Y12 Written Task 2
Below are two questions. You will required to answer one question, but you will not choose the question, so prepare for both. You should refer to at least one of the media works studied in the lead-up to this assessment. Use relevant media terminology and/or appropriate media language. Working time: 50 minutes.
You are urged to write practice essays on both questions to ensure you are in a good place to achieve your best marks. Do not use the 5 paragraph model, since you should write as much as you can in 50 minutes, which is likely 4 to 7 pages. Use the breakdowns below to ensure you nail it.
The resources below will help you structure your research, preparation and practice. Watch and study the three Oscar-nominated short films below as part of your preparation - you might find they are good sources to reference.
Notes:
The Silent Child (2017):
Themes: Disability, communication barriers, family dynamics
Aesthetics: Intentional use of silence and ambient sound, tight framing to focus on characters' faces/expressions
Cultural Context: Representation of the Deaf community and sign language
Values: Respecting differences, importance of inclusion, dynamics of privileged vs. marginalized groups
Notes:
New Boy (2007):
Themes: Racism, assimilation, childhood innocence vs. prejudice
Aesthetics: Realistic handheld camerawork at a child's eye level, muted color palette, sound design amplifies microaggressions
Cultural Context: Irish immigrant experience, depiction of 1960s working-class Dublin
Values: Challenges value of narrow cultural conformity, empathy for the "other"
Possibly study up on Ethnocentricity. This could add depth to your understanding and help you next semester as well.
Notes:
The Neighbor's Window (2019):
Themes: Voyeurism, envy, middle-age ennui, desire for connection
Aesthetics: Cinéma vérité style camerawork observing the characters, creative use of depth of field to highlight the "window" perspective
Cultural Context: Set in gentrifying Brooklyn, juxtaposition of older married couple with young, attractive neighbors
Values: Contrasts cultural values around privacy/boundaries, materialism vs. human connection
1. Cultural contexts and values influence audience interpretation of media work.
Analyse this statement with reference to media work you have studied.
• Construct an overview of media work that appropriately relates to the statement. (4 marks)
• Summarise the audience interpretation of the media work. (4 marks)
• Discuss in detail how cultural contexts influence audience interpretation of media work. (6 marks)
• Analyse how values influence audience interpretation of media work. (6 marks)
See a detailed breakdown that will help you construct your essay here.
2. Media can use media aesthetics to communicate important themes to an intended audience.
Analyse this statement with reference to media work you have studied.
• Construct an overview of media work that appropriately relates to the statement. (4 marks)
• Summarise the themes communicated within the media work. (4 marks)
• Discuss in detail how an intended audience is targeted. (6 marks)
• Analyse the suitability of particular media for purposes such as construction of theme. (6 marks)
See a detailed breakdown that will help you construct your essay here.