MEST4: Critical Investigation - what do you need to do?

What would a top band essay need to do?

 

Well, here's the markscheme to remind you...

 

A fluent and analytical investigation which explores the chosen topic from a clear, autonomous and critical perspective, making use of extensive and wide-ranging research which has clearly  been employed in the investigation and detailed in the bibliography, making use of a wide range  of academic, media and contextual sources. The investigation demonstrates sophisticated  research and engagement with the primary text(s) and a range of secondary texts. It is well  presented with a very detailed bibliography/source list

(AO4).

 

The investigation demonstrates sophisticated knowledge and understanding of media

concepts, contexts and critical debates relevant to the chosen area of investigation. The work contextualises the study and the linked production piece effectively within the contemporary media landscape (AO1).

 

At  the top of this level candidates demonstrate very good understanding of the chosen area  of investigation, very good, independent research skills and very good application of media  concepts, contexts and critical debates. The link between the investigation and the production is cogent, clear and evident.

 

Let's break it down by looking at key words in the markscheme...

 

ANALYTICAL = you are analysing and questioning things rather than just explaining the text. Look at the issues behind it.

 

AUTONOMOUS = independent - not me or someone else telling you what to do!

 

CRITICAL = thoughtful and questioning things. Looking at an argument and your question and saying why you agree/disagree.

 

EXTENSIVE AND WIDE-RANGING RESEARCH = you need a long bibliography which shows you have read around the topic. The things you have looked at should form part of your argument in the essay.

 

ACADEMIC, MEDIA AND CONTEXTUAL SOURCES = books, films, magazines and information that may relate to the film and be relevant to your argument. Use Google Scholar to find books if you can't find any in the library.

 

SOPHISTICATED RESEARCH AND ENGAGEMENT = not just plucking quotes out of a text without having read the rest of it. You need to understand all areas of the argument in order to explore it properly and write a confident and developed essay.