Question 1: Describe how background music can influence the mood of a scene in a film. Provide two different emotional effects it can create.

Answer: Background music can set the mood by using different melodies, tempos, and tones. For example, a slow, minor key music can create a feeling of sadness or tension, while an upbeat, major key tune can evoke happiness or excitement.

Question 2: Explain the difference between diegetic and non-diegetic sound in a media production. Provide an example of each.

Answer: Diegetic sound is sound that characters within the media can hear, such as dialogue or footsteps. Non-diegetic sound is added for the audience's benefit and is not heard by characters, like background music or narration. For example, a character hearing footsteps (diegetic), versus background music added during editing (non-diegetic).

Question 3: Identify and describe two ways sound can be used to create tension in a media scene.

Answer: Sound can create tension through the use of high-pitched, dissonant music or sudden loud noises. Silence or a gradual build-up of sound can also increase suspense.

Question 4: Describe how voice tone and pitch can affect the meaning of dialogue in a media clip.

Answer: Tone and pitch can convey emotions; a cheerful tone and high pitch might suggest excitement, while a low, slow voice could indicate seriousness or threat. These vocal cues influence how the audience interprets dialogue.

Question 5: Sketch a simple diagram showing how different sound elements (e.g., dialogue, music, sound effects) can be layered in a media production timeline. Label each layer clearly.

Answer: A layered timeline with three horizontal bands: the bottom layer labeled 'Sound Effects,' the middle layer 'Music,' and the top layer 'Dialogue.' Each layer should be depicted with blocks indicating when each element occurs.

Question 6: Explain how the choice of sound effects can help to reinforce the genre of a media text (e.g., horror, comedy, action).

Answer: Sound effects help reinforce genre by using specific noises; for example, sharp, sudden sounds can create shock in horror, slapstick sounds like boings or crashes can emphasize comedy, and explosive or engine sounds can suggest action or adventure.

Question 7: Identify three techniques used in sound design to make a character’s voice sound more intimidating.

Answer: Techniques include lowering the pitch of the voice, adding echo effects, and emphasizing certain consonant sounds to make the voice sound harsher or more menacing.

Question 8: Discuss how ambient sounds can help establish the setting of a scene without visual cues.

Answer: Ambient sounds like birdsong, traffic, or wind can evoke outdoor or urban environments, helping viewers understand the setting even if no visual cues are provided. They also add realism and atmosphere.

Question 9: Sketch a short sound cue list for a tense chase scene in a thriller film. Include at least three sound elements and describe their intended effect.

Answer: A list might include: 1) Fast-paced string music to build suspense, 2) Heavy breathing sounds to increase urgency, 3) Sudden loud noise (e.g., a door slamming) to startle and heighten tension.

Question 10: Describe how silence can be used effectively in media to create impact or suspense.

Answer: Silence can create a sense of anticipation or fear by emphasizing a pause before a surprise or scare. It draws attention to a moment and can make viewers feel uneasy or anxious.