This document provides guidance on answering exam questions about television shows: 1. It recommends spending 1.7 minutes on each mark to accurately complete a paper in the allotted time of 120 minutes for a 110 mark exam. 2. It outlines grade boundaries for percentages and corresponding total marks out of 70. 3. It advises focusing analysis on representation of social, cultural and historical contexts rather than individuals. Apply communication theory and compare representations between shows rather than just characters. Explain the theory briefly, give examples, note limitations, and conclude.

1. Timing
OCR say:
10 marks = 15 minutes
15 marks = 25 minutes (x2)
30 marks = 45 minutes
So, this paper is 110 minutes writing time, but you have 120 minutes!
If you want to be accurate, you can spend 1.7 minutes on each mark, so actually:
10 marks = 17 minutes
15 marks = 25 minutes (x2)
30 marks = 50 minutes
This totals 117 minutes.

2. Marks
Percentage Total (out of 70)
A 80% 56
B 70% 49
C 60% 42
D 50% 35
E 40% 28
U

4. In the show we listened to… the bit about Ed Sheerhan, dinner ladies, references to
popular culture, UK artists, references to Stormzy, trailing the guest for tomorrow’s show
(Eddie Redmayne), the music is mainly British (or more than 50%)

6. A PSB is a non-profit organisation, funded by (or with the support of) the
government. They have a service to provide of value and use for the general
public.
The BBC is an example of a PSB.
Be specific – what makes this show different?
• UK artists
• Listener interaction
• How the news is delivered
• Lack of adverts
• Celebrity guests
Don’t forget the context part of the question.
• Budgets
• BBC is respected/traditional
• It appeals to stars
• It is unbiased
Does the Radio 1 Breakfast Show give travel updates?

9. What this question was asking:
• How contexts can be represented in different ways
and how this varies depending on where it was
produced (and consumed… )
• How audiences might respond in different ways
• To examine the ‘realism’ of each show

13. Common themes
• Make sure you are focused on representation of social,
cultural and historical events
• So, don’t look at individuals unless making a point
about something larger.
• Apply theory for higher marks
• If discussing homes, don’t just compare the Wheelers’
home with Martin’s home…
• (Deutschland 83 was first broadcast in USA)

19. How to do Q4
Explain theory (briefly)
Give examples of theory in practice and aiding
understanding (ideally from each show)
Explain how the theory is limited
Write a conclusion