CSP-Independent Exam Technique: The Generic-Knowledge Question Bank
How to answer the written-paper questions that name no specific product: reading the command word, matching your answer to the marks, using the four framework areas, and structuring a developed response.
Use it, the way the marks are given
Free interactive practice at using the material, which is what the marks are for.
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Marks you can always earn
Some exam questions ask about a set product you have studied, but many do not. These generic-knowledge questions can be answered from what you know about how media works, so they are safe to revise no matter which products come up. This module shows how to read these questions and answer them for full marks.
Exam-answer words
Learn these four terms before you practise the questions.
Weak answer vs strong answer
For a longer question, the difference between a low mark and a high mark is depth.
Let the marks set the depth
The number of marks tells you how much to write. A two-mark question wants a brief, exact point. A six-mark question wants a point, an example and an explanation. A twenty-mark question wants an extended answer that pulls in more than one area of the framework. Always let the command word and the marks decide the depth.
Match the command word
- state
- explain
- analyse
- evaluate
- give a short, exact fact
- give reasons why something happens
- examine something in close detail
- weigh up strengths and weaknesses
Match the framework area
- media language
- representation
- media industries
- media audiences
- the codes and techniques used to make meaning
- how people, places and ideas are shown
- how products are made, owned and sold
- who uses a product and why
A quick knowledge question
A two-mark question asks: what is a hybrid genre?
- A product that combines two or more genres.
- A genre that has become old-fashioned.
- The most popular genre of the year.
- A genre made only for children.
Match the answer to the marks
Select the TWO things that make an answer match the marks it is worth.
- Writing more for a question worth more marks.
- Doing exactly what the command word asks.
- Copying the question back word for word.
- Guessing wildly when unsure.
Answer it in order
Put the steps of answering a question well in order, earliest first.
- Read the question and find the command word
- Check how many marks it is worth
- Plan a point and an example
- Write the answer to the right depth
Complete the advice
The word in a question that tells you what to do is the _____ word. The four areas used to analyse media are the theoretical _____. A two-mark question needs only a brief _____. A twenty-mark question is _____ and draws on more than one area. A strong point is always backed up with a real _____.
Share out the marks
A twenty-mark answer covers four areas of the framework and gives each area an equal share of the marks. Divide 20 by 4 to find how many marks each area is worth. What is the answer?
Find the framework areas
Tap the TWO that are areas of the media framework.
- media language
- media audiences
- the box office takings
- the actor pay
Choose the approach
Read each question and choose the best way to answer it.
- Briefly state what PEGI does. This question is worth two marks
- Explain why print newspaper sales are falling. This question is worth six marks
- Evaluate how audiences use the media today. This question is worth twenty marks
Model an answer
A six-mark question asks: explain why many print newspapers are selling fewer copies. Write a model answer using media industries knowledge.
- Make a clear point about why print sales are falling
- Give a specific example to support your point
- Explain the effect, using media industries vocabulary