intelligent, strong and prepared to put yourself in dangerous situations. If you were all of those things, you would be
Crisis, this is hinted at in the poster -‐‐ successful, gain respect and women would want you. The assumption then is that men should also be heterosexual. Typical of time
power plant in the lower left corner Females -‐‐ Two are wearing bikinis which show off their slim bodies, are heavily made up, wear earrings and bracelets. The two
and an energy beam aimed at Bond. women also have long flowing hair. Stereotypical of the time
Prior to 1990 illustrations were more
However -‐‐ Another female, dressed in a karate uniform, shown in a martial arts pose, and appears to go against this stereotype. She
common on posters due to
too has flowing hair but this time it is much darker and her skin tone suggests she is from a different ethnic group to the other
technology. Older posters also
featured more/bigger text. females. This goes some way to explaining why she seems not to support the dominant sexualised stereotype portrayed by the other
females; she is seen as exotic, different, the ‘other’.
Key Terms and conventions Link to Theorists and theories
Credit Block, Central/Focal Image, Typography, Visual Codes, Roland Barthes -‐‐ Enigma Code (suggest mystery) e.g. who is the villain, is he going to kill Bond, are the
Written Codes, Enigma Codes, Action Codes, Hero, Villain, women going to help or hinder Bond? Action Codes -‐‐ suggest actual events that will occur in the
Helper, Princess, Sexualisation, Mid Shot, Long Shot, Extreme narrative/ story -‐‐ explosions, fight scene, car chases etc.
close up Layout, Direct Address, Narrative, Attire, Costume, Laura Mulvey -‐‐ The Male Gaze e.g. the images of the women focuse on the curves of their bodies, done
Genre, Body Language, Stereotype, Ethnic groups, Masculinity, to please men (and the film was aimed at men and the poster was designed by a male)
Iconography Propp -‐‐ character types e.g. Bond is the hero, the man with the golden gun is the villain but his identity
is unknown
Newspapers
 The Sun (Front page 18th December 2013)
Production Context The Target Audience Messages and Values
Tabloid newspaper owned C2DE – targets middle social classes. Right wing/Conservative politics linked to class – Today The
by News Corp. Published 7 Men – 54% of readers are men (think Page 3 Girls and sport) Sun supports The Conservatives. It has, in the past, switched
days a week. Average Most readers haven’t attended higher education (Uni) and the average sides between Conservatives and Labour but is very anti-
circulation of 1.6 million. reading age of the paper is 8 (the national average is 9 years old). The Corbyn at the moment.
Readership of 4.1 million. product is meant to be accessible to everyone, including those with Pro-Brexit – The Sun is in favour of the UK leaving the EU. Their
Largest circulation of any weak literacy. headline at the time said “BeLEAVE in Britain”
print newspaper in the UK. The formatting (lots of picture and short text) helps this. Patriotic – The Sun is very patriotic and considers itself a voice
of ordinary working class British people (links to low price).
Social/ Cultural Context Media Language
th
18 Dec is International Technical Codes Visual Codes Written Codes
Migrants Day. Just before Composition - In thirds. Map – shows Britain on one side and Romania and Imperatives – commands
this front page was printed, Images – a major part of a tabloid Bulgaria on the other side Informal register – the words used
42% of people in a survey front page Dominant Image – the main picture of a map is are all simple. For example “or else”
said Britain needed to take Masthead – red, bold, sans-serif anchored by the headline as being about the EU. Idiom – “red line” means a limit on
back control of Immigration House style – large fonts, simple Red Tape – splits UK and the Eastern European something (in this case immigrants).
from the EU. Britain voted to language, money off offers for C2DE countries. Direct address – “You tell him…”
leave EU (Brexit) on 23rd social grade (Aldi) Close up shot – of (former) Prime Minister David Ultimatum – “or else” sounds like a
June 2016. Headline – The head is all in capitals Cameron in an inset image. threat to David Cameron.
Historical/Political and bold sans-serif font Red and white – like the English flag.
Context
First published 1964, Representation
became a tabloid in 1969. Immigration –map only shows two countries which presents the idea that the paper sees those countries as a threat. Are they implying
Sex a major part of that they don’t want Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants in the UK?
marketing strategy (Page 3 Immigration –headline and front page are reporting a survey by YouGov that said 42% of people want an immigration limit. The Sun has
girls). Called ‘The Scum’ in interpreted this as meaning that its readers want a complete ban on immigration.
Liverpool following Negative stereotypes – the way the front page has been constructed with a full page, dominant image and headline that takes two thirds
Hillsborough disaster. of the cover, seems to be continuing the negative stereotype that migrants are people to be feared, are benefit cheats and criminals.
Patriotism –colours and idea of Britain ‘taking back control’ aims to make Britain sound powerful against the 27 other EU nations.
Key Terms and conventions Link to Theorists and Theories
Circulation, tabloid newspaper, readership, published, Roland Barthes –headline written using Enigma Codes to encourage readers to read certain articles.
masthead, dominant image, inset image, close-up shot, Active/Passive Audiences – People used to believe everything they read (passive) but are becoming
headline, thirds, Brexit, xenophobia, Patriotism, Uses and more aware of media manipulation and “fake news” (active). The Sun challenges its audience to join
Gratifications, Identity, Education, News Values, negative them by using Direct Address. Are they treating us as active or passive?
stereotypes, direct address, ultimatum, composition, enigma Uses and Gratifications (Blumler and Katz) – mainly Identity (direct address including audience in the
codes, active/passive audiences. paper’s views), Education (learning about the news); also Social Interaction, less so Entertainment
News Values (Galtung and Ruge) – threshold (story that could impact lots of people), meaningfulness
(about something close to home), unambiguity (story with clear implications).

Production Context
It is a national, daily paper
Circulation- 189,000
Online edition has over
42.6 mill readers and the
website is free to access.
In 2006 the size of the
newspaper changed - it
was made smaller but it is
still considered to be a
broadsheet
Social Context
March 2011 civil war broke
out in Syria, 11 mill people
have fled their homes, 1
mill have fled to Europe.
The journey is very
dangerous and difficult.
Opinions on these
migrants vary - some want
to help but there is also
fear and uncertainty
Cultural Context
The audience will
recognise the 2 robots -
subtle form of advertising,
the film is out soon. They
are also intertextual
references. they created a
shared understanding
Key Terms and conventions
Masthead, Headline, Caption, Copy, Pug, Standfirst, Secondary Story, By-line, Puff, Turn, Trail, Splash, Left Wing, Right Wing, Liberal, Conservative, Demographics,
Immigration, Immigrates, Migrant, refugees, Civil war, Mode of address, stereotype
The Guardian (Front Cover 4th September 2015)
The Target Audience Messages and Values
Is well educated, relatively Overall the front cover has a positive bias towards the issue of refugees and immigration, they are showing
young - most aged between sympathy to the situation and seem to be suggesting that European govt have allowed this crisis to continue
18 - 39 (60%), more men The newspaper has a liberal bias and are more supportive of the Labour party so in this front cover they are
read it than women (59%), critical of the conservative government response to the crisis.
they are very liberal (open to
The key message is that we need to do more to help and that refugees and migrants are valued
new ideas, different
opinions, govt support for
The messages and values on this front cover are ones that the target audience will also have
health, education, welfare
etc.) and 89% are middle
class or higher (ABC1)
Media Language
Technical Codes Visual Codes Written Codes
Masthead is lowercase curvy and colourful Dominant image shows the 2 boys as happy Quote from father explaining their
Headline - quote, this is not typical, will draw little boys wearing typical clothes, smiling = deaths as wholly accidental
attention human face Emotive language - anguish
Caption - explains death, anchorage text to the tragedy tragedy
Secondary story - linked, the headline attempts Colourful images at the top - eye catching and
to show DC in a bad light happy (change of tone), first thing audience see
Regular segment g2 placed at the time - selling No image of DC
point Iconic images of R2D2 and C3PO, Emma Stone
Representation
The text of the main article is constructed to position the audience to accept the newspapers viewpoint - the Kurdi family (and all refugees)
are blameless victims. It does not see the father as someone to blame (other papers did). The selection of the image makes the boys look just
like any other youngers, their nationality is irrelevant and contrasts with the images used before (of the boy’s body on the beach), maybe
using this image would make the audience more likely to pick up the paper as it was not so shocking. This representation of refugees/migrants
contracts to the dominant stereotype of middle eastern people (terrorist, criminals, benefit scrounger and ‘stealing jobs’.) The image serves to
remind the readers of the reality of the situation and show how desperate many people are to flee their home in search of safety. The boys
could represent all migrant children involved in the war, highlighting their innocence, vulnerability and defencelessness.
 Section B: Exploring Media Industries and Audiences

Which texts am I asked questions on for section B?

 The Archers radio show industry and audience

 Pokémon Go mobile video game industry and audience
 Spectre film industry only
 The Sun newspaper industry and audience

What do I have to do in Section B?

 Section B includes questions 3a, b, c, d and 4a, b, c, d

 Both questions 3 & 4 focus on asking questions such as:
o How your sets texts appeal to audiences (consider uses and gratifications theory)
o How ownership might affect the success of the set texts
o How your set text make money for their companies
o What affect new digital technologies have had on your set texts in terms of distribution and marketing to audiences
o How the set texts may be affected by regulation
o How audiences engage with your set texts e.g. passive or active

 Question 3 & 4 are made up of 1, 2, 4 and 12 mark questions. The 12 mark questions will ask you to apply
 Pokémon GO (2016) Industry & Audience

Production Context The Target Audience The Funding Model

Produced by Niantic and It was aimed at young boys but appealed to a much wider Funding was provided by Nintendo, Google and Apps distributor for
Nintendo. Uses augmented audience. In the first month the average player was a highly Apple and Android -‐‐ each would benefit if the game was successful.
reality and is playable on iOS educated, well paid 25 white women. Now the average player The game generated a lot of revenue via in--‐app purchases
and Android devices. Uses (according to YouGov) is aged 18 -‐‐ 34, male, likes Kinder, Smirnoff (pokecoins), in--‐game events like Halloween where ghost Pokémon
the same tech as Google and fast food especially Domino’s Pizza and is ‘more likely to be and candy (to upgrade and evolve) were more available and
Maps (GPS). Had an unmotivated’. This information was used to help market the film distances were shorter. Sponsored Location (Pokestops) -‐‐ companies
extended release: 6th July e.g. MacDonald’s, movie theatres and pubs were a Pokestops. pay to show up as prominent locations in the game. This helped
2016 USA, Australia and NZ businesses to increase/ attract customers
then later in other countries The Impact of technologies and convergence Regulation
(e.g. South Korea in Jan For an industry to survive they need to constantly evolve Video games are rated by PEGI and based on an age rating
2017). Free to download and especially video games. Virtual reality and augmented reality are system with key areas of focus (e.g. violence, drug use, online).
play but there is the ability the ‘next big thing’ and the game uses both. More and more The Video Standards Council uses PEGI to rate all games in the
to spend real money by people are gaming (casual gamers) because of mobile devices,
purchasing PokeCoins which UK. In the UK Pokémon Go was awarded PEGI 3+ but the Apple
Pokémon takes advantage of this and the way phones have many
allow you to get extra items store states it is suitable for those 9 and over (mild fantasy
technologies in them (convergence). The mobile gaming market
and enhancement violence) and the group Commonsense Media recommends
took in an estimated $38 billion in 2016 -‐‐ Pokémon Go was part of
this (and is still popular now with regular updates). 13+ due to privacy and personal safety concerns
Cultural Context Issues around Audiences
Part of a very popular global Core fan base is those who grew up with the franchise but it has more fans because of its innovative nature.
franchise. Many different Within the first few days of release there were issues. Every time the game was released in a new place there were issues with
parts e.g. films, TV, downloading it (due to demand), safety concerns included players getting injured while play due to being distracted, or playing and
merchandise, theme parks. driving, trespassing and players being targeted by criminals due to people being unaware of their surroundings. There was also concern
Given the success of the about the risks associated with online social media -‐‐ not knowing who you are chatting to, keeping personal information safe and
franchise it was safe to concerns around arranging to meet strangers offline. Pokémon character could also be placed in dangerous places as the game just used
assume it would be GPS and did not consider where the locations were -‐‐ it just made them a certain distance from players.
successful. Active audience who would engage with the product by playing, sharing own experiences/ videos, and possibly going to events.
Uses and Gratifications Theory The Pokemon Franchise
Entertainment/Diversion -‐‐ can play the game for fun, Started in 1995 and the trademark is owned by Nintendo. It began as a pair of video games for
easy to play, can play anywhere, can easily progress and the Gameboy but now includes more video games, an animated TV series, a trading card game,
feel good about this 17+ films, comics, books and toys.
Social Interaction -‐‐ can interact with other players online It is the second best-‐ selling video game franchise behind Mario and is one of the highest
esp via Twitter and Facebook, they challenge each other grossing media franchises of all time.
to battle, meet in ‘gyms’ to train, meet up at events etc. It has a huge fan base because of its long history and the way in which it has adapted to include
new technology and a changing fan base

Production Context
Produced by the BBC, publicly funded
broadcaster. Aired on Radio 4 the main
spoken word station.
Convergence with other technologies -‐‐
Available on iPlayer and has presence on
social media with websites/Twitter etc.
Social/ Cultural Context
Covers contemporary issues which are in
the news. Helps shape national debate
on issues such as domestic abuse with
the Helen & Rob story.
Would include real events like the death
of Princess Di, foot and mouth outbreak,
and 9/11. They would often re--‐record
episodes to do this. In the 1950s it was
seen as a way of bring people together
and even now people will discuss it but
now that happens mostly online
Historical/Political Context
Oldest ‘soap opera’ has been running for
65 years. Originally for farmers to gain
information on crop developments.
Broadly neutral politically but covers
issues of political interest to rural
communities
Key Terms and conventions
radio soap opera, public service
broadcasting, convergence, OFCOM,
licence fee, remit, omnibus, market
share, brand identity, cliff-‐‐hangers,
ongoing narratives, multi strand
narratives, melodrama
‘The Archers’ Industry & Audience
The Target Audience Messages and Values
Original audience was agricultural workers. Strong community values. Set in fictional village where everyone
Now audience mainly female knows each other.
ABC1 demographic Family values: based round the Archer family
Older demographic 40 plus listeners who are Specific messages delivered through storylines. For example
targeted with storylines which they can relate to introduced gay marriage and surrogacy and issues of drug supply in
(many of the characters are this age) rural communities and issues around domestic abuse
Uses and Gratifications
Simple entertainment – Story lines are designed to entertain the audience with trivial events like the ‘Flower and Produce’ show,
they would be engaged by the on-‐‐going storylines, reflect that their relationship was better than Rob and Helen’s Information
and education – Many story lines are designed to inform the public about current issues in agriculture such as intensive farming.
The plots educate the audience about issues like domestic violence. Gave information out about domestic abuse -‐‐ warning signs
and helpline, info about ‘Battered Women’s Syndrome’
Personal identity – The audience relates their own lives to those of the characters, see Helen as a role model as she stood up
to Rob
Social Interaction – By using social media outlets, the audience can share their reactions to the programme with other
listeners. This would make them a more active than passive audience. Many came out in support of Helen
Escapism – Many listeners wish they lived in an ‘idyllic’ English village and use the programme to imagine that they live in
Ambridge.
Representation
The tag line of ‘An everyday story of country life’ positions the listener to believe that the characters are typical of those
found in rural communities.
A number of stereotypical representations are used. The large scale farmer, the small contractor, the village busybody.
These simplify the characters for the audience but also make them relatable
Increasing representation of gay and minority ethnic characters used to increase audience and to reflect the diversity of
British life
Clear use of victims and villain following gender stereotypes in the Rob and Helen abusive storline
Industry Information
The radio industry was considered under threat from digital media like Youtube but has embraced change and found new ways
of attracting listeners through digital platforms. The BBC especially has been at the forefront with the introduction of the
Radio iPlayer which The Archers can be accessed on. Radio 4 has maintained its position as the UK’s flagship spoken word station.
Radio is regulated by OFCOM. There are two type of radio -‐‐ commercial (has adverts) and Public Service (govt money, licence fee),
not for profit, to benefit people and this is BBC Radio 4. BBC remit -‐‐ education, inform and entertain. There is a tight production
schedule that includes biannual meeting (pre--‐production) monthly recording session that last for 6 day (production) and the
shows go to air 3--‐6 weeks after recording (post--‐production/ distribution)

Overview
Launched as a Broadsheet in 1964- changed to a Tabloid in
1969. Published daily in print form- 50p. Average
circulation of 1.6m copies and readership of 3.4m.
Politically it is an influential newspaper- It has supported
the Conservatives (Right wing) since 2010. It is also a
Eurosceptic, populist newspaper, which supported the
‘Leave’ campaign in the build-up to Brexit. It is often
heavily critical of immigration. The Sun has always been
controversial in its output-particularly the Hillsborough
Football Disaster, and use of Page 3 topless girls.
Regulation
IPSO regulate newspapers, including the Sun, so they have
to follow the Editors Code. A key aspect of the editor’s
code is accuracy of reporting- ‘The press must stake care
not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted
information, or images, including headlines not supported
by the text’. In 2016, the Sun ran a headline ‘Queen Backs
Brexit’- relating to some comment criticising the EU made
by the Queen. IPSO ruled this was misleading and not
supported by the text in the article, and the Sun had to
publish an apology and print IPSO’s statement on the case.
Regular features of the newspaper (& how they
appeal)
Name and Masthead- Iconic of the brand, reflects the fact
most people buy newspapers in the morning. The font
leans to the right-political allegiance and looking forward
Range of ‘Hard/Soft’ news stories- including a lot of
celebrity news and human interest stories. Editorial
column ‘Sun Says’- paper directly giving its views on issues,
making the papers views and values clear (influential and
also fits with the views of the readership). Celebrity
Columns. Advertisement- many high street brands
advertise in the Sun, reflecting the target demographic.
Entertainment- ‘Bizarre column, celebrity gossip and TV
listings’ which appeal to the target audience. Pull-out
sections on health, motoring etc- bringing in a wider
audience with more specialist content. Regular features-
‘Agony aunt’, puzzles, horoscopes, advice column/letters.
The Sun – Industry & Audience
Audience
Demographics - 1/3 of the Suns readers are ABC1 (and only 10% in AB) making 2/3 in the C2DE brackets.
Only 1/4 of the readers are under 35- 3/4 are ages over 35. 60% of readers are Male. Therefore, the majority of the
Sun’s target audience are 35+ males in the Lower socio-economic brackets (C2DE) Psychographics - The audience for
the Sun might share the newspapers values- right wing, Eurosceptic etc. In addition, the NP fulfils many Uses and
Gratifications: News provides information Celebrity and gossip offer escapism and entertainment. Human interest
stories offer personal identity & development. The website, with opportunities to comment, allows social interaction.
Ownership & Funding New Tech
Owned by News UK, a subsidiary company of Rupert The Sun print edition is supported by a website,
Murdoch’s large multi-media conglomerate News Corp. social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook,
News UK also owns The Times/Sunday Times (Broadsheet and a mobile app.The app is a paid-for subscription
newspapers) and a number of Radio stations in the UK. News service that allows the reader to download the
UK is the largest publisher in the UK, and the SUN has the entire newspaper in digital form to their
largest readership of all national daily newspapers in the UK. Tablet/Phone each day. The app (and website) also
The parent company News Corp owns the NEW York Times as allow content such as video and audio which would
well as Harper Collins book publishers. As a conglomerate it not be possible in a magazine, as well as being able
has a diversified portfolio- it owns different companies in to be updated much quicker than a daily
different sectors to maximise profit. Newspapers earn a lot of newspaper.
their revenue from advertisements (Hence the advert for Aldi
Readers can upload video/photos, giving the Sun
on the cover- £1 in every £7 spent is by a Sun reader, so it has
(and newspapers in general) a wider range of
a large market for any advertisers to capture)
sources to draw news from, and much more quickly
Advertisers will leave and not place advertisements if
readership becomes too low. The Sun, despite its place as too.
most popular, has seen its circulation and readership drop
every year, so it has financial reasons to capture and attract Features of the website (& how they link to
audiences- hence the controversy and populist topics and the print edition)
stories. House style - link between print & website- colour,
In August 2013 the Sun launched a subscription service where font, content etc.
they charged £2 per week to see all the content from the Many pages relate to sections in the actual
newspaper plus additional content such as Football clips. newspaper- brand identity and house style again.
They had 117,000 subscribers. However, they removed the Many of the adverts from the newspaper are the
paywall on their online content in 2015 to compete with same online.
(major rival) the free Daily Mail online. visitors to the Sun’s Readers can comment on articles, giving them an
website now averages 5.5m visitors a day. The app remains a opportunity for social interaction- which they
paid-for subscription. Advertisements feature heavily on cannot on the print edition.
their website and app, bringing in new revenue streams
Regularly updated homepage and sections-
despite falling physical newspaper sales and the reduction in
compared to ‘once a day’ publication of the print
income from advertisement this has led to.
edition

REGULATION
BBFC = British board of Film Regulation
12a = No-‐‐one under the age of 12 allowed to
watch the film at the cinema unless accompanied
by an adult 12 = No-‐‐one under the age of 12
allowed to rent or buy the DVD. The Bond
franchise always aims for a 12 certificate to
increase audience. Spectre was awarded a 15 until
some scenes were removed
REGULATION –WHAT MAKES A CERT 12A/12?
Discrimination: Must not happen unless it is
condemned
Drugs: infrequent, not glamorised
Imitable behaviour: No promotion of dangerous
behaviour children may copy eg: knives
Language: There may be moderate language.
Nudity: brief and discreet.
Sex: brief and discreet
Threat: moderate, should not be frequent or
sustained.
Violence: There may be moderate violence but
it should not dwell on detail.
LINK REGULATION TO SPECTRE 12A
Sex/Nudity : unzipping the woman’s dress, nude back,
cuts to her in bed and Bond getting dressed. We don’t
see them in bed together
Language : use of ‘bloody’ –typical British swear
word, not offensive and in context. One use of ‘shit’
as a man falls from a train
Violence : The eye gouging scene focuses on sound
effects not visuals, at the end of the fight on the
train, Bond is uninjured and his suit intact, the gun
fight in the snow shows no blood or injuries. The
suicide by gun of Bond characters either die or
survive –no gruesome injuries.
Spectre – Industry Only
SPECTRE -­­ FACTS AND FIGURES
Budget: $245 (est) Revenue: $1.1 billion. The most successful Bond film ever. Sponsorships and ties in
also helped the film to be profitable Franchise: long running (since 1961), global success, global
distribution, mass market, large audience, commercial appeal–Bond is known everywhere and is iconic.
Star Appeal : An actor plays Bond several times to maintain the audience Convergence: Web site
containing loads of Bond info and every type of merchandise, social media groups for fans to converge.
Company Information Marketing Spectre
Sony, a conglomerate, owns the production companies Marketing methods can be broken into two
(Eon, MGM, Columbia). The film was distributed by different groups. Traditional -‐‐ posters, trailers,
Sony in cinema, DVD was distributed by MGM’s reviews adverts in newspapers, on buses etc.
distributor 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Modern -‐‐ websites, facebook, twitter, tie--‐in,
Sony is a vertically integrated company-‐‐it owns the competitions. A series of trailers were made for
production and distribution stages of the film process. Spectre. They were screen on TV, at the cinema, on
Sony is also a horizontally integrated company-‐‐ it owns the official websites and Youtube. The main trailer
many different productions companies. It also produces followed key conventions and featured key
a wide range of media content including video games, moments from the film. All the trailers made the
electronics and music. Their music company Decca genre clear and the teaser trailer create enigmas.
produced the soundtrack for Spectre. Advantages of Many posters were produced including ones for
conglomerates each key character. Some were teaser posters while
e.g. more money, faster process, steady supply of films, others were more detailed. Ties in with Sony
companies can specialize, they can control the process products, Aston Martin, and Heineken created extra
and use other companies to help promote the film. advertising and created synergy as more than one
Disadvantages of conglomerates -‐‐ too profit driven, product was being advertised. A series of vlogs were
films become ver similar (formulaic), lack of creativity, released on the official Youtube page and website
tickets/ DVD prices are high (no competition) including behind the scenes and ‘making of’ videos.
Using Sam Smith as the singer of the theme song
The stages of the Film Industry
also helped marketing as it reached #1 in the charts.
Development: Ideas developed, finance obtained,
The official website was an important part of the
screenplay written (John Logan, Neal Purvis, Robert
marketing -‐‐ it featured info about previous films,
Wade and Jez Butterworth)
news about upcoming films, clues about the
Pre-­­production: Cast and crew hired, locations found.
narrative, promotional material, links to
Directed by Sam Mendes and starred Daniel Craig.
merchandise and events (e.g. exhibition of Bond
Production: The film is shot (including Mexico and UK)
material) and links to other social media making it
Post production: Editing, add sound and effects. Sam
easy for avid fans and new fans to find out about
Smith wrote/ sung the theme song
the film and interacting with the brand.
Distribution: Advertising and distributing to cinemas
 Practice Exam 1

Section A: Exploring Media Language and Representation

Answer all parts of Questions 1 and 2.

Spend about 55 minutes on this section.

Media Language

Question 1 is based on Pride magazine from the set products.

Use the magazine cover when answering the question.

1. Explore how the cover of Pride magazine uses these aspects of media language to create meanings:

(a) layout and design [5]

(b) images [5]
(c) cover lines [5]

Representation

2. (a) Explain how historical contexts influence advertisements. Refer to the Quality Street
advertisement to support your points. [5]

Question 2b is based on the Quality Street advertisement from the set products and Resource A,
an advertisement for Maybelline, found on p. 21.

(b) Compare the representation of women in the Quality Street advertisement and the Maybelline
advertisement. [25]

In your response, you must:

 consider the choices the producers have made about how to represent women
 consider how far the representation of women is similar in the two advertisements
 consider how far the representation of women is different in the two advertisements
Resource A – a contemporary print advertisement for a skin-care product from Maybelline.
Maybelline is a large beauty company.

To be used with Section A Question 2b.

BABY SKIN® INSTANT PORE ERASER® © L'Oréal, 2014

Section B: Exploring Media Industries and Audiences

Answer all parts of Questions 3 and 4.

Media Industries

3. (a) Explain the meaning of the term franchise. [1]

(b) ‘Pokémon Go’ is part of the Pokémon franchise. Give two examples of other products within
the Pokémon franchise. [2]

(c) Briefly explain how ‘Pokémon Go’ makes money. [2]

(d) Explain why the ‘Pokémon Go’ video game was considered ground-breaking on its release. [12]

Audiences

4. (a) Where is The Archers set? [1]

(b) Identify one way in which this setting might appeal to audiences. [1]

(c) Explain two ways in which the narrative structure of The Archers might engage audiences. [4]

(d) Explain how The Archers reflects social contexts to help it appeal to audiences. [12]
 Practice Exam 2

Section A: Exploring Media Language and Representation

Answer all parts of Questions 1 and 2.

Spend about 55 minutes on this section.

Media Language

1. Explore how the film poster for The Man with the Golden Gun uses these aspects of media language to
create meanings:

(a) images of men [5]

(b) images of women [5]
(c) narrative codes [5]

Representation

2. (a) Explain how political contexts influence newspapers. Refer to The Guardian newspaper to support
your points. [5]

Question 2b is based on the cover of The Guardian newspaper from the set products and Resource A,
the cover of the Daily Mail newspaper, found on p. 35.

(b) Compare the representation of migrants in The Guardian and The Daily Mail. [25]

In your response, you must:

 consider the choices the producers have made about how to represent migrants
 consider how far the representation of migrants is similar in the two newspapers
 consider how far the representation of migrants is different in the two newspapers
Resource A – the cover of the Daily Mail from 28th August 2015. The Daily Mail is a British tabloid newspaper.

To be used with Section A Question 2b.

The Daily Mail: © Daily Mail and General

 Section B: Exploring Media Industries and Audiences

Answer all parts of Questions 3 and 4.

Media Industries

3. (a) What was the year in which Spectre was released? [1]

(b) Name two of the companies involved in producing the film Spectre. [2]

(c) Briefly explain what the pre-production and post-production stages of film production are. [2]

(d) Explain how Spectre may be regarded as both a British film and a Hollywood film. [12]

Audiences

4. (a) Is The Sun a tabloid, broadsheet or compact newspaper? [1]

(b) Identify one audience group for The Sun. [1]

(c) Explain two ways in which The Sun is aimed at the audience you have identified. [4]

In Question 4d, you will be rewarded for using knowledge and understanding from across the full course, including different areas of the theoretical framework and media
contexts.

(d) Explain whether readers of The Sun are likely to be an active or a passive audience. [12]