G325 - Section B - Past Exam Questions and key prompts

Media in the Online Age
1. What impact has the internet had on media production, distribution and exhibition?
2. In the last few years what have been the most significant developments in how individuals use the internet?
3. "The impact of the internet on the media is revolutionary." Discuss..

4. “For media audiences, the internet has changed everything.” Discuss.
5. “The impact of the internet on the media is exaggerated”. Discuss.
6. Discuss the extent to which the distribution and consumption of media have been transformed by the internet
7. Explain the extent to which online media exist alongside older methods of distribution in 2010.
8. Evaluate the opportunities and the threats offered to media producers by the internet.

We Media and Democracy
1. How far can the media in 2010 be considered to be democratic?
2. Assess the claim that the media is becoming more democratic.
3. Discuss the meanings of the term ‘we media.’
4. Explore the claim that the ‘new’ media are more democratic than the ‘old’ media.
5. What is ‘we media’ and what difference does it make to citizens?
6. ‘We get the media we deserve.’ Discuss, in relation to the role of media in a democracy.

Specification Question Prompts:
Online Age:

If we look at the bullet points in the Specification, which defines what should be studied, we should be able to see what kinds of question can come up:
• How have online media developed? (change from the past)
• What has been the impact of the internet on media production? (does it allow more people to produce their own media? what effect has it had on mainstream media?)
• How is consumer behaviour and audience response transformed by online media, in relation to the past? (audiences and the difference the internet has made)
• To what extent has convergence transformed the media? (technology's impact- mobile devices, tv online, etc)

We Media and democracy:
If we look at the bullet points in the Specification, which defines what should be studied, we should be able to relate them to the questions set so far:
• What are ‘We Media’?
• Where / how has ‘We Media’ emerged?
• In what way are the contemporary media more democratic than before?
• In what ways are the contemporary media less democratic than before?

Pete's Media Blog Advice:

http://petesmediablog.blogspot.com/2011/05/media-in-online-age-exam-questions.html

http://petesmediablog.blogspot.com/2011/05/wemedia-and-democracy-exam-questions.html

Mark Scheme for Section B - Level 4

Explanation / analysis / argument (16-20 marks)

Candidates adapt their learning to the specific requirements of the chosen question in excellent fashion and make connections in order to present a coherent argument. The answer offers a clear, fluent balance of media theories and knowledge of industries and texts and informed personal engagement with issues and debates.

Use of examples (16-20 marks)

Examples of contemporary texts and industry knowledge are clearly connected together in the answer. History and the future are integrated into the discussion with conviction.

Use of terminology (8-10 marks)

Throughout the answer, material presented is informed by media theory and the command of the appropriate conceptual and theoretical language is excellent.

Complex issues have been expressed clearly and fluently using a style of writing appropriate to the complex subject matter. Sentences and paragraphs, consistently relevant, have been well structured, using appropriate technical terminology. There may be few, if any, errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar.