Action film: exam techniques
Exam structure
Unit 2731 is divided into two parts:
- analysis of the moving image extract (30 mins viewing + 45 mins writing);
- comparison of two texts (gender and tv sitcom) (45 mins writing).
Here the focus is on the first part.
The extract and your notes - This will be between three and five minutes long. You will be shown it four times. On the first occasion you shouldn’t make any notes and on subsequent viewings you should make whatever notes you feel necessary.
When making notes, experience has shown that the best technique to employ is to divide your page into five so that you can write about the areas you are expected to cover. The advantages of this method are:
- you can check that you have notes on all relevant aspects;
- you can organise your written response using the headings - well structured pieces are easier to mark and so will achieve more;
- by spreading out your notes you can add to them as you watch the clip.
When it comes to writing your response remember the examiners are looking for two things:
- description - using the appropriate technical language;
- analysis - why has the programme been presented in the way you have descibed? What is the purpose and effect?
Write your answer in chronological order, commenting on the elements as appropriate.
You should aim to integrate the two. Give a description and then analyse the programme makers’ use of the feature. Remember to think about connotations. If someone is dressed in a suit there is a reason for this; if someone is lit using red light this is not an accident. The most important concept to bear in mind is that all features are there for a reason and to create a certain connotations.
