Question 3 (if Representation)

Question 1

How long is an answer for question 3?

Answer 1

Question 3 requires a long answer in essay form.

Question 2

How much should you aim to write for question 3?

Answer 2

At least 3 pages.

Question 3

How long should you spend on this question?

Answer 3

Not more than 45 minutes. Split your time into:

• 10 minutes planning
• 30 minutes writing (10 minutes per page)
• 5 minutes reread and amend.

Question 4

What structure should you follow if it is representation?

Answer 4

Introduction: Define representation demonstrating that you understand how media does not give a clear unbiased viewpoint onto the world, that all media creates constructed representations – it is a mediated view rather than an unmediated reality.

Then have three sections (4 if events), each section will cover one of your examples.

Try to remember the following set of questions. As your examples should answer these.

• WHO/WHAT is being represented? WHO has created the representation? And WHO are the target audience? – describe your text in detail.

• HOW has the representation been created? – Analyse your text in detail
Look at primary and secondary codes - what symbols denote this representation and what connotations can you identify. What has been selected and rejected?
 Use of visual codes - What colours, font styles have been used that suit aspects of the representation.
 Use of iconography – what symbols have been used to suggest areas of representation
 Use of technical codes – how do these support and reinforce the representation.
 Use of character or celebrity – How does appearance and activity reinforce representation. Can you identify certain stereotypes/archetypes?
 Use of Language – Identify uses of mode of address, slang, hyperbolic language, instructional language, inclusive language and how these things contribute to or challenge the representation

• WHY is the representation created in that way? What is the intention? Is there a clear agenda? What stereotypes/archetypes are being suggested? Is it a positive or negative viewpoint, does it challenge or reinforce an established viewpoint?
• WHAT is the effect of the representation on the audience? What is the context based on our society & what dominant ideologies being communicated? What will the preferred reading be?

Then finish with a conclusion: Identify similarities and patterns, therefore what do your examples prove about Representation in the media? Dominant ideologies etc.

Question 5

What should you include in your introduction?

Answer 5

Define representation demonstrating that you understand how media does not give a clear unbiased viewpoint onto the world, that all media creates constructed representations – it is a mediated view rather than an unmediated reality.

Question 6

What should you include in your sections about your examples?

Answer 6

• WHO/WHAT is being represented? WHO has created the representation? And WHO are the target audience? – describe your text in detail.

• HOW has the representation been created? – Analyse your text in detail
Look at primary and secondary codes - what symbols denote this representation and what connotations can you identify. What has been selected and rejected?
 Use of visual codes - What colours, font styles have been used that suit aspects of the representation.
 Use of iconography – what symbols have been used to suggest areas of representation
 Use of technical codes – how do these support and reinforce the representation.
 Use of character or celebrity – How does appearance and activity reinforce representation. Can you identify certain stereotypes/archetypes?
 Use of Language – Identify uses of mode of address, slang, hyperbolic language, instructional language, inclusive language and how these things contribute to or challenge the representation

• WHY is the representation created in that way? What is the intention? Is there a clear agenda? What stereotypes/archetypes are being suggested? Is it a positive or negative viewpoint, does it challenge or reinforce an established viewpoint?
• WHAT is the effect of the representation on the audience? What is the context based on our society & what dominant ideologies being communicated? What will the preferred reading be?

Question 7

What are the four questions you should remember when covering your studies?

Answer 7

Who/What is being represented?
How has it been created?
Why has it been created like that?
What is the effect of the representation on the audience?

Question 8

What should you include in your conclusion?

Answer 8

Identify similarities and patterns, therefore what do your examples prove about Representation in the media? Dominant ideologies etc.

Question 9

What should you write about when considering who/what is being represented?

Answer 9

WHO has created the representation? And WHO are the target audience? – describe your text in detail.

SO:

• Gatekeepers
• Target audience
• Created representations of men/women/events/ethnicity/nationality

Question 10

What should you write about when considering how it is being represented?

Answer 10

Analyse your text in detail
Look at primary and secondary codes - what symbols denote this representation and what connotations can you identify. What has been selected and rejected?
 Use of visual codes - What colours, font styles have been used that suit aspects of the representation.
 Use of iconography – what symbols have been used to suggest areas of representation
 Use of technical codes – how do these support and reinforce the representation.
 Use of character or celebrity – How does appearance and activity reinforce representation. Can you identify certain stereotypes/archetypes?
 Use of Language – Identify uses of mode of address, slang, hyperbolic language, instructional language, inclusive language and how these things contribute to or challenge the representation

Question 11

What should you write about when considering why it has been created in that way?

Answer 11

What is the intention? Is there a clear agenda? What stereotypes/archetypes are being suggested? Is it a positive or negative viewpoint, does it challenge or reinforce an established viewpoint?

Question 12

What should you write about when considering what the effect of that product on the audience is?

Answer 12

What is the context based on our society & what dominant ideologies being communicated? What will the preferred reading be?

Question 13

For top marks?

Answer 13

Try to make sure that each example approaches representation from a different viewpoint – i.e. demonstrates a different stereotype and whether this has been used in a positive or negative way.