Exam techniques

Successful techniques for the exam.
TIMING - SPEND 1 MINUTE PER MARK ON EACH QUESTION.
SO IF IT'S A 10 MARK QUESTION SPEND ONLY 10 MINUTES.

Q1 Explain two ways the characters and/or events in the extract fit the action adventure genre. [10]

THIS QUESTION NEVER CHANGES SO USE THIS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE - PRACTICE IT BEFORE THE EXAM...LOTS! The question might seem unclear but what they want you to talk about here is NARRATIVE and how it relates to the A/A genre

So think how the extract you have just seen fits the codes and conventions of action/adventure in general.
You are being asked about how the characters and/or events are conventional:

Technique:
 You cannot make notes during the first viewing so use the viewing to do  the following...
1 = Identify the sub-genre
2 = Observe the generic  conventions seen in the extract
3 = Identify 2 specific examples of each feature (character/event)
4 = Once you are allowed to write, get them down as fast as possible in bullet point.
NB if you're going for the higher grade  you need to relate these examples to how they create action and/or
adventure

REMEMBER – you need to use examples  from the extract to support your point:
Common ones you may use are ...

 - The protagonist is brave in the face of danger and will often  (but not always) easily beat
the antagonists even when outnumbered.
 - The protagonist is resourceful and clever
 - The protagonists are attractive and youthful when compared with the antagonists.
 - The antagonists are violent and intimidating (could be seen through their costumes or props).
 - There is a clear theme of good vs. evil
 - Conflict is resolved through violence.
 - It is possible the extract may NOT be typical in places. This needs to be  mentioned.

Q2 Explain how each of the following is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre:  • soundtrack • camerawork • editing • mise-en-scène. [20]

You are being asked to identify how the connotations of the micro elements creates the THRILL, SPECTACLE, TENSION, and DRAMA that are found in A/A films.

You should respond with an analysis of how the camera, editing, soundtrack and  mise-en-scene are used in the extract to create a particular effect which fits  the action/adventure genre. You will be expected to give direct  examples from the extract and explain the connotative effect your examples have on the audience. You should also link back to action/adventure conventions.

Technique: During viewing #2 it is best to focus on Soundtrack, Camerawork and Editing. Then on viewing 3 focus on Mise and looking for examples for Q3.
1 =Select a range of examples that don't overlap. Best to write about two points for each to maximise mark potential.
2 = Use terminology CORRECTLY, it is better not to use it if you aren't 100% sure, PLEASE don't reference a diegetic sound as non-diegetic, you WILL lose marks.
3 = Analyse the connotations, do NOT simply describe the section
4 = Express ideas clearly, fluently, in short PEET paragraphs with focus on minimal grammar and spelling errors. Poor English will result in a lower mark.
5 = Try to write equally about all four points.
* DO NOT TALK ABOUT GENERIC CONVENTIONS!
* DO NOT LIST OBSERVATIONS WITH NO ANALYSIS
* DO NOT DEFINE KEY TERMS, THE EXAMINER KNOWS WHAT DIEGETIC SOUND IS!

Q3 Discuss how people are represented in the extract. [20]
Your focus here should be positive and negative stereotypes - Hyper-masculinity, stereotypical 'bad guys', weak women-roles.

Technique: You need to make sure you leave time in viewing 4 to do this 20 mark question justice. Do NOT get hung up on trying to find all of Propp's character types. ONLY identify and explain groups that are present in the clip, and refer to them in the context of how they are represented using micro-elements INCLUDING DIALOGUE!
IF YOU DON'T MENTION THE WORD STEREOTYPE IT IS UNLIKELY YOU WILL GET HIGHER THAN ' C' GRADE. Make it clear when you talk about women being 'weak' that you refer to 'stereotypical women in A/A films' so you don't offend the examiner!!

If you need further guidance then consider how the following are represented.        
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Sexuality
- Age
- Disability
- War
- Authority...

In your answer you should:

- identify your examples
- describe the representations of the named area (e.g. ethnicity)
- describe the messages and values in these representations
- Show your wider understanding of issues of representation in Action/Adventure films