FURTHER DETAIL ON THE EXAM PAPER

The examination consists of a two hour paper. There are two questions for each of the topic areas. Candidates should answer both questions on their chosen topic area. In the case of each topic area, question 1 will address the candidate’s research (45 marks) and question two will require students to present and analyse the research undertaken (45 marks).

Question 1 Research

• You will need to account for the kind of research undertaken including:
• The producers, institution or industry concerned
• Academic criticism (books, papers, research studies)
• Popular criticism (magazine and newspaper articles
• Audience reception (audience responses to texts).

You will need to evaluate the methods used in order to achieve the above, including:

• Primary and secondary research
• Quantitative and qualitative data gathering

Question 2 Analysis and Presentation

• You will need to present and analyse your research including:
• Your specific findings
• The creation and development of an argument or thesis
• The provision of a clear academic context for your research, with reference to, and analysis of similar work.
• Conclusions.

Quite simply, students are being asked to write about what they found out, and what they learnt from their research. You need to:

• Make clear the focus of your study
• Offer reflection on your methods
• Be thorough in your referencing
• Be explicit about how you are addressing the question.