A2 Examiner tips - Sec A Static Image Sample Paper & Responses

Associated Resources

Static Image Sample The Sun.pdf

Static Image Sample Hackney Gazette.pdf

MEST3 Section A (40%)

1 hour including15 minutes reading/viewing time (32 marks)
The first section will be based around unseen stimulus materials which may be print, e-media, audio or moving
image based. The stimulus materials will be designed to be easily assimilated by candidates in the space of 15
minutes and there will be time for note-taking and essay planning. The materials will be chosen to raise issues
about:

media concepts (form, representation, institutions, audience, values and ideology)

wider contexts

media issues and debates.

There will be three compulsory questions based around the stimulus materials. The questions will demand short
answers to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the media.

1. The Exam Paper

Section A - Unseen

You must read the information provided for Section A in great detail. You will be given approximately 15 minutes
to study and make notes on the two texts. These notes will not be marked during the assessment process. You
must spend 45 minutes answering the three compulsory questions in detail.
This guide provides you with some guidance on how to tackle Section A. But just to make sure you dont forget
you will also be expected to answer Section B. You can find an example of the Impact of New/Digital Technology
exam type question when you look at the 24 Hour News Case Study example.

Section B: You must use one of your two prepared case studies
(Representation and New/Digital Technology) to respond to one of
the questions in this section.
You are advised to spend one hour on your answer. You will be rewarded for detailed references to media texts
and examples from your own individual case study. Enter the number of the question in the box provided to
enable the examiner to clearly see which question you are answering. (Candidates often dont do this and the
examiner must then guess which question is being answered.)
All your responses must be completed on the 16 page answer booklet that you will be provided with in the exam.
You can of course ask for additional paper which you will be provided with by the invigilators.

Top Tip

Check that you have all the information you need before you start the exam. Page through
your answer booklet, as well as the copies of the static image booklet ask for help if you
need additional support before you start answering the paper.

Time Management

2 hours (including 15 minutes viewing time)

2. How To Approach Section A

When revising for the exam it is always important to consider the Mark Scheme for each section of your exam
carefully. The following provides you with a clear outline of what is expected in the exam. We are focusing here
on Level 4 and 3 responses to enable you to see what a good response looks like. Always avoid description
and make sure you focus on close analysis of your texts. The example responses will aim to demonstrate how
you can improve your own answers.

A. Mark Scheme | Question 1 (Media Concepts)

How do the two newspapers use Media Language (Media
Concept) to report on the events during the London Riots? (8
marks)
Level 4: 7- 8 marks

A sophisticated and detailed analysis and evaluation of both texts, showing very good critical
autonomy.

Demonstrates sophisticated knowledge and understanding of the use of media language within
both texts.

Detailed and sophisticated application of the concepts and critical debates.

The answer is well structured, articulate and engaged.

Level 3: 5-6 marks

A proficient analysis and evaluation of both texts, showing good critical autonomy.

Demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the media representations within both texts.

Proficient application of the concepts and critical debates.

The answer is well structured and clearly expressed.

Question 2 (Wider Issues)

How do The Sun and The Hackey Gazette present young
people in society? You may also refer to other media texts to
support your answer. (12 marks)
Level 4: 10-12 marks

A sophisticated and detailed analysis and evaluation of both texts, showing very good critical
autonomy.

Detailed and sophisticated application of the concepts and critical debates and issues.

Supports answer with a wide range of examples from other texts.

The answer is well structured, articulate and engaged.

Level 3: 7-9 marks

A proficient analysis and evaluation of both texts, showing good critical autonomy.

Proficient application of the concepts and critical debates and issues.

Supports answer with a range of examples from other texts.

The answer is well structured and clearly expressed.

Question 3 (Media Issues and Debates)

What are the advantages of the News using the internet to report
on the London Riots? You should also refer to other media texts to
support your answer. (12 marks)
Level 4: 10-12 marks

A sophisticated and detailed analysis and evaluation of both texts, showing very good critical
autonomy.

Detailed and sophisticated application of the concepts and a wide range of critical debates and
issues and wider contexts.

Supports answer with a wide range of examples from other texts.

The answer is well structured, articulate and engaged.

Level 3: 7-9 marks

A proficient analysis and evaluation of both texts, showing good critical autonomy.

Proficient application of the concepts and a range of critical debates and issues and wider
contexts.

Supports answer with a range of examples from other texts.

The answer is well structured and clearly expressed.

B. What Does The Examiner Say?

When preparing for an exam it is always valuable to look at the previous examiners reports to reflect on what
other students did in the exam. Reflect on what they did well and also pick up on what they had to improve on.
Make a note of what the suggested improvements are and aim to incorporate these into your own responses.
The June 2012 Report (AQA.com, 2013) outlines a few issues candidates need to look on, and you can read the
full report on the AQA website, however, the following is an outline of what to consider and how it relates to the
texts you are currently looking at for this exercise based on the examiners report:

Question 1: How do the two newspapers use Media Language to

report on the events during the London Riots? (8 marks)
In the previous report the focus was on Narrative. Our focus will be on Medial Language. However, it is useful to
see that the examiner points out that, good answers demonstrated an understanding that media texts used
questions and unanswered questions to engage audiences and entice them. The enigma codes are used to
encourage audiences to find out more and taps into audiences desire to gain more information. (We can apply
this point when looking at the exercise by considering how the headline is used to encourage audiences to ask
questions. In addition, how are images used to engage audiences and how do newspapers use these images to
create enigma codes? You can refer to this briefly and demonstrate your ability to evaluate key concepts and to
debate key points.)
Higher level answers will discuss omissions such as the lack of sound, dialogue, text or silence and explore that
more widely too. How can these points be linked to analysing a more static image? Avoid describing what
you see, think more carefully about what is on the page, consider why questions are used in a certain way for
example, or why language is used in a certain way. What is the impact on the audience, and consider what is not
there - that usually might be there. Why the omission? Consider how media language is used for example, the
images, camera angles, what impressions are created and why? Remember you must compare! How and why
are binary opposition codes used for example in the sample texts you are studying for this exercise? (Youths VS
authority / Teenagers vs Society? Teenagers vs the Police? Victims (Wronged Teens) vs Villains (State).) Is the
use of Media Language in this specific way typical of the genres? Are the audiences established? How is colour
used for example? What impact does that have? How is the text set out on the page? Why is it significant?
Why are audiences engaging in the text if they have already followed the story unfolding on the News / Twitter /
Facebook? Are they reading it for pleasure? Can they relate to the victims? Are they simply gaining more
information? The texts are obviously part of a series of stories and reports in a news cycle why are the dramatic

images used and what can be said about the journalistic style? Why is this story so popular? Why does it draw in
so many audience members?
For example are the audiences drawing pleasure from witnessing good triumphing over evil? Are the news
stories outlining concerns audiences can relate to? What values are communicated? How are the
representations of the different groups used to drive the narrative/ report?
Consider why newspapers consider this story news worthy is the story developed to fulfil audience demands
and shock a liberal pluralist society, or is the purpose of the story really, that it drives the news machine forward,
keen to make money out of its audience for profit.

Question 2: How do The Sun and The Hackey Gazette present

young people in society? You may also refer to other media texts
to support your answer. (12 marks)
During the London Riots, there was a very strong negative portrayal of young people. However, it is interesting to
note that The Hackney Gazette takes a rather different angle when it comes to reporting on the events and it
represents young people in a very different light. The media is often guilty of stereotyping many groups, so
audiences enjoy media products that offer alternative representations. The media can often reinforce
stereotypes, and can demonise particular groups by focusing so much on problems, defining groups negatively
by their behaviour or social problems. (AQA, 2012) In your answer remember to explore a wide range of
examples other than the examples used in the texts we are studying. Remember that the Mark Scheme is asking
of you to use a wide range of examples.
Good answers in the exam will use examples to explain and support points, weaker answers will just list or
describe them. Remember that you must refer to wider texts - you need to make sure you explore a range of
examples to support your ideas effectively here. Think of what other texts you know of that might present teens or
young people in a certain way. How does it compare? Is it different or very similar from the texts you are studying
in the exercise? Dont be afraid to look at examples that are very different from the exam texts you might see. In
the examiners report it states, [o]ften the best points were made by examples that were quite different from the
exam texts, where candidates could really show wider media issues and debates, rather than just listing products
that were very similar or the same. Again the examiner pointed out that it was good to see candidates using
really original and up to date examples from films, TV programmes etc. that they watched themselves and
bringing them into their answers.
Remember for this section you also need to use theories and the examiners report again highlights the
importance of using theories as it states, [a] range of theories were used successfully to support points, for
example Neale Repetition and Difference, Uses and Gratifications, Dyers Utopian Pleasures, Cohen Moral
Panic, Baudrillard Hyperreality and Post Colonialist theory.

Question 3: What are the advantages of the News using the

internet to report on the London Riots? (12 marks)

This question requires candidates to consider wider issues. You should refer to other media products to support
your answers. Good answers will consider a wide range of texts and the following might be included:

Speedy effective reporting

Effective use of citizen journalism

Effective use of different platforms (Twitter, Blogging, YouTube, Facebook etc)

24/7 reporting on breaking news

Commenting

UGC used to record and post information

Other devices used BlackBerry Messages

Community Support Facebook support sites for communities

Community support in dealing with the violence

Community support for teens in need of help

Support for law enforcement

Wider range of information and opinions available and a more balanced approach

Longer news broadcasts

Good answers also include careful consideration of theories for example democratisation
of the news, Maxist theories exploiting audiences and tapping into their need for
sensationalism. Audience theories for example, moral panic, uses and gratification models
etc.

C. Example Paper
Section A: Sample Answers
Please note comments in bold are inserted to refer to the mark scheme and it aims to highlight how the candidate
hits the key criterion outlined in the MS.

For printable handouts see Associated Resources: Static Image Sample The Sun.pdf and Static Image
Sample Hackney Gazette.pdf.

Question 1: How do the two newspapers use Media Language to

report on the events during the London Riots? (8 marks)
Both newspapers represented the London Riots in very different ways. In typical tabloid style, The Sun reports
on the event on its front page, with a melodramatic headline shouting, Anarchy. The headline is highly emotive
and engages the target audience immediately, due to the fact that the entire UK was fully engaged, and following
the drama unfolding of the London Riots during the Summer 2011. (Close analysis and awareness of wider
issues) The image used by The Sun continues to build on the audiences fear and worry that the teenage revolt
will spiral out of control. The Suns headline (apt use of Media Language) is not dissimilar from papers such as
The Mirror, reporting on this story by stating Yob Rules. (Critical Autonomy)

The Sun uses an establishing long shot of a youth passing in front of a burning vehicle which again supports the
headline suggesting that the situation is getting out of hand, which creates a sense of panic and fear in target
audiences.(Close analysis of the text) The audiences sense of angst and worry can be fuelled by this portrayal,
and their desire to find out more and survey the situation, (Uses and gratification model referred to / audience
theories), and lead to higher circulation figures. (Critical autonomy / wider contexts / Marxist theory) The
Suns approach is to evoke a reaction from its target audience; it lists how the events unfold on the left hand of
the front cover. It states, Riots Spread across London, Birmingham hit by looting and 215 arrests, PM jets
back, by listing the main events The Sun manages to create a sense of urgency and panic. It uses a simple font
easy for audiences to read and see at a distance, and its target audience (C1,D and E) is informed in a simple
yet effective way.
The paper clearly outlines the crisis. Firstly, Londons situation is still not under control, it seems like the violence
is spreading nation-wide and immediate action needs to be taken by the PM as he is returning from his summer
break. The news can be viewed by an already panicked audience as critical, alternatively those trusting those in
power might see the return of the PM as reassuring and a sign that matters will be in hand soon. (Clear debate
of key issues) However, it is key to note that, in typical tabloid style, the information is framed by a highly
emotive image and headline suggesting panic and fear - tapping into the already bewildered audiences need for
safety (Reference to audience theory, Maslow) and thus encouraging them to find out more about the key
events.
In contrast (Good use of a connective to demonstrate that both texts are considered), The Hackney
Gazette, reports on the London Riots in a very different way. The headline suggests a more considered
approach, Yobs are victims of consumerist society, and it points out that the mayor of Hackney is planning to
work on relationships with youths and rebuilding trust and relationships. It is interesting to note that the paper
uses the word Yob which is usually a highly emotive word to use by tabloid newspapers, and is in fact the
reverse of the word boy. (Close analysis of the text / Critical autonomy) The fact that the word victims is
uses in the headline suggests that the paper, and also the community, is reflecting on reasons why this outbreak
of violence and anger resulted in such a terrible outcome. (Close analysis) By using the headline in a more
reflective way the local newspaper allows its audience to be more calm and reflective, surveying the information
(Reference to audience theory Uses and Gratification Model) in a more thoughtful way.
The paper, like The Sun, (considering both texts) uses an image of a teen crossing the street in a wide angel
establishing shot (effective use of Media Language), with two items burning. This image suggests that of
course, the impact of the violence was unimaginable and devastating. However, there are other images too, one
of the police representing authority figures, and acting as a protective wall to the community, and the second
image, that of a parent carrying a distraught looking child to safety, moving away from the violence. The sad
irony of these images is that it suggests that the youths are rebelling against their own community and that the
young child, now distraught is not too far from where these young people once were. (Sophisticated link) The
question is how did it all go wrong? The text refers to the sock reaction of the community to the violence, but
also offers a more balanced view on the events. The images used suggest a divided community, and the

message of the text suggests that they need to find ways to bridge these differences. (Close analysis of the
Media Language used / considered debates carefully)
The Sun on the other hand, offers a more bias view. (Both papers are considered) It story, although short,
which is typical of the genre, aims to shock and is a dramatic portrayal of the events. The Hackney Gazettes
approach is far more investigative and considering the impact of political choices on young peoples lives and
what the cause of the Riots might be.
It is clear that although both papers use Media Language, for example emotive images to support the content of
the story, they do it in very different ways though. The Suns headline is catchy, shocking and aiming to grab and
audience and is framed by an emotive image. The Hackney Gazette, aims to grab the attention, however it
evokes reflection and careful consideration to enable the audience to think more deeply about the events. There
is a collage of images presented to demonstrate a variety of viewpoints on the events. (Clear link to question
and reference to how Media Language is used)
Both use images, but again the Sun uses the image to frame the shocking information and to fuel the audiences
shock reaction. The Hackney Gazette uses the images to support the report, represent the different sides to the
story and also to create a sense of community divide. This divide, as reported in the story is something which the
community needs to address to ensure that there is a true sense of trust between the different camps in the
community. It is clear that the two types of newspapers use Media language differently The Sun, to
sensationalise, and shock and The Hackney Gazette to support its story and to encourage reflection as the
mayor states that there are many complex reasons why the riots might have developed.

Question 2: How do The Sun and The Hackey Gazette present

young people in society? You may also refer to other media texts
to support your answer. (12 marks)
In The Sun, the headline Anarchy immediately evokes a negative reaction from the target audience. The
headline is superimposed onto an image of a youth crossing the street and behind him is a burning vehicle. His
face is covered and the image suggests that he is taking part in the London Riots. The image paints a very
unfavourable image of young people during this event. (Clear link to the question, close analysis) This image
is a very typical modern image that newspapers tend to paint of young people in todays society. Teenager boys,
are often referred to as Yobs and are associated with crime and hoodies for example. The previous government,
before the 2010 election, encouraged the use of ASBOS to control youths who were involved in anti-social
behaviour. (Critical autonomy) The Mirror (2011) portrayed the London Riots in a similar way to The Sun with a
headline stating Yob Rules. This again suggests that teenagers and their violent actions are perceived to be
intimidating and negative. However, in The Hackney Gazette the view is more sympathetic and there is a more
considered approach. The headline suggests that Yobs are victims of key decisions made by those in power.
(Debating key issues) The Mayor suggests in this article that the issues that arose from the London Riots are
complex and that it is clear that teens and youths might have very specific reasons why they behave in this
extremely violent way. The article, unlike the tabloid approach, highlights that it is important to understanding
these complex issues first, to ensure that all stakeholders can build on a relationship of trust to ensure that they

can find ways forward. It is clear that the paper suggests that key decisions have resulted in, what youths
perceive as a pointless and aimless future. The article highlights that these teenagers are extremely worried, and
are acting out their fears and anger as they are not listened to. In 2010, similar behaviours were seen as reported
in The Metro, when students protested against maximum student fees in the UK (Critical autonomy). Their
behaviours were clearly a result of anger and fear and it was interpreted as negative and something to fear. Most
newspapers had a very negative and stereotypical portrayal on these events too. Images of burning buildings
and broken window displays were published in papers such as The Metro and The Independent (2010). (Wide
range of examples.) Youths were represented as out of control and dangerous. Audiences where
hypodermically affected to think that teens are not to be trusted and feared through these highly emotive
portrayals. (Reference to audience theories)
However, in some newspapers over the summers of both 2010 and 2011, there were also good news regarding
young people, and these headlines are often forgotten. It seems like the media often go out of its way to over
emphasise the negative influences and actions of youths in society and does not offer a more balanced take.
(Exploring a range of examples, debating key issues) The excellent GCSE and A-level results pupils enjoyed
were undermined by reports on the dumbing down of exams for example as seen in the BBC portrayal of the
GCSE in the summer of 2013. Often brave actions of teens at the front facing extreme danger and demonstrating
extraordinary bravery is reported on, but overlooked by the very negative portrayal of teens overall in the news.
The London Olympics 2012 was reported on by The Metro as an extreme success due to the excellent work
volunteers and community youth leaders did to support the event. The audience, due to the emphasis of the
negative is often hypodermically affected to perceive youths in an extremely negative light. (Audience theories)
However, it is unfortunately the medias constant portrayal of more negative events in a very sensationalised way,
as seen in The Suns representation, that seems to appeal more and shock audiences in considering teens in
this highly negative light.

Question 3: What are the advantages of the News using the

internet to report on the London Riots? You should also refer to
other media texts to support your answer. (12 marks)
Since the rise of the WWW in the early 1980s the landscape of news reporting has changed dramatically. The
London Riots is a good example of how news reporting on breaking news changed over the past few years. The
Riots were obviously a reaction to a previous news event, the shooting of Mark Duggan by the police in London
(critical autonomy); however, of interest to this essay is firstly, how the London Riots were organised via a
private messaging system run by BlackBerry (BB), called BB Messaging. The spread of the riots were coordinated by using this system and messaging key information to others on a secure system. It was very
difficult for police and reporters to track the information down of where events might take place, when and who
was involved. However, some rioters started to comment on their activities more openly on the WWW, and
revealed information via Twitter.
Reporters started to follow the action via Twitter, and also reported on the action via Twitter, as news crews were
not able to follow the action fast enough or access areas safely. The speed at which the news crews had to

operate exceeded the demands for delivering breaking news as known and seen via CNN for example, and this
event required a different style of journalism all together.
The internet provided a very speedy platform via Twitter to report on the breaking news as it was unfolding, and
it was a much faster way to get the information to the audience. In addition, audiences were able to follow live
feeds via helicopter crews, on the internet via News Home websites for example the BBC News Website, like for
example the burning of the Reeves Corner store was screened in full via the BBC website and audiences could
follow breaking news developments in addition on the rolling text underneath the images. This display of human
drama allowed postmodern audiences to find themselves watching the action unfold and become part of the
reality via the WWW. (Reference to theories)
Key policing decisions, and government decisions had to be made by following intel via the WWW and Twitter
and news delivery had to happen in real time, which is also known as the CNN effect. (Reference to theories)
The internet proved to be a major asset for gaining vast amounts of information at the touch of a button.
On Facebook, support pages sprung up for communities in distress and need of help. Volunteers were
encouraged to support in the clearing up. Others posted support for the police and at times vital information.
CCTV and also postings on YouTube by those taking part in the action aided the police in identifying suspects
and arresting them. The internet became a vital resource to broadcast news even more effectively. Video phones
were used to report live from areas such as Birmingham where violence were also spreading and the internet
allows for news challenge to get the news fast and effective to its audience as it unfolds, without arranging for
satellite links and other arrangements.
However, even as the news unfolds almost in real time, as can be seen during the London Riots, there is always
scope for error, and at times the repetitive nature and abundance of the news can overwhelm audiences and
cause real panic. (Reference to audience theory) Audience members also posted in angst on Facebook and
were terrified of what they were observing on the news and experiencing around them. There is always the
danger of too much information which could cause media saturation. (Reference to audience theory)
However, it is certainly clear from the London Riots that Twitter is a very useful and beneficial addition to news
broadcasting, as well as Facebook and Live streaming. Other examples can be seen globally when looking at the
Boston Bombings (2013) where the story first leaked via Twitter and went live from there. Citizen journalism is
encouraged in this way and news producers are able to Track stories faster and more effectively. To enable
producers to fully develop a news cycle online resources can also be used to evaluate a range of views. Sites
such as Global voices can be used to provide a rounded view. By using blogging sites like these it allows
audiences the opportunity to feed into the news and also to contribute to the news.
Overall, it is clear that despite a few disadvantages such as media saturation, repetitions and at times, errors due
to the speed at which the news cycle develops, audiences and institutions benefit greatly from the WWW feeding
into the news. The London Riots was reported on in real time as it was unfolding. However, in the final stages of
the Riots postings using User Generated Content (UGC) on YouTube and Facebook also helped the authorities
to restore the piece and prosecute those who stepped over the line. The internet is a great asset for news
reporting as it is faster, cheaper and also provides a rich resource of viewpoints via citizen journalism.

(The above answer includes a range of examples, critical autonomy clearly demonstrated and reflects on
key theories in detail.)

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