Question 1 news question, examiners report, mark scheme and exemplar

Question 1 Analyse the different social and cultural representations in Sources A and B. Apply Hall's theory of representation in your answer.

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Mark scheme

Examiners' feedback

• Higher achieving candidates developed sophisticated discussions of the social and cultural representations rather than simply describing the way Theresa May had been represented. 
• There were a wide range of interpretations about what constituted Hall's theory of representation; therefore, it was necessary to be broad in accepting candidates' application application of the theory to the two texts.
• Some candidates analysed the two texts and then tried to shoehorn Hall's theory into their answer
• Interpretations of Hall ranged from stereotypes, to power relations, analysis of gender and finally to reception theory 

Full mark answer Q1:

 

AO2: 1 – apply knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework of media to analyse media products, including in relation to their contexts and through the use of academic theories Total 10 marks

Practise question 1 indicative content

·         Gauntlett’s theory applies to a sense of identity that a newspaper can offer its readers eg identity of a liberal, progressive arts loving Guardian readers or a patriotic, hard-headed Daily Express reader (ordinary person who likes to keep in touch and enjoys celebrity news) give evidence of these

·         Diverse and contradictory media messages – give examples

·         Both main images are identical and have been selected to represent Luxembourg’s prime minister at a press conference standing on his own signalling toward at a podium pointing at an empty

·         Empty podium significant as Mr Johnson was meant to be answering questions

·         This significant event is influenced by political bias – DE pro Johnson and anti European and Guardian anti Johnson more remain – support with text

·         The use of space and composition in the Guardian main image alongside the anchorage of headline/copy reinforces the narrative of Boris’ absence as cowardly or embarrassing

·         The DE layout forces focus onto Luxembourg PM and surrounds him with derogatory defensive text using words such as tiny haven, stage-managed, anti-Brexit, no wonder childish language

·         If Gauntlett says people use media to build self identities – The Guardian would appeal more to left wing Remainers and the DE to right wing leavers