March PPE: learner response task 

WWW: Fairly fluent writing with some media theory/terminology

EBI: Very limited on Q3/4- re-do these. Also, you need to include more specific examples from the text to gain more marks. 

Q1: 3/9 points 

Q2: 5/9 points 

Q3: 2/9 points 

Q4: 1/9 points

Q2 was my strongest question because I personally think it was the easiest question. It was a straight forward question and allowed me to go in depth and use media terminology/theories efficiently. 

Q4 was my weakest question because I didn't have enough time and mainly because I wasn't sure what to write about due to my lack of understanding of the question itself. 

Overall, my most successful questions were Q1/2 because i managed to achieve average/top marks however Q3/4 were very unsuccessful because I got low band marks. 

Question 3: Media Forms 

Identify the key narrative techniques used in the trailer. 

The clip is made using montage editing. This means that according to Todorov's theory, the equilibrium at the start shows the preparations for the paralympic games and then through the use of flashbacks we see an example of disequilibrium by showing us the tragic events that led to the participants getting those disabilities. After that we see how despite the drawbacks they face the participants have abilities that even some regular people would be unable to perform which is an example of new equilibrium. 

Additionally, the use of flashbacks gives an almost cinematic effect because it appears as a short film into the lives of these players. This will encourage viewers to watch the programme because through the trailer they see snippets of the past however they may wish to gain an insight into the full story. 

Furthermore, the use of enigma codes helps build up suspense because the viewers are continuously intrigued and want to see what happens after the accidents. For example, when they see the missing limbs or the players on wheelchairs they will want to know how despite these drawbacks they still manage to participate in sport.

 In addition to that, we can identify the disabilities acting as the villain whereas the the paralympics act as the hero because they give these people a purpose in life by helping them recognise their abilities which means that they could also act as the helper. 

On the other hand, the climax of events is put together by starting the clip with the use of slow-paced editing and then going into fast-paced editing which again keeps the viewer interested. Throughout the clip there has also been the use of slow motion to highlight key events. Also, the use of titles to narrate is another key technique. 

Question 4: Media Representations

How are the Paralympic Games represented in the trailer as a much anticipated sporting event?

The paralympic games are presented as a much anticipated sporting event by making it appear as enjoyable as the olympics through shots of the crowd celebrating their success and cheering them on which would be the same atmosphere as the olympic games. This helps viewers decide to watch the show because it shows a great example to an enjoyable event. Throughout the clip you see a clear demonstration of enthusiasm and dedication behind the whole event. We see the participants engaging in both training and the actual sport which would happen in a regualr sporting event. 

Additionally, the players engage in training which is what would the participants of the Olympic games would do. Also, we witness the preparations of the actual games through shots of the stadium getting prepared and people arriving to watch the games. This all helps the Paralympic games appear as a much anticipated sporting event.

Furthermore, the use of fast paced editing creates excitement and despite the slow paced editing at the beginning the build up along with the music intrigues the audience and creates a exciting atmosphere. The soundtrack being played is non-diegetic and parallel to what is being shown. However, when the disequilibrium takes place the soundtrack stops and the viewers hear a sudden explosion which adds to the suspense. 

On the other hand, in terms of mis-en-scene the facial expression of the participants is serious due to their dedication while training and their focus while playing the sport. Also, at the end of the clip the final shot shows all the British players standing united with a proud expression and their posture helps us recognise how powerful they are.