Number
AS90600
Version
2
Page 1 of 2
Achievement Standard
Subject Reference
Media Studies 3.2
Title
Explain how meaning is created in media texts
Level
3
Subfield
Social Science Studies
Domain
Media Studies
Registration date
Credits
7 December 2005
4
Assessment
Date version published
Internal
7 December 2005
This achievement standard requires an explanation of how elements of media language
construct meaning, including explaining different readings of a media text.
Achievement Criteria
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with
Excellence
 Explain how different
elements of media
language contribute to
meaning in media texts.
 Analyse how different
elements of media
language contribute to
meaning in media texts.
 Analyse perceptively how
different elements of
media language contribute
to meaning in media texts.
 Explain different readings
of a media text.
 Analyse different readings
of a media text.
 Analyse perceptively
different readings of a
media text.
Explanatory Notes
1
The term media language encompasses all the ways in which a media text is
constructed to communicate with an audience.

Visual text – this may include elements from mise en scène, cinematography,
audio, post production etc.

Print text – this may include layout, typography, language structure, narrative
form, illustrations etc.

Radio – this may include elements from language structure, narrative form,
audio etc.
2
Different readings of a text involve interpreting a text in different ways, eg the text
might be read as a cultural, gendered, political, historical, commercial or aesthetic
object, etc. The text could also be considered in terms of dominant, intended,
negotiated, variant or oppositional interpretations.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Number
3
AS90600
Version
2
Page 2 of 2
Definitions

Explain means to clarify with reasons.

Analyse means a detailed examination that could include carrying the study to
wider implications.

Analyse perceptively means with insight.
Quality Assurance
1
Providers and Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by the
Qualifications Authority before they can register credits from assessment against
achievement standards.
2
Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against
achievement standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to
those achievement standards.
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference
0226
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016