The document provides guidance on answering essay questions about films for an exam on urban stories. It discusses two potential exam questions - one asking about the messages films present about the worlds they represent, and the other asking about how mise-en-scène and/or sound create meaning and audience response. The document recommends supporting any arguments with examples from the films studied. It then provides a suggested essay structure, dividing the response into an introduction, three points with examples from two films and evaluations after each point, before a conclusion. The structure allocates five minutes for each section to help candidates effectively plan and time their exam response.

1. URBAN STORIES
• To what extent do you think the films you have studied
present either clear or ambiguous messages about the
worlds they represent?
• Messages & values question
• Power, poverty, conflict – need to understand what the films have to say about
all 3
• ‘To what extent’ – instruction to debate, to weigh up competing arguments
• Whatever your choice of answer strategy – you MUST be prepared to support
your argument with examples

2. URBAN STORIES
• What is the importance of mise-en-scène and/or sound in creating meaning and generating
response in the films you have studied?
• Film language question – expect it to be sepcific
• Some room for manoeuvre – ‘and / or’
• Meaning and response – how does the film have an effect on you, the
spectator and on wider audiences – your reactions and others – critical views –
film reviews, fan comments
• As with the messages & values question – arguments must be supported with
evidence

3. SECTION A: URBAN STORIES
ESSAY STRUCTURE
• Your points should be focussed on use of film language to create meaning
1. Introduction – what films, what’s the thrust of your argument? [5 minutes]
2. Point 1, Film 1, Example 1 [5 minutes]
3. Point 1, Film 2, Example 1 [5 minutes]
4. Evaluate – compare / contrast similarities and differences – Refer briefly to the other film
studied and link back to Living With Crime [5 minutes]
5. Point 2, Film 1, Example 2 [5 minutes]
6. Point 2, Film 2, Example 2 [5 minutes]
7. Evaluate – compare / contrast similarities and differences – Refer briefly to the other film
studied and link back to Living With Crime [5 minutes]
8. Point 3, Film 1, Example 3 [5 minutes]
9. Point 3, Film 2, Example 3 [5 minutes]
10. Evaluate – compare / contrast similarities and differences – Refer briefly to the other film
studied and link back to Living With Crime [5 minutes]
11. Conclusion – summary of your argument [5 minutes]