1. MS3: Media Investigation & Production
Planning your essay
Once you have collected your initial research and bank of quotes to use in your essay
you should plan your actual essay to make the best of your 1,800 word allowance.
Ø The essay should be ordered in a clear structure, with distinct paragraphs,
sections and sub-sections, each focusing on different areas
Ø Don’t forget to put lots of theories in there and apply them to your texts
Ø Refer to wider contexts (of the time of production & the time period of your
texts)
Planning your paragraphs:
You need to decide the order of your essay – categorise your paragraphs into a
logical order.
Here’s an example of a good paragraph plan:
Question: How are lead characters and their lifestyles represented in the modern day
sitcom?
Par 1: Introduce the different stereotypes in sitcoms. Explain the texts to be looked at,
Peep Show and Extras. Explain how the politics of the time period added to the scripts.
Par 2: Look at the historical context. Refer to changes in content to more challenging
subject matter.
Par 3: First analysis of scenes and character: Mark Corrigan. MES and the target audience.
Par 4: Quote from Stewart et al. about physical characteristics and characters.
Par 5: Analysis in detail the character of Corrigan. Ideologies and narrative – referring to
his reluctance to become a father.
Par 6: Narrative – quote re: narrative and expectations being easier to read if
recognisable to the audience. Refer to sequence about women’s magazines. Ideologies –
apply Marxism.
Par 7: Use Uses and Grats to explore the humour and the characterisation. Apply the
character types to Peep Show.
Par 8: Links to audience appeal – why is the show so popular with audiences. Use quote
from Mustard magazine.
Par 9: Introduce Extras. Put in context and awards. Quote from Gervais about the
audience and comedy working together. The guests are all ‘twisted versions of themselves’.

2. MS3: Media Investigation & Production