This document provides guidance on answering a question about long-form television dramas (LFTVD). It breaks down the structure of the question and how to plan a response. The first bullet point always asks about considering the social, cultural, historical and economic contexts of LFTVD production and consumption. The question will then focus on either media language/genre or representation in the two chosen texts. Responses should compare the texts, analyzing similarities and differences. Outlines are provided for introducing context, using evidence from the texts in PETAL paragraphs, and concluding by directly answering the original question.

1. LFTVD Q3
Firstly, understanding the layout of the question:
There may be a
statement here (to
agree or disagree with)
‘Why’ will always be a
part of the question.
‘How’ may also feature
They will always ask you generally about LFTVD. Of course
you should focus on the two texts we have studied but it
would be good to show an awareness of the industry as a
whole.
This bullet point is always worded in exactly the same way. This is your
opportunity to show your awareness of the social, cultural, historical, economic
and political contexts of the industry. (More on the next slide.
For this bullet point you are being asked to apply your
knowledge of context to the specific focus of the
question. This is most likely to focus on aspects of media
language (including genre) or representation issues.
For this bullet point you need to show that you can
compare the two texts. Analyse why. Write conclusions,
clearly setting out why these two texts have similarities
and differences.

2. Bullet Point 1 –
consider the contexts in which long form television dramas are
produced and consumed
The LFTVD you have studied have been made at a time when home entertainment
is booming. TV Producers invest heavily in TV productions.
You should be aware that it costs millions of dollars to make a single episode of
Stranger Things. Deutschland 83 also had a considerable budget, but not as much
as Stranger Things. Why was this, how can it be seen and how has it influenced the
programme?
You should be aware of how these two programmes can be viewed, how the
broadcasters are funded and how they differ in outlook and perspective.
You should be aware that these programmes were created in different countries.
How has this influenced the content of the show? How might the origin of
production affect the consumption in any way (especially on an international or
global scale)?
You should be aware that both of these texts have been produced recently. What
social and cultural viewpoints can be seen reflected in the text (e.g. views towards
women, single-parent families, ethnic minorities) and how might have this been
affected by the time it was produced?
You should be aware of how current political contexts may shape the way that
certain aspects may be presented in the text (e.g. mistrust of authority, views
towards East and West)
You should be able to address all of these points and provide evidence to support your views. There may be some
excellent points you want to make that you could include in any answer. Because of the nature of this question and
the fact that this bullet point is always the same, you can always include your contextual knowledge – especially if you
do have an excellent point you can make, comparing both texts.

3. What is this question specifically
asking me?

4. How to plan a response
In one sentence – what is the focus?
Bullet point 3-4 aspects of each programme and try
to find ways to compare
Where can you add in theory?

5. Starting – developing – ending
Intro – address the question.
Contextual background – address bullet point 1: show you are
aware of the relevant contextual factors. What is important
about LFTVD in general and how do these texts fit in? (1-4
paragraphs)
PETAL paragraphs specifically answering the set question.
Points about the main thing(s) you are being asked about.
Clear evidence from the show. Apply theory if possible (if not,
use your best terminology to analyse the evidence?) Link to
the question and/or the other text – writing mini-conclusions
throughout
Overall conclusion – specifically answering the question you
have been asked. Refer back to your main points. What is the
overall answer?