cpim q1a how to structure an answer
DESCRIPTION
OCR Media Studies A2TRANSCRIPT
Question 1a
How should you structure
your q1a answer?
Structure
Essentially question 1a is asking you to evaluate the development across the course of your skills at the different phases of the production process:
• Pre-Production
• Production
• Post-Production
Know what these three phases include.
Structure
It is possible to learn a plan for the q1a options:
• learn a structured introduction
• structure your answer around the three phases ofthe production process
• select a limited number of examples in each phase that show progression from AS to A2
• learn a conclusion
These three options can easily be structured like this:
• Digital Technology
• Creativity
• Use of Real Media Texts
Structure 1
For the other options :
•Research and Planning
•Post Production
while you might want to concentrate on (have more examples from) the one phase in the question,
think also about how it relates to the other two stages of production.
Structure 2
Remembering examples
AS A2
Make one of these for each of
•research and planning
•real media texts
•digital technologies
•post-production.
Add examples.
Copy each one and add
creativity (or add creativity to
the original in a different
colour).
AS includes prelim and main
tasks.
A2 includes main task &
ancillary tasks.
AS A2
AS A2
Pre
-Pro
du
cti
on
Pro
du
cti
on
P
os
t-P
rod
ucti
on
You could add diagrams like this to your existing prezis, timelines etc.
AS A2
Highlight on these notes (or
make a second version with
just your selected examples):
•3 examples at each phase at
AS that best illustrate the
level of your skills at that point
in the course
•3 examples at each phase at
A2 that best illustrate
progression or development
at this phase from AS
AS A2
AS A2
Pre
-Pro
du
cti
on
Pro
du
cti
on
P
os
t-P
rod
ucti
on
Selecting examples
In terms of essay introductions for q1a, use a three part structure:
1. Answer or give your point of view on the question.
2. Outline briefly what you made across both years.
3. Explain to the examiner how you are going to structure your essay.
Introduction
Over the course of my production work, the development of my skills in research and planning has enabled me to make increasingly creative decisions. At AS I followed the music magazine print brief, while at A2 I made a film promotion package, including a film poster and a film magazine cover as ancillary tasks. Selected examples from my work at the pre-production, production and post-production phases will illustrate the development and impact of my skills.
Example Introduction
Write an introduction for each option.They can be very similar, but must address the question.Learn them.Use them in the exam as a way to calm any nerves and to settle into the answer.
Introduction
Work through your selected examples in order.
Try to always stick to the PDQ format:•Point (name / describe the skill)•Data (example / evidence)•Question (relate this back to the question)
This helps particularly when the question is about two of the options.
Check your timing:•18 examples? 18 minutes
Body of essay
ConclusionWhat could you say to sum up reflectively, honestly and realistically the development of your skills in the area of the question?
It may help to think of a question to answer as your conclusion:
•How far have your skills developed?•How do they compare to professional media practice?•How far could they develop further? What specific skills did you not develop?•What would be different in producing in a professional media context?
Assessment
What are examiners looking for?
•A clear sense of progression•A broad range of carefully selected examples•Articulate reflections on skills•Fluent evaluation•Use of relevant media and production terms•Clear and fluent writing about complex issues, that is well-structured and accurate
And finallyPractise answering each topic and combination of topics.
Refine each answer in terms of content.
Make sure you can write it in just under 30 minutes.
Learn the •introductions•examples•PDQ points•conclusions
If you do all this, you can be confident.