Film subject report · May 2012

May 2012 extended essay reports Page 1 FILM Overall grade boundaries Grade: E D C B A Mark range: 0 - 7 8 - 15 16 - 22 23 - 28 29 - 36 The range and suitability of the work submitted There was a wide range of work presented. The essays were mostly very straightforward and predictable responses to commonplace topics. However , there were also essays that showed genuine knowledge and engagement with thoughtfully chosen topics. The best essays reflected intellectual flair enlivened by substantial research, mature analysis and a real understanding of subject language. Unfortunately, far too many of the topics chosen were not about film but merely used film as a starting point to discuss other topics – more often than not of a purely historical, biographical or sociological nature. In some cases the film essays could just as readily have been an English literature, social anthropology or history essay. This most frequently occurred when a candidate was not undertaking the film course and when neither the student nor their supervisor were aw are of what properly constituted an appropriate topic or appropriate research for film as a subject. Where suitable topics were chosen the most prominent weakness was the inclusion of too much superficial description or narrative summary. Many essays were written with the enthusiasm of a film fan but frequently lacked academic substance. Using appropriate film terminology and focusing upon how film constructs meaning proved problematic for some candidates. The weakest of the essays ignored the fact that fil m has its own language, grammar and techniques that need to be appropriately addressed. As in previous sessions, the best essays focussed upon careful research with fully referenced sources, integrating the research with coherent analysis and discussion an d drawing conclusions based upon clear evidence. Candidate performance against each criterion Criterion A: research question The strongest essays worked from the basis of a solid research question that could be addressed within the limitations of the task .