Year 13 Homework this week:  Use the mark scheme to answer this question below, timed for 45 minutes.


New and digital media erodes the dividing line between reporters and reported, between
active producers and passive audiences: people are enabled to speak for themselves.’
(www.indymedia.org.uk)
Have such developments made the media more democratic, with more equal
participation by more people? (48 marks)

Level 4 37- 48 marks
A comprehensive discussion and evaluation, showing sophisticated understanding of new and digital media . A sharp focus on the question.
Sophisticated application of concepts and a wide range of media issues, debates and theories and wider contexts.
The use of the candidate‟s individual case study shows detailed evidence of independent study and very good critical autonomy. Answer is supported by a wide range of examples.
Well structured, articulate and engaged.
Level 3 25-36 marks
A proficient discussion and evaluation, showing good understanding of new and digital media . Focuses on the question.
Proficient application of concepts and a range of media issues, debates and theories and wider contexts.
The use of the candidate‟s individual case study shows clear evidence of independent study and good critical autonomy. Answer is supported by a range of examples.
Well structured and clearly expressed.
Level 2 13-24 marks
A satisfactory discussion and evaluation, showing adequate understanding of new and digital media. Focuses mainly on the question.
Satisfactory application of concepts and a number of media issues, debates and theories and wider contexts.
The use of the candidate‟s individual case study shows adequate evidence of independent study and critical autonomy. Answer is supported by examples.
Mostly well structured and expressed.
Level 1 1-12 marks
A basic discussion and evaluation, showing some understanding of new and digital media . Some focus on the question
A basic of application of concepts and some media issues, debates and theories and/or wider contexts.
The use of the candidate‟s individual case study shows some evidence of independent study. Answer is supported by some examples.
Meaning may be obscured at times by weaknesses in written communication.
Level 0 0 marks
Mostly descriptive and/or irrelevant answer. Little focus on the question.

EXAMINER'S REPORT

The higher level challenge in this question was the idea of ‘democracy’
Solid answers focused on the changing power relationship between audiences and
producers and increased audience participation. Higher level answers discussed the
concept of democracy.
• Sophisticated answers debated the arguments and examples for and against
increasing democracy as a result of NDM.
• Globalisation was a popular point. Satisfactory answers said NDM had contributed to
globalisation. Higher level answers debated the advantages of globalisation, for
example the rise of citizen journalism, freedom of speech and disadvantages, for
example the digital divide, censorship.
• Lots of answers used really up to date and topical examples, showing their
knowledge of and interest in the media and society. They can obviously include these
if they fit in to their own case study, but they can also use them to supplement their
own case study, supporting points they have already made from their own case study
products.