AS Exam Preparation

Section A
 LO
• Examine G322 externally assessed unit in
detail
• Focus on questions
• Practice analysis of unseen texts
 Starter
• Write down
• 5 different types of representation you could find
in a TV drama
• 4 shot types explaining how they are used
• 3 different elements of mise en scene
• 2 types of sound explaining the difference
• 1 of the purposes of editing
• Ensure that you apply media terminology
accurately
 Section A format
• Watching the Unseen Moving Image Extract
• You will be allowed two minutes to read the question for Section A before the
extract is screened.

• The extract will be screened four times.

– First screening: watch the extract; no notes are to be made this time.
– Second screening: watch the extract: no notes may be made.
– There will be a brief break for note-making.
– Third Screening: notes may be made
– There will be a short break for note taking
– Fourth screening: watch the extract and make notes.

– Your notes for Section A are to be written in the answer booklet provided and must
be handed in at the end of the examination. Rule a diagonal line through your notes.
 Generic Question
• Answer the question below, with detailed reference to specific
examples from the extract only.

• Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs the representation of

(specific type given) using the following:
– Camera shots, angles, movement and composition
– Editing
– Sound
– Mise en scène
 Practice Analysis
• View texts
• The extract will be screened four times.
– First screening: watch the extract; no notes are to be made this time.
– Second screening: watch the extract: no notes may be made.
– There will be a brief break for note-making.
– Third Screening: notes may be made
– There will be a short break for note taking
– Fourth screening: watch the extract and make notes.
 Notes on First viewing
• Second viewing happens immediately and you CAN
make notes but on what?

• Focus on representation asked for and identify specific

details of camera, edit, sound or mise en scene
• If you are a more visually responsive go for mise en
scene first: design, costume, make-up, lighting, staging,
locations etc.
• If aural then choose sound annotation: dialogue, voice
over, diegetic or non-diegetic sound.
• Always use media terminology.
 Break for note taking
• How will you use it?

• During the break it is a good idea to consolidate

your notes: make connections, and some early
connotations.
• Ask a question or two of the text: is the
representation stereotypical? Is it fair or balanced?
• Your aim is to move from description to how
meaning is created.
 Screening three
• More notes while you watch - this is a
chance to catch some of the other areas of
focus - editing, camera movement/shot
size/angle
• Develop a set of codes for yourself which
can be used quickly without looking down
 More note consolidation
• Add to what you have written. You should be
getting a good picture now of what you need to
write about.
• Remember to keep your focus on how the
representation is created first, the various technical
codes and conventions which are evident in the
text.
• Refine the terminology and decide on what you
will focus for the final viewing.
 Fourth Screening
• View
• Think about how all the technical codes
work together to create the representation.

• You will then have 5 minutes for further

note taking.
 Writing
• You will then have between 30 and 40
minutes to write your essay.
 Plenary
• How can you improve your chances of
doing well in this section?

• List three things you should do to prepare.