MEST1 Mock exam: learner reponse
Grade: 54 - B
1.
Section A:
- Be specific
- Not enough depth/need more depth of analysis for top level
- Need another paragraph!
Section B:
- Think you could take this further
- Losing question focus a little at the very end
- Some great points but need to take it a little further for the top level... both in terms of individual paragraphs + additional sections. Not much on Spectre!
2. I missed my target grade by 5 marks
3.
- Question 1 - 3/6
- Question 2 - 3/9
- Question 3 - 3/9
- Question 4 - 4/6
I would say that I answered all the questions successfully. However with question 2 and 4 what would be required for me to better in in them, would be to write 3 paragraphs rather than 2.
4.
My strongest question in Section A was question 4. I was able to not only think of points that were suggested on the mark scheme, but also keep my explanation of them succinct while also being able to relate them to theories e.g. Levi-Strauss in that the media are informed by ideology.
5.
My worst answered question was question 2. Having received my lowest mark in this question, it was likely as a result of me being unsure as to whether Las Vegas could be referred to as a brand and what I'd say about it as one.
6.
Links/synergy with other brands are demonstrated through things such as the logos at the end of the trailer. Towards the end of the video we are made aware of the involvement of the brands Activision and Infinity Ward in CODG through logos for both of the companies. With it being a key convention of trailers whether they be for video games or films to have logos of the institutions involved in the creation of a product at the very end of the trailer, its addition here is good in allowing people to the know the particular brands helping to produce and distribute CODG.
Another way links are made through other brands is by the appearance of Megan Fox. With her being a particularly notable Hollywood star, particularly within action films in the action genre which we see represented here in some essence, her being in the trailer acts almost as a way of endorsing CODG. Her inclusion is not only capable of getting members of her fanbase interested in COD, as an opinion leader (two-step model), but also helps associate the Call Of Duty brand with successful careers and arguably beautiful women as brand values (Gillian Dyer).
A last way other brands might be said to promote CODG is through where it's set. With the trailer even starting with a Las Vegas sign, it's already seen what kind of things can be associated with Call of Duty. With Vegas having connotations of gambling, sex, drugs and just being overall an 'adult's playground,' an idea can be formulated of the type of game CODG is. With this adult's playground concept in mind, the Vegas brand can be said to be linked with the glamorous places and dreams and fantasy brand values (Dyer) which again, only add the COD brand because it essentially captures what it is.
7.
I was able to cover all the platforms the exception of broadcast. Additionally, I only managed to do one paragraph on my independent case study, Spectre.
8.
I did use the key words of the question in each paragraph, however towards the end of my final one I lost a bit of overall question focus.
9.
Section A:
- Question 1 - be specific in talking about the locations where the low angle shot is used - by name
- Question 2 - need to be able to refer to films specifically to relate the brand to and also think about the different connotations Vegas has as city (question 6)
- Question 3 - should refer specifically to what makes the trailer action-packed with its 'CGI explosions and loud bangs', theories such as Uses and Gratifications and also how the rejection of the male character works to be quite humorous as well as being a relatable situation
- Question 4 - perhaps look at different sides to a representation, in that the characters could also be said to be soldiers - protection rather than aggression
Section B:
- Where I can, question the impact rather than solely having a positive view on topics
- Think about how things like websites, also part of e-media, are affected as they are
- 'Digital word of mouth'
- Maintain question focus
10.
- Do 3 paragraphs for each question in Section A
- Be succinct with my points while still being able to relate them to things like theories
- Understand I can take an oppositional view to a question in Section B rather than my answer be positively in favour of it
