This document provides instructions for structuring an essay analyzing representations in TV dramas. It recommends including analysis of camera work, editing, sound, and mise-en-scene. The analysis should focus on how one of several representation issues is portrayed, such as gender, age, or ethnicity. When taking notes, students should ask questions about stereotypes depicted and challenged. The essay should have a brief introduction stating the question and outline, and a short conclusion summarizing the analysis without new points. The main body should present a logical analysis of the four technical areas as they relate to the representation issue, using examples and terminology from the text.

1. G322 TV DRAMA EXAM
How to structure an essay

2. Step one
Remember to include all technical areas within your
answer. For instance refer to:
1. Camera work
2.Editing
3.Sound
4.Mise-en-scene

3. A strong answer would illustrate...........
Clear analysis of how the technical aspects are used
to construct the particular representation.
 Understanding of the constructed nature of
representation.

4. Step Two
Analysis of the representation issue which would be
given to you, would be one of the following;
1. Gender
2. Age
3. Sexuality
4. Ethnicity
5. Class and status
6. Physical ability and disability
7. Regional identity

5. Step three
Ask yourself questions when taking notes!
FOR EXAMPLE
What issue is being represented? E.g. Gender
What are the dominant stereotypes associated with
this topic?
What stereotypes are evident?
What stereotypes are being challenged?
Who are the main characters?

6. Structuring you work
Introduction and conclusion is important
HOWEVER!
Do not waste time with long introduction and
conclusion paragraphs.
Go straight into analysing!

7. Structuring you work
 Introduction
 State what you think the question is asking you.
 Give a brief outline of what is to follow in the main body of your essay.
 Main Body
 Present the points you make in a relevant and logical fashion. Analyse all four areas
(camerawork/mise-en-scene/sound/editing).
 You must show that the point you make is relevant to the question. Keep reminding
yourself what you are analysing in which representational form
 Develop your argument using as many examples of relevant information as possible.
Be sure to give examples from the text
 Keep to the point. Do not spend to long in one area
 Remember to include the magic three TES (Terminology, Example, Analysis)
 PEE is a good way of structuring your sentences – Point, Evidence, Explain.
 Conclusion
 leave a few minutes to write a conclusion.
 Write a brief summary of your analysis.
 Do not make new points in your conclusion.