G322 TV DRAMA EXAM

How to structure an essay

AIM

Understanding of writing skills: how to structure an essay for you TV Drama exam

Step one

Remember to include all technical areas within your answer. For instance refer to:

1.Camera work2.Editing3.Sound4.Mise-en-scene

(Micro aspects of the unseen text)

A strong answer would illustrate...........

Clear analysis of how the technical aspects are used to construct the particular representation.

Understanding of the constructed nature of representation.

Step Two

Analysis of the representation issue which would be given to you, would be one of the following;

1. Gender2.Age3.Sexuality4.Ethnicity5.Class and status6.Physical ability and disability7.Regional identity

(Macro aspects of the unseen text)

Remember!

Micro elements make up the Macro aspects of the text

Step three

Ask yourself questions when taking notes!

FOR EXAMPLE

What issue is being represented? E.g. Gender What are the dominant stereotypes associated

with this topic?What stereotypes are evident?What stereotypes are being challenged?Who are the main characters?

Example question

Discuss the way in which the representation of Ethnicity is constructed in the clip ‘Spooks’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq9bK9YeTsI&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

We can identify that Ethnicity has been selected as the macro element for this question.

Therefore, it is Ethnicity which should be concentrated upon.

Class Discussion

Who were the main characters? How were they represented?What examples were there that conformed or

challenged the stereotype?Describe using media language. (micro

areas).

Structuring you work

Introduction and conclusion is important

HOWEVER!

Do not waste time with long introduction and conclusion paragraphs.

Go straight into analysing!

Structuring you work

Introduction State what you think the question is asking you. Give a brief outline of what is to follow in the main body of your

essay.

Main Body Present the points you make in a relevant and logical fashion.

Analyse all micro areas. You must show that the point you make is relevant to the question.

Keep reminding yourself what you are analysing in which representational form

Develop your argument using as many examples of relevant information as possible. Be sure to give examples from the text

Keep to the point. Do not spend to long in one area Remember TES (Terminology, Example, Analysis)

Conclusion leave a few minutes to write a conclusion. Write a brief summary of your analysis. Do not make new points in your conclusion.