Question 1a

How should you structure

your q1a answer?

Structure

Essentially question 1a is asking you to evaluate the development across the course of your skills at the different phases of the production process:

• Pre-Production

• Production

• Post-Production

Know what these three phases include.

Structure

It is possible to learn a plan for the q1a options:

• learn a structured introduction

• structure your answer around the three phases ofthe production process

• select a limited number of examples in each phase that show progression from AS to A2

• learn a conclusion

These three options can easily be structured like this:

• Digital Technology

• Creativity

• Use of Real Media Texts

Structure 1

For the other options :

•Research and Planning

•Post Production

while you might want to concentrate on (have more examples from) the one phase in the question,

think also about how it relates to the other two stages of production.

Structure 2

Remembering examples

AS A2

Make one of these for each of

•research and planning

•real media texts

•digital technologies

•post-production.

Add examples.

Copy each one and add

creativity (or add creativity to

the original in a different

colour).

AS includes prelim and main

tasks.

A2 includes main task &

ancillary tasks.

AS A2

AS A2

Pre

-Pro

du

cti

on

Pro

du

cti

on

P

os

t-P

rod

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You could add diagrams like this to your existing prezis, timelines etc.

AS A2

Highlight on these notes (or

make a second version with

just your selected examples):

•3 examples at each phase at

AS that best illustrate the

level of your skills at that point

in the course

•3 examples at each phase at

A2 that best illustrate

progression or development

at this phase from AS

AS A2

AS A2

Pre

-Pro

du

cti

on

Pro

du

cti

on

P

os

t-P

rod

ucti

on

Selecting examples

In terms of essay introductions for q1a, use a three part structure:

1. Answer or give your point of view on the question.

2. Outline briefly what you made across both years.

3. Explain to the examiner how you are going to structure your essay.

Introduction

Over the course of my production work, the development of my skills in research and planning has enabled me to make increasingly creative decisions. At AS I followed the music magazine print brief, while at A2 I made a film promotion package, including a film poster and a film magazine cover as ancillary tasks. Selected examples from my work at the pre-production, production and post-production phases will illustrate the development and impact of my skills.

Example Introduction

Write an introduction for each option.They can be very similar, but must address the question.Learn them.Use them in the exam as a way to calm any nerves and to settle into the answer.

Introduction

Work through your selected examples in order.

Try to always stick to the PDQ format:•Point (name / describe the skill)•Data (example / evidence)•Question (relate this back to the question)

This helps particularly when the question is about two of the options.

Check your timing:•18 examples? 18 minutes

Body of essay

ConclusionWhat could you say to sum up reflectively, honestly and realistically the development of your skills in the area of the question?

It may help to think of a question to answer as your conclusion:

•How far have your skills developed?•How do they compare to professional media practice?•How far could they develop further? What specific skills did you not develop?•What would be different in producing in a professional media context?

Assessment

What are examiners looking for?

•A clear sense of progression•A broad range of carefully selected examples•Articulate reflections on skills•Fluent evaluation•Use of relevant media and production terms•Clear and fluent writing about complex issues, that is well-structured and accurate

And finallyPractise answering each topic and combination of topics.

Refine each answer in terms of content.

Make sure you can write it in just under 30 minutes.

Learn the •introductions•examples•PDQ points•conclusions

If you do all this, you can be confident.