How do I answer a question in the exam effectively?

The exam can be a great place for you to really show off your understanding of media studies and all the things you have learned, so try to enjoy it! I would advise to use a PEATL structure to your paragraphs: beginning with a Point (a clear topic sentence at the start of any paragraph to show the examiner clearly the point you are trying to make), then including Evidence (this may be a scene or moment from the clip, imagine taking one freeze frame from any shot - this usually works best), then adding Analysis (tear apart the freeze frame, think about colours, costumes, props, characters and anything you can see, then link this to the clip overall - what is the purpose of this element to the overall clip?), apply Theory next (this could be any relevant theory to discuss the points made. Does the theory agree with your own analysis of the clip? Is there multiple theories that you could compare to discuss a moment?) and then Link it all back to the question and your topic sentence, how does your analysis and application of theory support your response to the question? Make sure your answer has a clear point and direction - what is your response to the question? If the question includes key words such as to what extent... or how far... then the examiner is looking for you to evaluate, give both sides and conclude. Don't just write down everything you know in a blind panic, tailor your writing to suit the question.