Impact of purpose on design exam questions

15 OCR Creative iMedia R093 (J834) exam-style questions on Impact of purpose on design (R093 Media industry - Factors Influencing Product Design), 41 marks in all. Answer them on paper or print them, then open the mark schemes and example answers to see how each is marked.

Name
Class
Suggested time	50 minutes

1Multiple choice1 mark

Pemberton Outdoors is an online shop selling camping equipment. It has made an error page for its website.

Which colour should be used for the error warning on the page?

[1 mark]

ABlue
BGreen
CRed
DYellow

Mark scheme

Answer: (C) Red (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

C Red

Why: Correct option: red is associated with stop and error, so it warns the user (1).

No marks0/1

B Green

Why: Near miss: green suggests go or safe, not an error warning, so no mark (0).

No marks0/1

A Blue

Why: Chose a calm colour that does not warn the user of an error, so no mark (0).

2Multiple choice1 mark

Cobblefen Cinema is designing a poster to advertise a horror film.

Which is a convention of a horror film poster?

[1 mark]

ABright colours
BCheerful tone
CDark colours
DFormal language

Mark scheme

Answer: (C) Dark colours (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

C Dark colours

Why: Correct option: dark colours are a convention of the horror genre (1).

No marks0/1

A Bright colours

Why: Near miss: bright colours belong to other genres such as children's films, so no mark (0).

No marks0/1

B Cheerful tone

Why: Gives a tone that does not match the horror genre, so no mark (0).

3Multiple choice1 mark

Kingsmoor Television makes a range of programmes for different audiences.

Which product is most likely to use formal language?

[1 mark]

AChildren's comic
BComedy sketch show
CNews documentary
DSoap opera

Mark scheme

Answer: (C) News documentary (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

C News documentary

Why: Correct option: a documentary typically uses formal language (1).

No marks0/1

D Soap opera

Why: Near miss: a soap opera uses informal language suited to its characters, so no mark (0).

No marks0/1

A Children's comic

Why: Chose a product written in simple, informal language for young readers, so no mark (0).

4Multiple choice1 mark

Southfield Cereals puts the name of each cereal on its mini cereal boxes.

Where is the name of the cereal positioned on the mini cereal box?

[1 mark]

ABottom left
BCentre right
CTop left
DTop right

Mark scheme

Answer: (D) Top right (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

D Top right

Why: Correct option: the name sits top right so customers can identify the cereal quickly (1).

No marks0/1

B Centre right

Why: Near miss: the centre right holds the photo of the cereal, not the name, so no mark (0).

No marks0/1

A Bottom left

Why: Confused the position of the nutritional information with the position of the name, so no mark (0).

5Complete the sentence1 mark

Complete the sentence. Write one word from the list in the space.

diagram
illustration
photograph
table

A leaflet for young children at Birchfield Wildlife Park uses a simple of each animal instead of a realistic photo, so the children can recognise it easily.

[1 mark]

Mark scheme

Correct answer only

Indicative content

Illustration (1)

Guidance

Do not accept: diagram, photograph, table

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

illustration

Why: A simple illustration is the style of visual representation that suits young children (1).

No marks0/1

diagram

Why: A near miss: a diagram shows how something works rather than showing an animal clearly, so it is not credited (0).

No marks0/1

photograph

Why: The sentence asks for the style used instead of a realistic photo, so a photograph cannot be the answer (0).

6Complete the sentence2 marks

Complete the sentences. Write one word from the list in each of the two spaces. You can use each word only once or not at all.

formal
informal
persuasive
technical

Wexcombe Council writes to residents about a change to bin collection days. The letter uses language.

Wexcombe Council replies to a question on its social media page. The reply uses language.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Space | Answer

1 | Formal (1)

2 | Informal (1)

Guidance

Correct answers only

Spelling not important

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

formal, informal

Why: Both spaces correct: a letter to residents needs formal language (1) and a social media reply uses informal language (1).

Some marks1/2

formal, persuasive

Why: Space 1 correct (1); 'persuasive' does not describe the everyday language of a reply to a follower (0).

No marks0/2

technical, persuasive

Why: Both words describe what is being said or why, not whether the language is formal or informal (0).

7Complete the sentence2 marks

Complete the sentences. Write one word from the list in each of the two spaces. You can use each word only once or not at all.

bottom
left
right
top

A poster for a show at Gablehurst Theatre puts the show title at the of the poster so the audience reads it first.

The same poster puts the theatre's registered charity number in small print at the of the poster, because it is the least important information.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Space | Answer

1 | Top (1)

2 | Bottom (1)

Guidance

Correct answers only

Spelling not important

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

top, bottom

Why: Space 1 correct: the top is read first (1). Space 2 correct: the least important information is placed at the bottom (1).

Some marks1/2

top, left

Why: Space 1 correct (1); 'left' does not place the small print where it is read last (0).

No marks0/2

bottom, top

Why: The positions are reversed, so the title would be read last and the small print first (0).

8Complete the sentence2 marks

Complete the sentences. Write one word from the list in each of the two spaces. You can use each word only once or not at all.

dramatic
gentle
spoken
upbeat

Oakridge Radio makes an advert for a horror film. The advert uses music to create fear in the audience.

Oakridge Radio makes an advert for a spa. The advert uses music to help listeners feel relaxed.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Space | Answer

1 | Dramatic (1)

2 | Gentle (1)

Guidance

Correct answers only

Spelling not important

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

dramatic, gentle

Why: Both correct: dramatic music creates fear (1) and gentle music helps listeners relax (1).

Some marks1/2

dramatic, upbeat

Why: Space 1 correct (1); 'upbeat' music would not help listeners feel relaxed (0).

No marks0/2

upbeat, spoken

Why: 'Upbeat' does not create fear and 'spoken' is not a style of music, so neither space is credited (0).

9Explain or Describe2 marks

Kirkstone Music runs brass band lessons for young people in a small town. It is making a leaflet to hand out in schools, asking pupils to come along and try a free lesson.

Explain one way the positioning of elements in the leaflet would be adapted to meet its purpose.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Read whole response and award

One mark for how the positioning of an element in the leaflet is adapted

AND/OR

One mark for how this positioning helps the leaflet achieve its purpose of persuading pupils to come along to a lesson

Up to two marks for an explanation e.g.

Indicative content

Band name/logo at the top
Headline/main message at the top or in the centre
Photo of young players in the centre
Details of the free lesson in a box in the centre
Contact details/QR code at the bottom or in a corner
Space left around the main message so it is not cluttered

Example responses

Puts the details of the free lesson in a box in the centre (1) so pupils see straight away what they are being invited to (1)
Puts the band name in large letters at the top (1) so pupils know who is asking them to come along (1)
Puts a photo of young players in the middle (1) so pupils can picture themselves playing an instrument (1)
Puts the contact details at the bottom (1) so pupils can easily find out how to book a lesson (1)
Puts the headline across the top (1) so the main message is the first thing readers see (1)
Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

Accept any position (top/bottom/centre/left/right) as long as it is linked to the purpose of the leaflet

Do not accept

Bright colours/large pictures on their own, without saying where they are placed - TV
It is laid out clearly/so it looks good - TV

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

The details of the free lesson are put in a box in the middle of the leaflet so that pupils see straight away what they are being invited to.

Why: Names where an element is placed (1) and explains how this helps the leaflet persuade pupils to come along (1).

Some marks1/2

The band name is put in large letters at the top of the leaflet.

Why: Names where an element is placed (1) but gives no explanation of how this helps the leaflet meet its purpose (0).

No marks0/2

The leaflet uses bright colours so it looks fun.

Why: This is about colour, not where elements are placed, so neither mark can be awarded.

10Explain or Describe2 marks

Sablewood Cinema is a small cinema that shows films for families with young children. It is making a poster for a children's film festival that it is running in the summer holidays.

Explain one way the layout of the poster would be adapted to meet its purpose of promoting the film festival.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Read whole response and award

One mark for how the layout of the poster is adapted (e.g. the position or size of an element)

AND/OR

One mark for how this helps to promote the film festival

Up to two marks for an explanation e.g.

Example responses

Puts the name of the festival in the largest text at the top (1) so it is the first thing people see and they know what the event is (1)
Places the dates and times together in a clear block at the bottom (1) so parents can easily find out when to come (1)
Makes the photo of a family watching a film the biggest element, in the centre (1) so families can see the day out will be enjoyable and want to come (1)
Leaves plenty of space around the title at the top (1) so it can be read quickly from a distance and more people notice the festival (1)
Puts the cinema's logo and website in a corner (1) so people know where to book tickets (1)
Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

Do not accept

Bright colours/exciting words on their own - TV
'A clear/simple layout' with no element of the poster named - TV

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

The dates and times are put together in a block at the bottom so parents can see at a glance when the festival is on and come along.

Why: Gives how the layout is adapted (1) and how this helps to promote the festival (1).

Some marks1/2

The name of the festival is in the biggest writing at the top of the poster.

Why: Gives how the layout is adapted (1) but does not say how this helps to promote the festival (0).

No marks0/2

It uses bright colours and exciting words to make it look good.

Why: This is about colour and language rather than layout, so neither mark can be awarded.

11Explain or Describe2 marks

Middlemoor Theatre Company puts on plays in a small town. It is making a leaflet to inform adult ticket-holders about its new production, a serious drama about a family caught in a flood.

Explain one way formal language could be used in the leaflet to help it inform the audience.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Read whole response and award

One mark for a way formal language is used/feature of formal language

AND/OR

One mark for how this helps the leaflet inform the audience (linked reason/effect)

Example responses

Uses full sentences and avoids slang (1) so the details about the play sound reliable and the audience trust them (1)
Avoids contractions such as 'don't' and 'can't' (1) which gives the leaflet a professional tone that suits a serious drama (1)
Uses theatre vocabulary such as 'matinee' and 'interval' (1) so the audience know exactly what each ticket includes (1)
Uses correct grammar and spelling throughout (1) so the dates and times of the play are clear and easy to follow (1)
Uses a serious, factual tone (1) which matches the serious subject of the play and prepares the audience for it (1)
Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

Accept equivalent terminology

Do not accept

It has a photo of the actors at the top - TV (this is about layout and images, not the language used)

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

The leaflet avoids slang and uses full sentences, so the information about the play sounds reliable and the audience can trust what it says.

Why: Gives a feature of formal language (1) and a linked reason why this helps the leaflet inform the audience (1).

Some marks1/2

It uses full sentences and does not use any slang words.

Why: Gives features of formal language (1) but does not explain how this helps the leaflet to inform the audience (0).

No marks0/2

The name of the play is written in large letters at the top of the leaflet.

Why: This is about the layout and positioning of elements, not the language used, so no marks can be awarded.

12Explain two6 marks

Jesmond Vale Nature Reserve has made a self-guided audio trail for visitors. The recorded narration teaches visitors about the plants and animals on the reserve.

Explain how the choice between formal and informal language could help the audio trail to educate visitors.

[6 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Answers may include reference to the following aspects of formal and informal language in an educational audio trail

Formal language
technical vocabulary and accurate species names teach visitors the correct facts and terms
full sentences and standard English make the information clear and trustworthy
a serious, formal register suits an official guide that is meant to teach
Informal language
direct address and questions ('can you spot the heron?') keep visitors listening and prompt them to look out for things
contractions and everyday words explain difficult ideas to children and families so more visitors understand
jokes, anecdotes or a chatty style make the facts memorable
Matching the language to the audience
formal language for adult or school groups, informal language for young families, so that audience understands the facts
Consistency of register
keeping the same level of formality throughout avoids confusing listeners

Award credit for any other appropriate response

Do not accept answers that only discuss music, sound effects or the voice itself, such as pace or volume, with no point about language

Levels

Level 3 (5–6 marks): A thorough explanation which shows detailed understanding: Two language choices are identified – and two explanations attempted; Shows detailed knowledge and understanding of formal and informal language; Use of language to educate is clearly explained; Consistently uses appropriate terminology.
Level 2 (3–4 marks): An adequate explanation which shows sound understanding: Two language choices are identified – at least one explanation attempted; Shows sound knowledge and/or understanding of formal and informal language; Use of language to educate is adequately explained; Sometimes uses appropriate terminology.
Level 1 (1–2 marks): A brief explanation which shows limited understanding: At least one language choice is identified – at least one explanation is attempted; Shows limited knowledge and/or understanding of formal and informal language; Use of language to educate is explained in a basic way; Use of appropriate terminology is limited.
0 marks: Response is not worthy of credit

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks6/6

The narration could use formal language when it gives facts about the reserve. It could name each species correctly and use words such as habitat and nocturnal, so visitors learn the proper terms and trust that the information is accurate. Full sentences and a serious tone would suit a guide that is meant to teach. For the parts aimed at families, the trail could switch to informal language, speaking directly to the listener and asking questions such as 'can you spot the heron?'. This means children stay interested and listen for longer, so they take in more of the facts. Contractions and everyday words would help younger visitors understand ideas that would be difficult in a formal guide. Using the right language for each audience therefore helps the trail educate everyone who listens.

Why: Formal and informal language are both identified and both are explained with a clear link to educating visitors, using accurate terminology consistently, so every Level 3 descriptor is met.

Some marks4/6

The audio trail could use formal language to give facts about the plants and animals, because visitors will trust the information more and believe what they are told. It could also use informal language like jokes to make the trail fun.

Why: Two language choices are identified, but only formal language is explained with a link to education; informal language is identified with no real explanation. This meets the Level 2 descriptors, at the top of the band, but not Level 3.

No marks0/6

The trail should have gentle music and real bird sounds so that visitors enjoy learning about the reserve as they walk round.

Why: It discusses music and sound effects only and makes no point about language, so it is caught by the 'Do not accept' line and is not creditworthy.

13Explain two6 marks

Jesmond Acre Allotments Association rents small plots of land to local people who want to grow vegetables. It is making a printed welcome pack that informs new plot holders about the site rules and what to do in each season.

Explain how the positioning of two elements on a page of the welcome pack could help it inform new plot holders.

[6 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Answers may include reference to the following aspects of positioning of elements in a welcome pack that informs

Headings and titles
A clear title placed at the top tells new plot holders what the page is about before they read the details.
Section headings placed above the text they introduce help readers find the information they need.
Key information
The most important rules placed near the top of the page are seen first, so readers are less likely to miss them.
A contents list positioned at the front or side helps readers locate a section quickly.
Images and diagrams
A diagram placed next to the instruction it shows helps readers match the picture to the step, making the instruction easier to understand.
Labels positioned beside the part of the diagram they name help readers identify tools or plants correctly.
Step-by-step instructions
Steps placed in order from top to bottom, or left to right, help readers follow the sequence without missing a stage.
Repeated elements
A safety warning placed in the same position on every page helps readers know where to look for it.

Award credit for any other appropriate response

Do not accept answers that only describe colour, font size, amount of text or pictures without saying where elements are placed, or that say the pack looks attractive, as these do not explain positioning.

Levels

Level 3 (5–6 marks): A thorough explanation which shows detailed understanding: Two positioned elements are identified – and two explanations attempted; Shows detailed knowledge and understanding of positioning of elements; How the positioning helps the welcome pack inform new plot holders is clearly explained; Consistently uses appropriate terminology.
Level 2 (3–4 marks): An adequate explanation which shows sound understanding: Two positioned elements are identified – at least one explanation attempted; Shows sound knowledge and/or understanding of positioning of elements; How the positioning helps the welcome pack inform new plot holders is adequately explained; Sometimes uses appropriate terminology.
Level 1 (1–2 marks): A brief explanation which shows limited understanding: At least one positioned element is identified – at least one explanation is attempted; Shows limited knowledge and/or understanding of positioning of elements; How the positioning helps the welcome pack inform new plot holders is explained in a basic way; Use of appropriate terminology is limited.
0 marks: Response is not worthy of credit

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks6/6

Placing a clear title at the top of each page would help the welcome pack inform new plot holders because they would know what the page is about before they start reading. Putting the most important site rules near the top of the page would also help, as readers would see these first and would be less likely to miss them. If a diagram of a tool is placed next to the instruction that uses it, the reader can match the picture to the step, so the instruction is easier to understand. Placing the steps for a seasonal job in order from top to bottom would mean new plot holders follow the correct sequence and do not skip a stage. A safety warning kept in the same position on every page would help readers find it quickly. These choices use position to make the information clear.

Why: Two positioned elements, the title and the key rules, are identified and explained in detail, with further clear explanation of diagrams, sequenced steps and repeated warnings. This meets all Level 3 descriptors.

Some marks4/6

The title could be placed at the top so new plot holders know what the page is about. The important rules could also be put near the top of the page, which means readers will see them first.

Why: Two positioned elements, the title and the important rules, are identified and both are given an adequate explanation of how they help inform readers. The simple explanation keeps it at Level 2 rather than Level 3.

No marks0/6

The welcome pack should use bright green colours and pictures of vegetables. This will make new plot holders want to join the allotment.

Why: Discusses colour and pictures to persuade people to join, not where elements are placed to inform new plot holders. There is no creditworthy positioning point, so no mark is awarded.

14Explain two6 marks

Jesmond Veterinary Care is a practice that looks after pets in a small town. It is making a leaflet to advertise a new dental care service to pet owners, and it wants them to book a check-up.

Explain how two different colours could be used in the leaflet to encourage pet owners to book a dental check-up.

[6 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Answers may include reference to the following aspects about colour in a leaflet encouraging pet owners to book

Green
linked to health, nature and safety, so the dental service seems good for the pet and owners are more likely to book
Blue
linked to trust, calm and cleanliness, so the practice seems professional and reliable and owners feel confident to book
Red
draws attention and suggests urgency, highlighting a limited offer or the risks of delaying treatment, which prompts owners to book sooner
Yellow
bright and cheerful, creating a friendly, positive feel that may make owners more willing to book
Orange
warm and inviting, making the leaflet feel welcoming and encouraging owners to act
White
clean and clinical, suggesting hygiene and professional care, which may reassure owners about the treatment
Bright colours
attract attention and make the booking details stand out

Award credit for any other appropriate response

Do not accept answers that only name a colour without saying how it would encourage pet owners to book

Do not accept answers that only describe pictures, images or layout with no point about colour

Levels

Level 3 (5–6 marks): A thorough explanation which shows detailed understanding: Two colours are identified – and two explanations attempted; Shows detailed knowledge and understanding of how colour is used for a purpose; Effect on encouraging pet owners to book is clearly explained; Consistently uses appropriate terminology.
Level 2 (3–4 marks): An adequate explanation which shows sound understanding: Two colours are identified – at least one explanation attempted; Shows sound knowledge and/or understanding of how colour is used for a purpose; Effect on encouraging pet owners to book is adequately explained; Sometimes uses appropriate terminology.
Level 1 (1–2 marks): A brief explanation which shows limited understanding: At least one colour is identified – at least one explanation is attempted; Shows limited knowledge and/or understanding of how colour is used for a purpose; Effect on encouraging pet owners to book is explained in a basic way; Use of appropriate terminology is limited.
0 marks: Response is not worthy of credit

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks6/6

The leaflet could use green because green is associated with health and nature. This would help owners see the dental service as safe and good for their pet, so they are more likely to book a check-up. The leaflet could also use red for important details, such as a limited-time offer or a warning that dental problems get worse if they are left untreated. Red stands out and suggests urgency, which would prompt owners to book sooner rather than putting it off. A blue heading could be used too, because blue is linked to trust and cleanliness, making the practice seem professional and reliable. This means owners may feel confident that their pet will be well looked after, which could encourage them to make an appointment.

Why: Two colours, green and red, are identified and fully explained with effects on booking; a third, blue, is also explained. This meets all Level 3 descriptors.

Some marks4/6

The leaflet could use green because green is linked to health and nature. This means owners will think the dental service is healthy for their pet, so they may book a check-up. It could also use red to make the leaflet stand out.

Why: Two colours are identified. Green is explained with an effect on booking, while red is only asserted. This meets Level 2 at the top of the band.

No marks0/6

The leaflet should have a photo of a happy dog and a cat because pet owners like animals, and this will make them book.

Why: This describes pictures, not colour, and gives no effect of colour on encouraging owners to book, so it is not creditworthy.

15Explain two6 marks

Lumen Bowl is opening a new ten-pin bowling alley for families. It is making a poster to promote the opening.

Explain what changes should be made to the style, content and layout of the poster to advertise the new bowling alley.

[6 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Answers may include reference to the following aspects about adapting style, content and layout to advertise a bowling alley

Style
bright, energetic colours and exciting photographs of families bowling create a fun mood and attract attention
an action image of a strike makes the activity look enjoyable
conventions of leisure advertising, such as a clear logo and special offer, make the poster feel familiar
Content
opening date, address, prices, family deal, website or phone number give people the information they need
a clear call to action tells the audience what to do next
images of families and friends show who the venue is for
Layout
a large headline or title at the top makes the main message seen first
the logo in a clear position helps brand recognition
key details grouped at the bottom or centre are easy to read
an uncluttered layout with a clear visual hierarchy keeps attention on the main image and offer

Award credit for any other appropriate response

Do not accept answers that only list a poster feature without explaining how it advertises or promotes the bowling alley

Levels

Level 3 (5–6 marks): A thorough explanation which shows detailed understanding: Two changes are identified – and two explanations attempted; Shows detailed knowledge and understanding of how style, content and layout are adapted to advertise; Changes are clearly explained; Consistently uses appropriate terminology.
Level 2 (3–4 marks): An adequate explanation which shows sound understanding: Two changes are identified – at least one explanation attempted; Shows sound knowledge and/or understanding of how style, content and layout are adapted to advertise; Changes are adequately explained; Sometimes uses appropriate terminology.
Level 1 (1–2 marks): A brief explanation which shows limited understanding: At least one change is identified – at least one explanation is attempted; Shows limited knowledge and/or understanding of how style, content and layout are adapted to advertise; Change is explained in a basic way; Use of appropriate terminology is limited.
0 marks: Response is not worthy of credit

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks6/6

The poster should use a bright, energetic style because it needs to attract families and make bowling look fun. Action photographs of people celebrating a strike would create excitement, so the audience wants to visit. The content should include the opening date, address, prices and a family deal, as these give people the information they need to act. A clear call to action such as 'Book your lane today' tells them what to do next. The layout should place a large headline and the Lumen Bowl logo at the top, where they are seen first. The main image should be in the centre and the opening date and offer grouped underneath in a simple block. This keeps the poster uncluttered, so busy parents can find the key details quickly.

Why: Two changes are identified and fully explained: an energetic style with action photographs and a clear layout with headline, logo and grouped details. Content is also linked to advertising. This meets all Level 3 descriptors.

Some marks4/6

The poster should be bright and colourful to get attention. It should have a big picture of a bowling ball. The information should be at the bottom.

Why: Two changes are identified, style and layout, and one is explained. This meets the Level 2 descriptor, but the layout and picture are not explained well enough for Level 3.

No marks0/6

The poster should have a lot of text about the history of bowling because it is interesting.

Why: This suggests content but does not explain how it advertises or promotes the new bowling alley. History text does not meet the purpose asked about, so no mark is awarded.

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