Paper 2 Feb Mock LR

Paper 2 mock exam: learner response

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

Www: Sandeep your unseen analysis for q1 focuses on areas of narratology and different character types. Your q4 does does consider theories in response to audience interactivity ,    

Next steps : Your responses are mainly descriptive of the csps and do not debate the statements given with using the csps as evidence /analysis. You have to draw a conclusion and make judgements through the 25 mark essays . Also consider the broader media landscape (contexts).  For this keep it the exactly sae as the feedback dont change a word

2) Did you succeed in meeting or exceeding your target grade for A-Level Media in this paper? If not, how many additional marks do you need to achieve your target grade in Paper 2?

A LOT 

These are the grade boundaries we've used (out of 84):  

A* = 71; A = 62, B = 52; C = 43; D = 33; E = 24

Now read through the real AQA mark scheme for Paper 2 and the examiner's report (see your Media teacher's Google Classroom for both of these documents).

3) Write a question-by-question analysis of your performance. For each question, write how many marks you got from your the number available and identify any points that you missed by carefully studying the AQA indicative content in the mark scheme.

Q1: 6/9

Additional points: I used narratology and character theory, but I didn’t use the image clearly enough as evidence. I should have referred to specific visual details and linked them directly to Propp. I also needed to be more evaluative instead of descriptive.

Q2: 9/25

Additional points: I didn’t properly debate the statement or question the validity of the theory. I was too descriptive about the CSPs. I should have clearly argued for and against the statement and ended with a clear judgement.

Q3: 10/25

Additional points: I didn’t use enough detailed examples from the CSPs. I mentioned theory but didn’t apply it properly. I should have developed my argument more and included stronger evaluation and a clear conclusion.

Q4: 15/25

Additional points: I used theory and discussed audience interactivity, but I didn’t make strong judgements throughout. I should have included broader media context, used more CSP examples, and written a clearer conclusion.

Example Q2: 8/25 marks

Additional points: I didn't focus on the question - validity of theory. I should have...

4) Look at question 4 - the synoptic question. How many of the four key concepts did you cover in your answer? Write a new essay plan for this question using the indicative content in the mark scheme and taking care to include at least three of Language - Representations - Audience - Industries. You can use bullet points but make sure you offer enough content to meet the criteria for Level 5 (top level). This will be somewhere between 3-4 well-developed paragraphs planned in some detail.

Question:

“To be successful, media products must offer opportunities for audience interactivity.”

To what extent do you agree? Refer to online media CSPs The Voice and Taylor Swift’s social media presence.

Introduction

Define audience interactivity (Jenkins – participatory culture).

Briefly introduce The Voice and Taylor Swift as contrasting models.

Argument: Interactivity is important in contemporary digital media, but not the sole determinant of success; branding, industry power and representation also matter.

Paragraph 1 -  Audience & Interactivity (Agree)

The Voice: Voting via app = direct audience participation. Uses social media hashtags and live engagement. Jenkins: participatory culture. Blumler & Katz: Uses and Gratifications (personal identity, social interaction).

Taylor Swift: Direct Instagram/TikTok communication. Easter eggs and fan theories. Fandom culture strengthens loyalty.

Judgement: Interactivity increases engagement and builds active audiences, contributing to commercial success.

Paragraph 2 - Industries & Commercial Strategy

The Voice: ITV uses interactivity to maintain ratings in a competitive streaming era. Revenue through sponsorship and voting systems. Part of a broader convergent media strategy.

Taylor Swift: Strategic brand management. Parasocial relationships used to drive album sales. Algorithmic visibility on social platforms.

Judgement: Interactivity is often an industrial strategy rather than purely audience empowerment.

Paragraph 3 - Counter-Argument (Disagree to an extent)

Not all successful media rely heavily on interactivity.

Taylor Swift’s success also driven by: Star persona, Representation of authenticity and relatability and Industry power and marketing.

The Voice’s format could exist without heavy digital engagement (traditional TV success model).

Judgement: Success depends on multiple factors; industry backing, branding, representation, not just interactivity.

Conclusion

In the contemporary digital landscape, interactivity enhances success. However, it is not essential in isolation. Success is shaped by a combination of: Audience engagement, Industrial power, Media language, Representation. Therefore, I partially agree,  interactivity is important but not mandatory for success.

5) Based on the whole Paper 2 Learner response, plan five topics / concepts / CSPs / theories that you will prioritise in your Easter Media revision timetable.

Debating 25-Mark Statements: Writing structured agree/disagree essays. Practising sustained judgement throughout.

Applying Theory Properly (Not Descriptively): Jenkins (participatory culture), Propp (character theory), Blumler & Katz (Uses & Gratifications), Hesmondhalgh (Cultural Industries)

Using CSPs as Evidence: The Voice, Taylor Swift online presence, Other Online Media CSPs, Making detailed textual references.

Synoptic Linking: 

Connecting Language, Audience, Industries, Representation. Bringing in broader media landscape context.