Question 2:
Audience (0r Representation)
The focus of Question 2 can be either audience or representation and this question may be stepped. It is important that students take note of the mark allocation of the various parts of the question and relate this to the length of their answers.
If audience is the focus they will be expected to:
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discuss an audience/more than one audience for the media texts and appreciate that texts may be ‘read’ in different ways by different audiences
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analyse the stimulus material in detail for the earlier parts of the question.
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be aware of the issues related to a study of audience and be able to apply these to specific examples.
In preparation for the range of questions that may be asked in relation to audiences, students also need to be aware of:
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the different ways in which audiences can be described
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how texts construct and position audiences
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how different audiences respond to, use and interpret media texts.
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how different audiences can respond to the same media text and how that response can be analysed
If representation is the focus they will be expected to:
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recognise and analyse representations evident in the stimulus material
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demonstrate an understanding of the concept of representation and its importance in analysing and understanding media texts.
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develop their response beyond a description of simple representations
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be aware of the more complex issues underpinning a discussion of representation e.g. issues surrounding stereotypes, construction, mediation and ideology
General points:
In the final part of question 2, students will be asked to refer to their own examples.
It is suggested that students discuss approximately 2/3 detailed examples relevant to the question and covering more than one media form or format. Downloading of opinion and generalised examples e.g. ‘newspapers offer negative representations of youth’ should be avoided.
Students must not rely on the stimulus material for this part of the question (Question 2C)"