A-Level Media Studies Exam Guide: Component 1

Introduction

• Guide to A-Level Media Studies Component 1 exam
• Overview of paper format, timing, and examples
• Important: Understanding paper structure is key

Exam Structure

• Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Answer Booklet: 8 pages
• Resources: Includes a video resource for question 1 and a print resource for question 2
• Questions: Must answer all questions; no optional questions

Timing Advice

• Spend 1.5 hours on Section A and 45 minutes on Section B
• Section B: 45 marks, equivalent to 1 minute per mark
• Calculate the end time and adjust for Section B to ensure complete answering
• Missing a 12-mark question can significantly affect your grade

Section A Overview

• Usually includes a Media Language Question and a Representation Question
• Media Language question is worth fewer marks than the Representation question
• The Representation question involves comparison between unseen and set texts
• Always involves an unseen video clip
• Possible video clip sources: TV adverts or music videos

Video Clip Details

• Viewing: Shown 3 times, with 1-minute reading time and 5-minute note-taking gap
• Length: Always a 2-minute clip, could be part of a longer video

Question Tips

• First question is always a video-based Media Language or Representation question
• Video clip sources limited to music videos or TV adverts

Section B Overview

• Marks: 45 in total, questions are stepped (3a, 3b, etc.)
• Questions vary from low mark (1-4 marks) to higher mark (8-12 marks)
• Topics involve definition, explanation, and detailed analysis
• Specific products or texts are sometimes required for reference

Topics and Products

• Industries: Radio, video games, newspapers, film
• Audiences: Advertising, newspapers, video games
• Newspapers: Appear in both Section A (set covers/articles) and Section B (general discussion)

Conclusion

• Understand the format and expectations for Component 1
• Check out additional resources for Component 2
• Seek clarification if needed and utilize specifications provided by teachers