Paper 2 Section A
ADDITIONAL ADVISORY NON-EXAM CONTEXT
This mock paper is constructed without knowledge of internal centre choices for extracts. In the GCSE exam, the format/choice is likely to be different. Indicative content is offered for the sitcom examples.
Centres studying the drama examples should refer to the exam board mark scheme and guidance.
Suggested questions for drama texts are offered below.
THE EXTRACT CHOSEN FOR USE WITH THE IT CROWD IS THE FIRST 10 MINUTES OF THE PROGRAMME
The IT Crowd
Question 1
a) In the extract of the IT Crowd, what does the mise-en-scene connote? [8]
b) In the extract of the IT Crowd shown, to what extent do character types, stereotypical readings and narrative structure play a part? [12]
c) What are the key differences of US and UK sitcoms? How does the social context of The IT Crowd and Friends illustrate these differences? [10]
Indicative Content:
1a)
- We get a view of the somewhat unusual working life of the characters.
- It is an office space but there only appears to be a small number of desks and the feeling is not of a particularly busy or work centred environment.
- It seems very untidy, cluttered and not very dynamic or modern work space, perhaps compared to the stereotypical presentation of busy offices.
- The messy nature of the room suggests an almost immature or student lifestyle type sensibility.
- This is reinforced by the pie of stacked, classic board games. This is perhaps indicative of a less than totally focused commitment to work.
- The collection of classic technology equipment suggests a nostalgic fondness for the past and a distrust of modern progressive ways.
- The “I Heart Computers” sticker is suggestive of both…
