Learner Response: January Exam Paper 2

 Paper 2 mock exam: Learner response

1) Type up your feedback in full (you do not need to write mark/grade if you do not wish to).

WWW: some good use of media terminology your answer 

EBI: cover both concepts in the questions, and remembering the question focus being detailed and specific

2) Did you succeed in meeting or exceeding your target grade for A Level Media in this paper? If not, how many additional marks do you need to achieve your target grade in Paper 2?                                                                      I think for me this paper was disappointing considering the fact I revised the content I think for me its more exam content and I struggle to understand the question when It comes to the exam and not understanding what it actually is asking instead I try adding something random losing the question focus copping out valuable marks.

Now read through the real AQA mark scheme for Paper 2. 
3) Write a question-by-question analysis of your performance. For each question, write how many marks you got from the number available and identify any points that you missed by carefully studying the AQA indicative content in the mark scheme:
Q1: 4/9 marks                                                                                                                                                                     I managed to secure some marks, which means you likely identified relevant points or theories related to the question. There was some understanding of key concepts, but it may not have been fully developed. The mark scheme likely required a more detailed application of media theories. Make sure too use  integrating key concepts with strong examples. Structure your response better to ensure all aspects of the question are covered. If the question involved media language or representation, making sure I analyse these in more depth.

Q2: 7/25 marks                                                                                                                                                             I attempted a detailed response and demonstrated some knowledge of the topic. There was likely some mention of relevant case studies or theoretical frameworks. A 25-mark question requires depth, analysis, and evaluation—my answer may have lacked this level of detail. Ensuring I am  fully addressing all parts of the question—sometimes students focus on one aspect but forget to engage with all the necessary angles. try applying theories explicitly and ensure they are relevant to the discussion. If this question involved industry or audience, for example, you could have strengthened your response with Hesmondhalgh’s cultural industries theory or Shirky’s end of audience theory. Maybe even Consider linking your arguments to real-world media products and industry contexts more effectively.

Q3: 10/25 marks                                                                                                                                                                  I managed to get a decent score here, indicating that your response had some strong points. I think for me my  knowledge of the topic was evident but could have added more. There was some level of argument development and evaluation. My response likely needed more depth in analysis and evaluation to reach the higher levels of the mark scheme. Make sure I am engaging with the full range of perspectives required for a 25-mark question. using more of the CSPs, detailed theoretical application, and media context would help and ensuring I critically evaluating the media concepts rather than just describing them.

 

Q4: 7/25 marks                                                                                                                                                                  I made an attempt at answering the question, which means I secured some marks for understanding. There was likely some application of knowledge, but it may not have been fully developed. A 25-mark question requires a clear argument, supported by evidence and analysis—my response may have lacked enough depth. try to focus on evaluation and critical engagement with the topic, as the mark scheme rewards higher-level thinking. Ensure that your response is structured effectively—start with a clear introduction, develop points logically, and conclude strongly. Make sure I consistently link back to the question focus.

4) Look at question 4 - the synoptic question. How many of the four key concepts did you cover in your answer? Write a new essay plan for this question using the indicative content in the mark scheme and taking care to include at least three of Language - Representations - Audience - Industries. You can use bullet points but make sure you offer enough content to meet the criteria for Level 5 (top level). This will be somewhere between 3-4 well-developed paragraphs planned in some detail.

Key Focus for feedback: Ensure that at least three of the four key concepts (Language, Representation, Audience, Industries) are fully addressed with depth and critical evaluation.

Introduction  

Thesis statement: While targeting specialised audiences has become an effective strategy for magazines like The Gentlewoman and GQ, it is not the only means of survival. Some magazines still cater to a broader readership while integrating niche elements.

Paragraph 1: Audience 

1. Magazines must adapt to changing audience consumption habits, particularly as print circulation declines.

2. The Gentlewoman directly targets a high-income, intellectual, fashion-conscious audience, constructing an elite and exclusive readership through its serious yet playful tone.

Theory: Blumler & Katz’s Uses and Gratifications – The audience seeks information, personal identity, and aesthetic appreciation, rather than just entertainment.

GQ has shifted from a mainstream men’s magazine to a more specialised, progressive publication.

Evidence: Representation of masculinity as fluid, fashion-conscious, and diverse (e.g., Harry Styles cover).

Theory: Gauntlett’s Identity Theory – Readers use media to shape their own evolving identity.

• Evaluation: While both magazines successfully target niche audiences, GQ still retains elements of mass appeal through consumerism and celebrity content.

Paragraph 2: talking about representation 

1. The Gentlewoman creates a minimalist, modernist representation of femininity, rejecting traditional, consumer-driven portrayals of women.

2. Clean, high-fashion aesthetic and authentic brand representation (e.g., no excessive airbrushing). also the amount the actually clothes costs.

Theory: bell hooks’ Feminist Theory – Opposes mainstream gender representations found in mass-market magazines.

GQ’s representation of masculinity has evolved from traditional men’s lifestyle content to a more fluid, fashion-conscious identity this could also reflect on toxic masculinity as well. 

 Increased focus on diversity, gender inclusivity, and alternative masculinity.

Evaluation: This shift aligns GQ with niche lifestyle trends, though it still relies on celebrity culture to maintain broad appeal.

Paragraph 3: Industry – Print vs. Digital

1. The print industry faces decline, meaning digital expansion and branding strategies are essential.

2. The Gentlewoman uses exclusivity and high-end branding to maintain its print-based model.

Evidence: The Gentlewoman Club fosters a cult-like, engaged community, ensuring loyal readership despite lower circulation numbers.

Theory: Hesmondhalgh’s Cultural Industries Theory – Risk minimisation through brand extension(events, digital presence).

1. GQ embraces a model, integrating social media, digital content, and video to sustain its audience.

2. Evidence: Use of multi-platform presence (GQ website, YouTube interviews, social media engagement)to attract younger audiences.

Theory: Shirky’s End of Audience Theory – Audiences now expect interactivity, and magazines must evolve beyond static print content.

Conclusion: come back to answer the question giving your opinion of agreeing 

1. Specialised audiences are important for brand identity, loyalty, and differentiation in a fragmented media landscape.

5) Based on the whole of your Paper 2 learner response, plan FIVE topics / concepts / CSPs / theories that you will prioritise in your Easter Media revision timetable.

1. Audience Positioning and Targeting ( including theories : shirky , Gerbner , Straut Hall 

2. Media Industries & Economic Factors (Hesmondhalgh, Curran & Seaton, Conglomerates & Funding Models)

3. Genre Theory (Steve Neale - Reception and Difference)

4. Representation & Stereotypes (Including bell hooks, Van Zoonen, Gilroy, Gauntlett)

5. Structuring High-Mark (25-Mark) Responses (Evaluation & Critical Analysis)