G322 Section B: Institutions and AudiencesThe Videogames Industry

Structure of the Exam

As you know, the G322 exam is 2 hours long. This breaks down in the following way:

1. 30 mins for viewing the TV Drama clip and making notes.

2. 45 mins for writing up your TV Drama answer.

3. 45 mins for answering the Institutions and Audiences: Videogames question.

DO NOT make the mistake of giving yourself less than 45 mins for your section B answer.

Mark Allocation

There are 100 marks available for the whole of the G322 paper:

50 for the Section A: TV Drama question AND

50 for the Section B: Institutions and Audiences question.

How you will be marked…

Your section B answer will be marked out of 50 and these 50 marks are allocated under 3 headings:

Explanation/ analysis/ argument (maximum of 20 marks).

Use of examples (maximum of 20 marks).

Use of terminology (maximum of 10 marks).

Keep these 3 headings at the forefront of your mind as you are answering the question in order to allow yourself maximum possible marks.

The mark scheme has 4 levels (level 4 is the top level) and you will be allocated marks depending on how your answer best fits each of the 3 areas above. You can be marked across levels ie. you might have Explanation/analysis/argument which fits a good level 3, but your Use of terminology might only fit a middle level 2.

The Mark Scheme

Level 1

Explanation/analysis/argument (0-7 marks)

Shows minimal understanding of the task

Minimal knowledge and understanding of institutional/audience practices – general opinions or assertions predominate

Minimal argument evident, with little reference to case study material

Of minimal relevance to set question or a brief response (under one and a half sides of answer booklet)

Use of examples (0-7 marks)

Offers minimal use of case study material

Offers a limited range of or inappropriate examples

Offers examples of minimal relevance to set question

 Use of terminology (0-3 marks)

Minimal or frequently inaccurate use of appropriate terminology

The Mark Scheme

Level 2

Explanation/analysis/argument (8-11 marks)

Shows basic understanding of the task

Basic knowledge and understanding of institutional/audience practices – factual knowledge will have some accuracy

Basic argument evident, with some reference to case study material

Some relevance to set question  

Use of examples (8-11 marks)

Offers some evidence from case study material

Offers a partial range of examples from case study and own experience

Offers examples of some relevance to the set question  

Use of terminology (4-5 marks)

Some terminology used, although there may be some inaccuracies

 

The Mark Scheme

Level 3

Explanation/analysis/argument (12-15 marks)

Shows proficient understanding of the task

Proficient knowledge and understanding of institutional/audience practices – factual knowledge is mostly accurate

Some developed argument, supported by reference to case study material

Mostly relevant to set question

 Use of examples (12-15 marks)

Offers consistent evidence from case study material

Offers a range of examples from case study and own experience

Offers examples which are mostly relevant to the set question

 Use of terminology (6-7 marks)

Use of terminology is mostly accurate

The Mark Scheme

Level 4

Explanation/analysis/argument (16-20 marks)

Shows excellent understanding of the task

Excellent knowledge and understanding of institutional/audience practices – factual knowledge is relevant and accurate

A clear and developed argument, substantiated by detailed reference to case study material

Clearly relevant to set question

 Use of examples (16-20 marks)

Offers frequent evidence from case study material – award marks to reflect the range and appropriateness of examples

Offers a full range of examples from case study and own experience

Offers examples which are clearly relevant to the set question

 Use of terminology (8-10 marks)

Use of terminology is relevant and accurate

 

 

A good answer…

Will engage directly with the question in the exam paper and shape case studies to fit that question.

Will present both sides of an argument.

Will give clear examples for EVERY point made.

Will use specific terminology to argue each point.

Will have a clear introduction and conclusion.

Will place the chosen case study in the wider context of the chosen media industry.

A poor answer…

Will be short.

Will not answer the question, but just ‘dump’ the case study.

Won’t have a clear argument.

Won’t use terminology.

Will be vague and lack examples.

Will make facts up!

Your Case Studies.

You will have two case studies to draw from in the exam:

1. Grand Theft Auto 4.

2. Your own case study.

The reason you are going to have 2 case studies is so that you can compare and contrast two games and two companies behind the games.

You will be given the GTA4 case study, which will cover all of the key elements required in the exam. The key elements are:

Production/ Distribution/ Marketing/ Exchange/ Audience Consumption/ The relationship between Audiences and Institutions.

You will then use these headings to create your own case study on a game of your choice.