GCSE AQA Media Past Exam Papers

General Certificate of Secondary Education
June 2012
Media Studies 48101/PM
Unit 1 Investigating the Media
Topic Television Crime Drama
Preliminary Material
To be opened and issued to candidates on or after Monday 14 May 2012. After this date
the teacher may advise the candidate but formal teaching should cease.
Notes to Candidates
The following brief has been issued to help you prepare for the examination in Unit 1
Investigating the Media.
You are advised to read it carefully and to use it to guide your preparation.
The preliminary material takes the form of a brief. In the examination you will be expected to
respond in role to this brief.
In the examination you will be asked to complete four tasks.
Guidance for the examination
You will need to use the knowledge and understanding you have gained of Television Crime Drama.
You should take coloured pencils, fine liners and a ruler into the examination and use these where
appropriate.
You should make sketches and diagrams to help develop your answers where appropriate.
You are not allowed to take this copy of the brief or any notes with you into the examination.
A new copy of this brief will be included with the examination paper.
48101/PMG/T76249/Jun12/48101/PM 6/6/6/

2
G/T76249/Jun12/48101/PM
You have received this press release which has been e-mailed to national and local media,
colleges and schools, inviting entries for a television crime writing competition. The Crime
Channel is a satellite and cable television channel which specialises in broadcasting crime
drama.
The Crime Channel
www.thecrimechannel.co.uk Date: 14 May 2012
Press Release
The Crime Channel launches new competition
Do you like television crime drama? Are you a talented writer? Would you like to see your crime
drama on television? Well, here’s your chance to enter an exciting competition which could be
your route to fame and fortune. The Crime Channel is looking for ideas for a new television crime
series planned for broadcast next year and aimed at a family audience. The competition is officially
launched today and the closing date for entries is Thursday 14 June 2012.
“What we are looking for is an idea for a pilot episode that we hope will become a popular and
successful series,” says Regan Carter, the channel’s commissioning editor. “This pilot episode
must have an engaging storyline full of suspense, taking place in realistic settings with, above all,
convincing and interesting characters,” he adds.
“If the pilot episode proves popular with our family audience, we will commission a series of six
programmes to be screened early next year. We want this new series to show all the best features
of the genre. Some say that it now lacks any originality and that main characters are often boring
stereotypes. However, we know from our viewing figures that crime drama remains very popular.
Bear this in mind when you let us have your pitch for this pilot episode.”
Competition entries will also need to be suitable for a pre-watershed family audience. “A lot of crime
drama deals with very unpleasant subject matter that does not appeal to the family audience, so the
advice is to think about suitable content,” Mr Carter explains.
Promotional materials are important for the launch of any new programme and we also want
suggestions about how we should promote this new crime drama. We are especially keen to exploit
the potential of new and e-media as part of a successful marketing strategy.
Remember, there are only four weeks to go. Final tips are to keep responses short and focused. You
can use diagrams or illustrations and don’t forget to provide plenty of examples, where appropriate,
to support your ideas.
So, it’s up to you to use your imagination and to show what you know about television crime drama.
As well as winning a day on set to meet the cast, this could be the start of a whole new career for the
lucky winner!
For further details contact rcarter@thecrimechannel.co.uk

3
G/T76249/Jun12/48101/PM
Glossary
Commissioning editor The person who works for The Crime Channel who has the authority
to decide on new programmes to be bought or produced for the
channel.
Crime genre A type of fictional television programme which focuses on the activities
of the police and other crime fighters.
Pilot episode A prototype programme in a series being considered for transmission.
The success or otherwise of this trial programme often influences this
decision.
Pitch Ideas for the series which will be presented to the commissioning editor
for The Crime Channel.
Pre-watershed The time period before 9pm when programmes that are suitable for all
the family are broadcast on television.
Press release A communication to the media and other interested parties, in this
instance produced by The Crime Channel, as a way of publicising the
competition.
Series A drama with the same main characters for each episode. Usually
shown at weekly intervals over a period of six or twelve weeks. Each
episode often has a different storyline.
Stereotype The portrayal of characters according to simple shared characteristics.

4
G/T76249/Jun12/48101/PM
There is no text printed on this page
Copyright © 2012 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.

June 2012
Media Studies 48101
Topic Television Crime Drama
Thursday 14 June 2012 1.30pm to 3.00pm
For this paper you must have:
an AQA 8-page answer book
a clean copy of 48101/PM (enclosed)
a blank A3 design sheet (enclosed)
drawing and colouring materials.
Time allowed
1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions
Use black ink or black ball-point pen. You should use coloured pencils, fine liners and a ruler where
appropriate.
Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Examining Body for this paper
is AQA. The Paper Reference is 48101.
Answer all tasks.
You should make sketches and diagrams to help develop your answers where appropriate.
Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.
Label clearly your additional sheets. Make it clear which task each sheet relates to. Attach them
securely to your answer book.
You may not bring your copy of the Preliminary Material (48101/PM) or any preparatory material to
this examination.
Information
The marks for tasks are shown in brackets.
All tasks carry equal marks.
The maximum mark for the paper is 60.
You are reminded of the need for good English and clear presentation in your answers. Quality of
written communication will be assessed.
48101G/T76248/Jun12/48101 6/6/

2
G/T76248/Jun12/48101
There are no tasks printed on this page

3
G/T76248/Jun12/48101
Answer all tasks.
0 1 We think that these are the important qualities of a successful television crime drama
genre:
storylines which are full of suspense
convincing characters
realistic settings.
Using examples from programmes drawn from your research, show how each of these
qualities has been used to appeal to audiences. (15 marks)
0 2 Convince us that your pilot episode will be successful. Let us have your ideas for the
following:
an appropriate title
a profile of two main characters
details of the main settings to be used
ideas for possible storylines. (15 marks)
0 3 One way to promote this pilot episode would be through a website. Design the
homepage of a website for your pilot episode. You should use the A3 sheet enclosed.
(15 marks)
0 4 In addition to a website, suggest three other ways we can promote our new crime
drama. At least one of your suggestions must make use of new and e-media. You
need to tell us what you think are the advantages of each suggestion. (15 marks)
END OF TASKS

4
G/T76248/Jun12/48101

June 2013
Topic The Music Press: Print and Online
To be opened and issued to candidates on or after Tuesday 7 May 2013. After this date
the teacher may advise the candidate but formal teaching should cease.
Notes to Candidates
The following brief has been issued to help you prepare for the examination in Unit 1
Investigating the Media.
You are advised to read it carefully and use it to guide your preparation.
The Preliminary Material takes the form of a brief. In the examination you will be expected to
In the examination you will be asked to complete four tasks.
Guidance for the examination
You will need to use the knowledge and understanding you have gained of The Music Press:
Print and Online.
You should take coloured pencils, fine liners and a ruler into the examination and use these where
appropriate.
You may make sketches and diagrams to help develop your answers where appropriate.
You are not allowed to take this copy of the Preliminary Material or any notes with you into the
examination.
A new copy of this Preliminary Material will be included with the examination paper.
48101/PMG/T89043/Jun13/48101/PM 6/6/6//6

2
G/T89043/Jun13/48101/PM
You have seen the following tweet on your timeline. It has been retweeted by one of your favourite
music artistes:
Revolution@revolutionarypublishing
CALLING ALL MUSIC LOVERS!! Get involved in the launch of , our new
online music magazine #musicrevolution #Rhymix bit.ly/vyza6
You have clicked on the link and the following page is then displayed.
Join the Revolution
Revolutionary Publishing is excited to announce the launch of our online magazine — .
From metal to the latest boy bands, will cover the whole spectrum of popular music. We
are offering fans who are passionate about music a unique chance to contribute to our new venture.
We intend to produce something different. Firstly we don’t want our online magazine to become
just another promotional tool for the music industry. Instead our aim is to provide independent
and informed comment on all that is trending in the music scene. Secondly we are interested in
uncovering creative talent from all over the country and aim to support new bands/artistes whose
talent and creativity deserve recognition.
If you are interested in joining us, you will need to continue your research into the music press, both
print and online. We then want you to select a music genre and develop ideas for the content and
design of an updateable page for our online magazine. We would also like to receive your views on
our decision to publish online.
It is also really important that we create opportunities for fans to connect with bands/artistes.
We welcome suggestions from you on how we can do this.
To get involved you will need to complete four tasks. Remember it is up to you what music genre you
select, but you will need to show us your ideas for both the content and the design of an updateable
page for our online magazine.
We need your ideas by 6 June 2013. Bear in mind we are busy people, so:
keep your responses focused
use diagrams and illustrations where appropriate
provide examples to support your ideas.

3
G/T89043/Jun13/48101/PM
Glossary
Retweet To repost a message from another Twitter user.
Social media Online providers that allow users to share content, to post comments and to
network with other users.
Timeline A Twitter term used to describe a collection of tweets listed in the order they
have been received.
Trending All that is trending - topics that fans are getting excited about.
Tweet A short message which has been posted on Twitter.
Twitter An online social networking provider.
Updateable page A web page that has content which can be changed regularly.

4
G/T89043/Jun13/48101/PM
There is no text printed on this page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT-HOLDERS AND PUBLISHERS
Page 2 Logo © Thinkstock

June 2013
Media Studies 48101
Topic The Music Press: Print and Online
Thursday 6 June 2013 1.30pm to 3.00pm
the A3 design sheet (enclosed)
Time allowed
1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions
appropriate.
Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Examining Body for this paper
is AQA. The Paper Reference is 48101.
Answer all tasks.
this examination.
Information
48101G/T89044/Jun13/48101 6/6/

2
G/T89044/Jun13/48101

3
G/T89044/Jun13/48101
Answer all tasks.
0 1 In our view the function of the music press is to:
spark interest in a wide range of music genres
encourage exciting new talent
allow fans to connect with their favourite bands/artistes.
How successful is the music press in doing this? Provide examples drawn from your
research into both print and online magazines. (15 marks)
0 2 We are convinced that publishing online rather than in print is the best way forward.
Do you think we are right? Give reasons for your answer. (15 marks)
0 3 Provide us with your contribution for an updateable page for our online magazine.
We need:
a suitable heading
a brief outline of content for the first four updates
suggestions for audience interactivity
a brief explanation of why your page will appeal to your audience. (15 marks)
0 4 Now show us a mock-up of what your updateable online page would look like.
You should use the A3 design sheet enclosed. (15 marks)
END OF TASKS

4
G/T89044/Jun13/48101

June 2014
Topic Promotion & Marketing of Video Games
To be opened and issued to candidates on or after Monday 12 May 2014. After this date the
teacher may advise the candidate but formal teaching should cease.
NOTICE TO CANDIDATES
● The following brief has been issued to help you prepare for the examination in
Unit 1 Investigating the Media.
● You are advised to read it carefully and use it to guide your preparation. You are advised to refer to
the glossary on page 4.
● The Preliminary Material takes the form of a brief. In the examination you will be expected to
● In the examination you will be asked to complete four tasks.
GUIDANCE FOR THE EXAMINATION
● You will need to use the knowledge and understanding you have gained of Promotion & Marketing
of Video Games.
● You should take coloured pencils, fine liners and a ruler into the examination and use these where
appropriate.
● You may make sketches and diagrams to help develop your answers where appropriate.
● You are not allowed to take this copy of the Preliminary Material or any notes with you into the
examination.
● A new copy of this Preliminary Material will be included with the examination paper.
48101/PMG/TI/103618.01/Jun14/E3
A

2
G/Jun14/48101/PM
The following e-mail has been sent to schools and colleges, inviting entries for a video
games marketing campaign competition. TR Interactive is an independent publisher which
specialises in developing and marketing video games across different genres.
From : TR Interactive
To: Schools and Colleges
Subject: Exciting new competition
Calling all student gamers. We need your expertise. Here is your chance to enter a competition to
help promote our latest video games. We are launching two new games aimed at the increasingly
popular family market. We need your ideas for a marketing campaign for just one of these games.
This campaign will consist of a promotional package across different media platforms in readiness
for the launch of the game this autumn. The competition officially opens today and closes on
Wednesday 11 June 2014.
Our mission statement – games for the body and the mind – reflects our passionate belief in the
potential of games to have a beneficial effect. We are particularly keen to show that video games
can bring people together and have a positive impact on people’s health and lifestyles.
Read carefully the outlines of our two games which we know will be popular with our target audience
of families. The games are being developed to be played on different consoles and online.
Remember to enter our competition you need to promote just one game.
Begin by researching two existing video games advertising campaigns. Then plan how best to
promote your chosen game in order to generate buzz and anticipation in our target audience so
that they will be eager to play it. You will notice that our two games are a new spin on established
and popular formats. Decide on the unique selling point of your chosen game and why it will be a
success with our target audience.
A big budget has been set aside for a television campaign to be broadcast in the early evening.
We are also planning to use social networking sites and e-Media to help support the television
advertisement. We need suggestions from you about how we can do this to reach our target
audience.
To enter our competition you will need to complete four tasks. Final tips are to make sure your
responses are in line with this brief and to keep them short and focused. You can use diagrams or
illustrations and don’t forget to provide plenty of examples to support your ideas.
T Richards
Marketing Director
trichards@trinteractive.com

3
G/Jun14/48101/PM
Turn over
To complete the brief you must choose one of these games
Dancefloor
Dancefloor has been created to bring the family together and get them on their feet dancing their
way to fitness with a combination of fun and exercise. It encourages players to learn a variety of
dance moves, from the latest crazes to old favourites.
Each routine is demonstrated on screen and players can test their skills either as an individual
dancer or against others in a dance challenge.
To add to this fun players can record their performances and share these online. Dancefloor
offers much more than the usual ‘dance party’ game as it provides a healthy workout by allowing
each player to develop through dance their own fitness programme. Players are able to track
their progress using a fitness monitor.
Features
● Playlist of 100 free music tracks
● Options to create a personal playlist
● Each track has choreography and a choice of setting
● Players can watch themselves on screen
● Option for players to monitor their fitness
The Detectives
The Detectives follows the adventures of London amateur detectives Jo, Chris and Kim. The
three teenagers are working together to help Jo’s uncle, private investigator Jack Taylor, solve a
series of crimes.
Players can adopt the roles of any of the four characters and are given different crimes to solve.
Each time a case is solved the gamer progresses to the next level of difficulty.
When the game is in detective mode players have to use their thinking skills to solve clues,
follow up leads and question witnesses. When the game is in action mode players need to
demonstrate skilful handling of the game controller as they take part in high speed car chases
and tracking suspects on foot across well-known London landmarks. Players can play alone,
team up with a partner, or compete online.
Features
● Different levels of challenge
● Over 1000 hidden secrets and clues to be discovered
● Over 30 different London locations to visit
● Select from detective mode or action mode
● Stunning visual graphics and music

4
G/Jun14/48101/PM
Glossary
e-Media Electronic media which includes e-mails, websites and other digital
applications
Family market A consumer group of potential buyers of different generations living
under the same roof
Format An industry term to describe a genre or type of game such as role
playing or fitness
Mission statement A phrase which sums up the aims of a company
Media platforms Different technologies through which we receive media products
Social networking sites Websites which allow users to communicate with each other
Unique selling point The appeal of a video game which makes it stand out from the
competition

June 2014
Media Studies 48101
Topic Promotion & Marketing of Video Games
Wednesday 11 June 2014 9.00 am to 10.30 am
a blank storyboard sheet (enclosed)
Time allowed
1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions
appropriate.
Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is 48101.
Answer all tasks.
this examination.
Information
48101G/TI/103617/Jun14/E2
A

2
G/Jun14/48101

3
G/Jun14/48101
Answer all tasks
All tasks carry equal marks
0 1 We think that a successful marketing campaign for a video game needs to do the
following:
provide information about the game
create excitement and interest.
How successful were the two campaigns you researched in doing this? Don’t forget to
give us examples from both campaigns.
[15 marks]
0 2 An ingredient of our games marketing campaign will be a television advertisement shown
across all commercial channels in the early evening. Design the advertisement for your
chosen game. You should use the storyboard sheet enclosed.
[15 marks]
0 3 Now we need your suggestions for using social networking and e-Media to promote
your chosen game. Give us some examples of how we can do this to reach our target
audience.
[15 marks]
0 4 Explain why your storyboard and suggestions for using social networking sites and
e-Media will be successful.
Tell us how they meet the needs of the brief and why they will persuade the target
audience to buy your chosen game.
[15 marks]
END OF TASKS

4
G/Jun14/48101

GCSE AQA Media Past Exam Papers

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (12)

Similar to GCSE AQA Media Past Exam Papers

Similar to GCSE AQA Media Past Exam Papers (20)

More from Graveney School

More from Graveney School (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

GCSE AQA Media Past Exam Papers