MEST3 exam overview

AQA A Level Media Studies

Unit 3 (MEST3) Overview

Format: 2 hour examination (80 marks)

Section A: 3 compulsory questions on unseen stimulus pieces

Section B: one essay from a choice of 2 topics

Purpose: an opportunity for you to demonstrate understanding of key media concepts (from AS), but beyond a formulaic approach. Refer in detail to the wider contexts (social, political, historical and economic) which affect production, distribution and exhibition of media texts.

The exam is focussed on two pre-set topics, explored across the different media platforms:

·         Identities and the media

·         The impact of new/digital media

SECTION A
(40% of the marks) 1 hour (including 15 minutes reading/viewing time), 32 marks

The first section will be based around two unseen stimulus materials which may be print, e-media, audio or moving-image based. The paper will also provide you with some context for the stimulus materials. See ‘past papers overview’ page for Section A!

There will be three compulsory questions based around the stimulus materials. The questions will demand short answers to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the media.

Q1: Media concepts - 8 marks

The question could focus on any of the key media concepts (narrative, genre, audience, institutions, representation, values and ideology) related to the unseen texts in the exam.

Q2: Media issues and debates- 12 marks

This could be any relevant media issue, and there is no exhaustive list, but it could be related to any of the following examples: changing media technologies, media ownership and control, representation and stereotyping, the effect of globalisation on the media, moral panics, media effects etc.

Q3: Wider contexts- 12 marks

This question will test your wider knowledge and understanding of identities and technologies.

SECTION B:

(60% of marks) 1 hour, 48 marks

Choose one essay question from a choice of four questions on either new technology or identities (your 2 pre-set topics). Questions will be tailored to current issues and debates in the media. See ‘past papers overview’ for Section B!