Year 11 Paper 1 assessment: Learner Response

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

WWW: Fajr, you are mostly secure with knowledge of the CSP's in this paper.

Next steps: 

1) more detail needed to reach top marks e.g. when you analyse the unseen advert you need to write at least 3 paragraphs. 

2) revise media terminology e.g. Q1.2 and Q5 - flashcards will help you!

2) Look at the mark scheme for this assessment. For Question 2 (12 mark unseen) use the indicative content in the mark scheme to identify three points that you could have referred to in your answer.

Verbal codes (use of language)

• The text is positioned over the top of the tyre to signify the challenge and create synergy between the image and the message in the text.

• The word battle has connotations of fighting and trying to triumph over an enemy.

• ‘Begins off-field’ connotes preparation and a subversive look at sporting events (focussing on the training rather than the event itself) and underpins the above connotation.

Colour Palette

• Darkness has connotations of dangers to be faced and makes it more dramatic

• The use of the spotlight (through the flood lit logos) links to sports matches and connotes drama / excitement but also shines on the main image connoting his power.

• The smoke special effect adds to the drama of the situation and the idea of dangers to be overcome.

Photographic Codes

• Long shot shows the whole power of the body and the effort involved in pushing the tyre.

• The main image is positioned in between the flood lit logos to link his effort with the brand image but also to isolate him and connotes personal struggle /strength.

3) For Question 3 (Galaxy - narrative features) use the mark scheme to write down the main narrative theories and how we can link them to the Galaxy advert CSP. 

• Character types can be seen as outdated stereotypes of masculinity and femininity (‘damsel in distress’ scenario) with Audrey Hepburn cast as the ‘heroine’ character type (Propp) with the male chauffeur coming to her aid as the ‘Hero’ archetype and rescuing her. However, another interpretation would see Hepburn as the ‘Hero’ of the narrative, taking matters into her own hands and forcing the driver of the car into the ‘Helper/Donor’ position, enabling her to complete her quest.

• The use of locations in the narrative suggests a version of reality for the audience: Italian Riviera has connotations of romance, upper class and the old Hollywood era is evoked, suggesting the luxurious nature of the chocolate and reinforcing the ‘silk, not cotton’ message.

• There is disequilibrium at the start when the village is associated with chaos (fruit falling, bus stopping, people shouting). This is juxtaposed with the calm, heroic persona that the audience encounters when they meet Hepburn and, when the new equilibrium is restored at the end, the sweeping vista suggests endless possibilities / traditional happy ending at the closure of the narrative.

4) Now look at Question 4 - Tatler and social/cultural contexts. Use the mark scheme to identify three points you could have made in your answer here.

• Use of green colour scheme (fresh and new) with white text (style, class, sophistication).

• Recent cultural events referenced in cover lines – ‘See EU later’ references Brexit while ‘Love in the time of Corona’ reflects Covid pandemic. Suggests that wealthy British people want to know the latest news and current affairs.

• ‘Blond Ambition’ shows link to Prime Minister Boris Johnson (interview with his brother). Reflects Tatler’s focus on power and influence in Britain. This is also seen in cover line ‘Inside the new British establishment’.

5) On Section B, focus on Question 7 - film industry and Black Widow. Use the mark scheme to identify three ways Black Widow was marketed to its audience.

• The use of trailers, teasers and social media to build up excitement and word-of-mouth long before release.

• The use of traditional film marketing techniques: trailers, film posters, red-carpet premieres, interviews with stars and director etc.

• Star Power: most big-budget mainstream films and blockbusters will use Star Power to attract audiences to their film. The main star in Black Widow is Scarlett Johansson who is very well known and has established fans.

6) Finally, write down three things you are going to work on before your next mock exam in December (e.g. time management; revising CSPs etc.)

I will create flashcards and do past papers.