2. Learning Objectives
To review and recap: How to take notes.
To review and recap: How to write the essay introduction.
To review and recap: How to construct paragraphs.
By looking at an extract from Silent Witness
3. Task
Explain how the following construct particular representations of ethnicity in this extract from
Silent Witness:
Camera angle, shot, movement and composition
Editing
Sound
Mise-en-scene
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b087tzkj/silent-witness-identity-1-part-one
4. ‘PEALC’ paragraphs
POINT - about stereotypes / representation
EVIDENCE - from clip to prove point:
Camera
Editing
Sound
Mise-en-scene
ANALYSIS
LINK – does this reinforce or challenge stereotypes?
5. P = POINT
Point
Make a focused point. This is a statement which is focused on the
representations and stereotypes.
The main character ‘Doc Martin’ is represented as believing that he is
superior to the characters from the rural region. (regional identity)
6. E = Evidence
Evidence
1. Provide and explain evidence (from the extract) which supports your point,
is relevant and is the best example you can find.
A reaction shot of Doc Martin frames him centrally with a low angle medium
close up shot which shows his bemused facial expression as he listens to the
local plumber. Doc Martin is also wearing a tidy suit so his costume connotes
his superiority. The dialogue signifies the fact that he thinks he is superior and
more intelligent than the locals when he says ‘treat yourself to a noun’.
7. A = Analysis (explanation)
Analysis
Analyse (explain the point and evidence) the work in more detail using analytical verbs.
Remember to analyse something means to examine it, discuss it in more detail, scrutinize it, study it and
evaluate it.
Explain the representation/stereotype by explaining the 4 technical areas (He is represented as dominating
by….) Strongest answers connect all 4 technical areas and how to work together to make stereotyped
representations.
ANALYTICAL VERBS (to use for analysis)
Connotes (connoting, connotation) Implies (implying, implication)
Indicates (indicating, indicative) Highlights (highlighting)
Shows (showing) Suggests (suggesting, suggestive)
Emphasises (emphasising) Underlines (underlining)
Reinforces (reinforcing, reinforcement)
8. L = Link
Link
Does it link back to the representation issues more widely seen in the extract?
Does it re-inforce or challenge stereotypes?
This is evident throughout the extract as the policeman is treated in a similarly
brusque and dismissive fashion. This reinforces stereotypes of regional identity
as it is common for people from urban cities (especially London) to be
represented as sharper and more intelligent than people from rural areas such
as Cornwall.
9. C = Compare
Compare
How does the representation compare to other things?
Compare similarities
Similarities connectives: Equally, similarly, likewise, like, as with, in the same way,
Compare differences
Differences connectives: Whereas, alternatively, instead of, otherwise, however, on the other hand
Doc Martin’s representation contrasts with most of the characters from Port Wenn as he is a binary
opposite to them as he is represented as up tight and stressed, which is typical of Londoners whereas
the characters from Port Wenn are stereotypically represented as laid back.
10. How to take notes (on A3)
Point CAM SAMC MES E S Link Compare
REP 1
REP 2
REP 3
11.
12. Writing the intro
Keep it simple. Doesn’t need to be long.
Don’t just re-write the question.
No mention of an introduction(or conclusion) in the mark scheme.
In the extract from Silent Witness, the technical codes/features combine to construct a representation of
ethnicity that is ______________________. This is because ________________________ are represented as
____________________ and _____________________ are represented as ____________________________.
