Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91473 about?

Accepted Answer

You need to watch a film, TV series, or other visual/oral text you've studied in class, then pick one statement about it and write an essay arguing your point of view. Your argument must evaluate whether the text is effective, successful, or significant in the way the statement describes—backing up everything you say with specific examples from what you watched.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91473?

Accepted Answer

1. Select one statement from the exam and build a clear argument that directly addresses it, not a prepared essay twisted to fit 2. Use specific examples from the text (scenes, dialogue, camera angles, sound, editing) to support your claims rather than vague statements 3. Explain what the director or creator was trying to do and why—not just describe what happens 4. Structure your response as a formal essay with a clear line of thinking from start to finish 5. Focus on quality and depth of analysis rather than cramming in lots of material that dilutes your main idea

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91473?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You address the statement in a straightforward way, show you know the text well, use specific examples to back up your ideas, and write in a clear, organised style. Merit: You demonstrate real depth of knowledge, provide plenty of evidence about how the director used techniques, comment on their purpose in relation to the statement, and connect your discussion to broader ideas about the world. Excellence: You build a sophisticated argument that aligns perfectly with the statement, structure it carefully to develop your ideas, use language with confidence and perception, show genuine understanding of complex ideas, select evidence wisely, and demonstrate sophisticated understanding of how the text positions its audience.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91473?

Accepted Answer

1. Confusing 'setting' and 'scene'—or answering technique-based questions too simply without enough depth for Level 3 2. Picking films that don't support higher-level analysis (like Star Wars, Moana, or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) or trying to force a prepared essay to fit a statement it doesn't actually suit 3. Including too much material and plot summary, which buries your main argument and makes it hard for examiners to see your key ideas clearly

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