WJEC/Eduqas Media Studies for A Level Yr 2 & A2:SB

If you are studying Option 3, you could discuss: • the extent to which Vogue reinforces hegemonic cultural ideals of femininity through its emphasis on narrowly defined notions of female beauty • the extent to which the representations of gender that Vogue offers are determined by the genre conventions of the fashion magazine • the extent to which features in The Big Issue such as ‘Letter to My Younger Self’ with Grayson Perry challenge singular, straightforward messages about ideal gender identities and reflect shifting cultural values • the extent to which the ‘Moving on’ feature and the ‘My Pitch’ section in The Big Issue can be seen to offer a more diverse and pluralistic range of gender representations. Section C: Media in the Online Age There are two options in this section. As with the previous sections, the only difference between the questions is in the set products that they refer to. Like the sample question in Section B, this is an extended response question. This means that you will need to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning. Option 1: PointlessBlog and DesiMag How far can aspects of identity be seen to affect the way in which audiences use online media. Discuss, with reference to PointlessBlog and DesiMag . You should refer to relevant academic theories in your response. [30 marks] Option 2: Zoella and Attitude How far can aspects of identity be seen to affect the way in which audiences use online media. Discuss, with reference to Zoella and Attitude . You should refer to relevant academic theories in your response. [30 marks] Assessment Objectives This question is addressing AO1 1 and AO2 3: AO1 1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework of media AO2 3: Apply knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework of media to make judgements and draw conclusions More specifically, the question is assessing your knowledge and understanding of audiences and audience theories, and your ability to make judgements and draw conclusions regarding how far aspects of identity can be seen to affect the way in which audiences use online media products. To be awarded a mark in the upper band: • you should make detailed reference to relevant audience theories • your discussion of the set products should be perceptive, insightful and critically informed by a detailed knowledge and understanding of audiences and how they use online media products • the judgements and conclusions you make need to be perceptive, insightful and fully supported with detailed reference to specific aspects of the set products. For tips on how to structure an extended response, see page 254 of the Year 1 book. Tip This is another example of a question that requires you to make judgements and draw conclusions. If a question uses the phrase ‘How far …?’ or ‘To what extent …?’ you know that this is something you need to include in your answer. Tip 9 Examination Preparation and Tips 301