EXTENDED ESSAY IN FILM – INSIDER TIPS!

CRITERION COMMENT MAR

DESCRIPTOR K
A Research question – -Question should be about FILM (not history, or technology, or feminism, or actors or whatever.) /2
focused, appropriate,
film-oriented, stated -Question should be focused – so, a couple of films or TV episodes, not lots of films or whole seasons of TV shows.
early
B Introduction; Relate - Introduction should offer an overview of what OTHER PEOPLE think about your topic. QUOTE SOMEONE! Your own reasons for /2
to existing subject choosing the topic etc are irrelevant.
knowledge - Intro should also explain why this topic is important. Why is it worth the time you spent studying it?
- Your research
C Investigation – - Sources used CRITICALLY. Do not always agree with the person you are quoting. Every time you are quoting or paraphrasing /4
Primary and someone, comment on what they say. The only thing you get credit for is what YOU say, not what THEY said.
secondary sources. - Offer alternative readings of your films. Phrases like ‘It could be… however it could also be…’ are useful. Be aware that you could be
Sources used wrong!
critically
D Knowledge and - Show that you are extremely familiar with your films by referring to them in detail throughout. If social, historical, economic, political /4
understanding – (SHEP) context is relevant, explain it but keep it brief.
SHEP where relevant
E Reasoned argument - Essay needs to feel like it was planned. Refer back to your essay title at the end of each point – always bear in mind that you are answering a /4
question, not writing randomly about a topic.
F Analytical and - At some point in your essay, preferably at several points, you need to analyse scenes or shots in detail. In general, talk about shots, edits, /4
evaluative skills – sounds, colours, narrative and so on - NOT the themes or what the characters are doing or thinking. This is not English.
textual analysis
G Use of terminology - Constant and correct use of subject terminology. /4
H Conclusion – - Try not to repeat yourself. Synthesise your arguments. Refer back to your question. Show how you have answered it. Perhaps point out any /2
synthesis of further questions or aspects which remain unanswered.
arguments
I Presentation – Without the things listed here, you will struggle to pass. Presentation is REALLY important. In particular, everything really needs to be /4
Bibliography, referenced properly and your bibliography needs to be absolutely perfect. Seek help and expect this to take a while!
referencing, title
page, table of
contents, page
numbers,
filmography
J Abstract – clarity of 3 paragraphs: /2
overview – what is your question

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EXTENDED ESSAY IN FILM – INSIDER TIPS!

– how did you research it? (textual analysis, genre study, technical focus, primary and secondary research, auteur focus… whatever you
did)
– what conclusions did you reach?
K Holistic – - How good is your essay? /4
Intellectual initiative, - Do you sound like you are interested in your own topic?
insight, creativity - Did you actually do much research?
- Have you proofread your work?
- Is it written in an appropriately formal style?

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