Exam tips

• Buy a watch. Timing is important with this exam so having your own clock on the desk could help. 

• 60 mins for Coll ID, 30 mins each for 1a and 1b. 

• Spend a few minutes at the start planning your responses and which theorists you will use

• Start with Collective Identity to get the most marks out of the way first. 

• Use a variety of theorists and case studies. 

• You should cover at least two media formats from documentary, TV, print, online, film, music. 

• If you find 1b easier than 1a, do this next and leave 1a till last so you get as many marks as possible 

• 1a might be the most difficult just because of the sheer volume of stuff you have to get through in 30 mins: both pieces of coursework, not forgetting ancillaries, and potentially two areas to talk about.

• If media languages or representation come up for 1b and you can't find a way to fit the theory in (although you should be able to manage Propp/Todorov/Branigan and a couple of archetypes), use lots of terminology instead e.g. enigma/action codes, cliffhangers, catharsis, realism. For example: "Camerawork, sound and editing combined at the climax of my trailer/music video to create an action code. A convention of this sub-genre is to speed up the editing and create a crescendo with the backing track to create excitement for the viewer, without providing a resolution to the conflict (Branigan). This should entice the audience to watch the product."

• Reference theorists properly in Collective ID and 1b essays, otherwise it's like you're trying to pass of theories as your own. See example paragraph above to see how to reference a theorist quickly and without breaking rhythm. 

• Apply theory straight to anything you talk about, rather than explaining the theory first then giving your example. Save time and gain marks.