19 OCR Creative iMedia R093 (J834) exam-style questions on Hardware & Software (R093 Media industry - Pre-production Planning), 49 marks in all. Answer them on paper or print them, then open the mark schemes and example answers to see how each is marked.
Which is a piece of software used to create a digital mood board?
Answer: (B) / Image editing software (1)
Guidance
Correct answer only
B Image editing software
Why: Correct option (1).
A Database
Why: Database is for storing records, not for creating a mood board.
C Spreadsheet
Why: Spreadsheet software is used for asset logs, not mood boards.
Which software is used to create an asset log?
Answer: (A) / Database (1)
Guidance
Correct answer only
A Database
Why: Correct option (1).
B Flow chart software
Why: Flow chart software creates flow charts, not asset logs.
C Presentation software
Why: Presentation software is used for slides, not asset logs.
Which piece of hardware is used to sketch ideas for images in a digital visualisation diagram?
Answer: (A) / Graphics tablet (1)
Guidance
Correct answer only
A Graphics tablet
Why: Correct option (1). A graphics tablet with a stylus is used to sketch ideas for images.
C Monitor
Why: A monitor shows the diagram as it is developed but cannot be used to sketch ideas for images, so it earns no mark.
D Scanner
Why: Typical misconception: a scanner digitises a paper document, but it cannot be used to sketch ideas for images in a digital visualisation diagram, so it earns no mark.
Complete the sentence. Write one word from the list in the space.
A spreadsheet is used to create an asset log. A is used to type the asset details into the spreadsheet.
Correct answer only
Indicative content
Guidance
Do not accept stylus (used for drawing or selecting, not for typing)
keyboard
Why: Correct answer (1).
stylus
Why: A stylus can be used on a touchscreen but the question asks for typing; mark scheme does not accept stylus.
graphics tablet
Why: A graphics tablet is used for drawing, not for typing asset details.
Complete the sentence. Write one word or phrase from the list in the space.
A flow chart can be created digitally using dedicated software.
Correct answer only
Indicative content
Guidance
Do not accept presentation (not dedicated flow chart software)
flow chart
Why: Correct answer (1).
presentation
Why: Presentation software can be used to make a flow chart but it is not dedicated flow chart software; mark scheme does not accept.
database
Why: Database software is used for asset logs, not for creating flow charts.
Thornbury Circus is a travelling circus company. It is making a short advertisement film for its new show. A script is needed for the advertisement.
Identify two pieces of software that could be used to create the script.
Two from e.g.
Indicative content
Guidance
Accept equivalent terminology
Accept brand names e.g. Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Final Draft
Do not accept:
Suites e.g. Microsoft Office, Google Workspace - TV
Hardware e.g. keyboard, mouse - TV
Microsoft Word and Final Draft
Why: Named Microsoft Word (word processor) (1) and Final Draft (script editor) (1).
Microsoft Word and a keyboard
Why: Named Microsoft Word (1); keyboard is hardware, not software (0).
Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Why: Named software suites, which are not credited (0).
Tarnwick Costumes is a costume hire company. It is creating an online catalogue of its outfits for theatre groups. The design team needs to make an asset log to record the photos and descriptions used in the catalogue.
Identify two items of hardware the design team could use to produce the asset log.
Two from e.g.
Indicative content
Guidance
Accept brand names e.g. Dell, Logitech
Do not accept:
Software e.g. Excel, Word, database - TV
A laptop and a keyboard
Why: Named a laptop (1) and a keyboard (1).
A desktop computer and a spreadsheet
Why: Named a desktop computer (1); a spreadsheet is software, not hardware (0).
Excel and Google Sheets
Why: Named software, not hardware (0).
Tideswell Aquarium is opening a new jellyfish enclosure. It needs a poster to advertise the enclosure to families, and a visualisation diagram will be created first.
Identify two pieces of software that could be used to create the visualisation diagram.
Two from e.g.
Indicative content
Guidance
Accept brand names e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, PowerPoint
Accept equivalent terminology
Do not accept:
Hardware e.g. graphics tablet, mouse - TV
Vague answers e.g. a computer program, a software suite such as Microsoft Office - TV
Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft PowerPoint
Why: Named image editing software (1) and presentation software (1).
Adobe Photoshop and a graphics tablet
Why: Named image editing software (1); graphics tablet is hardware, not software (0).
Microsoft Office and a computer program
Why: A software suite and a vague answer, neither a named piece of software for the task (0).
Thistlewood Games is a company that makes family board games. It is designing the box for a new game about gardening, aimed at families with young children. The design team will create a physical mood board to agree the style of the box.
Identify two pieces of hardware that could be used to create the physical mood board.
Two from e.g.
Indicative content
Guidance
Accept drawing materials e.g. felt tips, marker pens, coloured pencils
Do not accept:
Software e.g. image editing software, PowerPoint - software is not hardware
Pencils and a cork board
Why: Pens/pencils (1) and a cork board (1).
A printer and Microsoft PowerPoint
Why: Printer is hardware (1); PowerPoint is software, not hardware (0).
Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft PowerPoint
Why: Both are software; the question asks for hardware (0).
Complete the sentences. Write one word from the list in each space. You can use each word only once or not at all.
A hand-drawn mind map can be created using and paper.
A digital mind map can be created using dedicated .
Indicative content
Space | Answer
1 | Pencils (1)
2 | Mind mapping software (1)
Guidance
Correct answers only
Spelling not important
Accept
Do not accept
pencils, mind mapping software
Why: Space 1 correct: pencils (1); space 2 correct: mind mapping software (1).
pencils, mouse
Why: Space 1 correct: pencils (1); space 2 incorrect, as a mouse is hardware, not software for creating a digital mind map.
keyboard, scanner
Why: Neither space correct: a keyboard is not a hand-drawing material and a scanner digitises documents rather than creating a digital mind map.
Complete the sentences. Write a word or phrase from the list in each of the two spaces. You can use each word or phrase only once or not at all.
To create a script from scratch, a writer would use a to type the text.
They would use to write and edit the script.
Indicative content
Space | Answer
1 | Keyboard (1)
2 | Word processor (1)
Guidance
Correct answers only
Spelling not important
Accept brand names for word processor e.g. Word, Google Docs
keyboard, word processor
Why: Space 1 correct (1) and space 2 correct (1).
keyboard, spreadsheet
Why: Space 1 correct (1); space 2 incorrect, a spreadsheet is not used to write and edit a script.
monitor, desktop publishing software
Why: Neither space correct: a monitor displays the script but is not used to type, and DTP software is not used to write and edit a script.
Westmere Theatre is staging a new comedy play and needs a script before rehearsals begin.
Explain one reason why the scriptwriter would use word processing software to create the script from scratch.
Read whole response and award
One mark for a reason for using word processing software to create the script
AND/OR
One mark for an explanation/effect of this reason
Up to two marks for explaining one reason e.g.
Indicative content
Example responses
Guidance
Accept equivalent terminology e.g. word processing software, text editor
Do not accept
A word processor lets the writer edit the text easily so changes can be made to the script during rehearsals.
Why: Reason for using word processing software (1) and explanation/effect (1).
A word processor checks spelling and grammar.
Why: Reason for using word processing software (1) but no explanation/effect.
They would use a laptop because it is portable.
Why: Gives hardware only, which the mark scheme does not accept as a reason for using the software.
Wrenfield Ferries is launching an online booking service for its passengers. A developer will create a digital flow chart to plan how customers choose and pay for a crossing.
Describe one piece of hardware a developer could use to create the flow chart.
Read whole response and award
One mark for a piece of hardware named
AND/OR
One mark for a description of how it is used
Up to two marks for describing one piece of hardware e.g.
Example responses
Guidance
Do not accept
A computer, used to run flow chart software and arrange the shapes on screen.
Why: Hardware named (1) and description of how it is used (1).
A mouse.
Why: Hardware named (1) but no description of how it is used.
Flow chart software, because it lets you drag shapes onto the page.
Why: Software only is not accepted; the question asks for a piece of hardware.
Wrenfield Falconry is opening a new visitor centre and needs a leaflet to advertise its flying displays. The design team will use a digital mind map to plan the leaflet.
Describe one piece of hardware that could be used to create the digital mind map.
Read whole response and award
One mark for a piece of hardware
AND/OR
One mark for how it would be used/description
Up to two marks for describing one piece of hardware that could be used to create a digital mind map e.g.
Indicative content
Example responses
Guidance
Do not accept
A keyboard, to type the text for each branch of the mind map.
Why: Hardware named (1) and description of how it would be used (1).
A mouse.
Why: Hardware named (1) but no description of how it would be used.
Mind mapping software, because it lets you add branches.
Why: Names software rather than hardware, so no hardware point and no description of hardware use (Do not accept software on its own).
Wrenfield Karting is opening a new indoor track. It is making a self-service booking screen so customers can reserve races. A designer will create a wireframe layout for the booking screen before it is built.
Describe one type of software the designer could use to create the wireframe layout.
Read whole response and award
One mark for a software type or named product suitable for creating a wireframe layout
AND/OR
One mark for a description of how it is used to create the layout
Up to two marks for describing one type of software e.g.
Indicative content
Example responses
Guidance
Accept brand names e.g. Figma, Adobe XD, Microsoft Publisher
Accept a named software type such as wireframing software or DTP software
Do not accept
Wireframing software, because it has tools for placing boxes and navigation links on each screen.
Why: Software type named (1) and description of how it is used to create the layout (1).
DTP software.
Why: Suitable software type named (1) but no description of how it is used.
Microsoft Office, as it has lots of programs.
Why: Names a suite with no application, which the guidance does not accept as a suitable software type or named product.
Jorvik Lane Studios is making a short animated film for a wildlife charity about hedgehogs. A graphic artist will create a digital storyboard from scratch to plan the film.
Explain how two pieces of hardware could help a graphic artist to create the digital storyboard from scratch.
Indicative content
Answers may include reference to the following hardware
Award credit for any other appropriate response
Do not accept software on its own, such as storyboard software or image editing software, when no piece of hardware is named.
Levels
One piece of hardware is a graphics tablet with a stylus. The graphic artist can draw each frame directly into storyboard software on the computer, and the stylus works like a mouse to select and move shapes. Because the stylus is pressure sensitive, pressing harder makes a thicker line, so the artist can sketch characters and backgrounds and rub out mistakes without using paper. A second piece is a scanner. The artist can sketch rough frames on paper with pencils, then use a flat-bed scanner to digitise them at high resolution. The scanned frames can be imported into the digital storyboard and put in order, so the hand-drawn ideas are kept without redrawing them on screen.
Why: Identifies two pieces of hardware, the graphics tablet and stylus and the scanner, and gives a detailed explanation of how each helps create the digital storyboard, with appropriate terminology.
One piece of hardware is a graphics tablet and stylus. The artist can draw the frames on the tablet and they appear on screen, which is quicker than using a mouse. Another is a keyboard. The artist can type the captions and notes under each frame so the storyboard explains the action.
Why: Identifies two pieces of hardware with an explanation of each, but the explanations are sound rather than detailed, so Level 2.
A graphics tablet is used to draw the storyboard frames.
Why: Identifies one piece of hardware and gives a basic explanation of its use, with no second piece of hardware, so Level 1.
Ravenswood Film Club is producing a short animated trailer for its summer season. The designer needs to create a digital storyboard from scratch.
Explain two benefits of using a graphics tablet and stylus to create the digital storyboard from scratch rather than drawing it on paper and scanning it.
Indicative content
Answers may include reference to the following benefits
Award credit for any other appropriate response
Levels
One benefit is speed because the designer draws straight into storyboard software with the stylus, so the frames are already digital. There is no need to scan paper frames, which avoids waiting for a scanner and prevents shadows or skew from a scan. A second benefit is that the stylus is pressure sensitive, so pressing harder gives a thicker line. This means the designer can sketch quickly in light lines and add darker detail to show camera angles and action clearly. The storyboard is also easy to edit because frames can be moved, copied or deleted without redrawing them on paper.
Why: Identifies two benefits (drawing directly to avoid scanning, and pressure sensitivity) and explains both in detail, using appropriate terminology.
One benefit is you do not have to scan it because it is already on the computer. Another benefit is you can use the pen to draw more neatly than with a mouse.
Why: Identifies two benefits and gives at least one explanation; the second explanation is limited, so Level 2.
It is quicker because you do not need to scan it.
Why: Identifies one benefit and gives a basic explanation; no second benefit and no detail, so Level 1.
Junction Nine Media is a company that makes short training videos for outdoor activity centres. It is making a safety video for a summer camp. The production team will use a mind map to plan the video.
Explain how the production team could use two pieces of hardware or software to create a mind map to plan the safety video.
Indicative content
Answers may include reference to the following hardware and software
Award credit for any other appropriate response
Do not accept: a list of hardware or software with no explanation of how it is used to create the mind map; descriptions of the purpose or layout of a mind map with no hardware or software named
Levels
One piece of hardware the team could use is paper and pens. The team can draw the central idea in a circle in the middle of the paper, then use different coloured pens to add branches for the scenes, narration and safety points. This lets them plan the video quickly without needing a computer. A second piece of hardware is a graphics tablet with a stylus, used with mind mapping software. The team can draw branches by hand and the stylus puts them on screen, so the map is saved as a digital file. They can then move a branch or add a new one as the safety video changes.
Why: Identifies two pieces (paper and pens; graphics tablet with stylus and mind mapping software) and clearly explains how each is used to create the mind map.
The team could use paper and pens to draw the mind map by hand. They could also use a computer with mind mapping software to make the digital mind map and add branches.
Why: Identifies two pieces and explains how paper and pens are used, with a basic explanation of the computer and software; a clear Level 2 answer.
The team can use paper and a pencil to draw the mind map. They can use a keyboard to draw the branches on the paper.
Why: Gives one basic explanation, paper and pencil to draw the mind map; the keyboard drawing on paper is not creditworthy.
Lowther House Hotel is creating a brochure to promote its wedding receptions to couples. The design team will make a mood board to agree the style of the brochure.
Explain two issues that the design team should consider when choosing between a physical mood board and a digital mood board for the brochure.
Indicative content
Answers may include reference to the following issues
Award credit for any other appropriate response
Levels
One issue is how the mood board will be shared with the hotel client. A physical board can include real fabric and ribbon samples, but it must be photographed or scanned before it can be emailed to the hotel manager. This takes time and the photo may not show the texture accurately. A digital mood board can be exported as a PDF and sent straight away, so the client can comment on the colours and images more quickly.
A second issue is editing. If the hotel changes its mind about the colour scheme, images on a digital mood board can be moved, replaced or undone on screen. On a physical board, the team may have to remove items, cover them or make the board again, which takes more time and materials.
Why: Identifies two issues (sharing with the client and editing) and explains both in detail, comparing physical and digital mood boards with appropriate terminology.
One issue is that a physical mood board has to be scanned so it can be emailed, but a digital one can be sent straight away. Another issue is that a physical board can use real fabric but a digital one uses pictures.
Why: Identifies two issues and gives at least one explanation; the second is not explained fully, so Level 2.
A physical mood board has to be scanned to email it, but a digital one can be sent straight away.
Why: Identifies one issue with a basic explanation; no second issue, so Level 1.
Teachers: print these as a worksheet with the mark schemes at the end, and sign your school up to set your classes activities on Hardware & Software.
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