MEDIA P1 CSP DETAIL (War of the worlds)

Question 1

What is the quote at the start of the broadcast informing listeners?

Answer 1

The broadcast begins with ‘The Columbia Broadcasting System and its affiliated stations present Orson Welles and the Mercuty Theatre on the air in ‘War of the worlds’ by H.G. Wells’

Many listeners missed this intro.

Question 2

What are the fake news bulletins orson welles used?

Answer 2

‘Ladies and gentlemen, this is the most terrifying thing I’ve ever witnessed.’

‘Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt our program of dance music to bring you a special bulletin.’

Question 3

What quote shows the use of descriptive language creating vivid mental imagery?

Answer 3

‘A huge flame is visible, bright orange flames. Flames are coming out of the mirror-like object. It is now approaching a field…’

The use of descriptive, immediate language creates vivid mental imagery.

Question 4

What is a quote showing the use of real professor names?

Answer 4

‘Professor Pierson, of the observatory at Princeton, gives us his opinion on the event.’

Using real names for professors and scientists gives the story credibility

Question 5

What is a quote that creates an apocalyptic tone?

Answer 5

‘This is the end now. Smoke comes out… Black somke, drifting over the city… People dropping like flies…’

Creating an apocalyptic tone, vivid language increases fear

Question 6

Which city was it where over 2,000 calls were made to police within 2 hours?

Answer 6

People in New Jersey (where the fake invasion began) reportedly called the police or fled homes.

2,000 calls were made to new jersey police within 2 hours of the broadcast

Question 7

What is a headline from the New York Daily News about the broadcast?

Answer 7

‘Radio fake scares nation’ - emotive language such as ‘fake’ positions the radio as being a fraud

Question 8

What were americans recovering from at the time of the broadcast?

Answer 8

America was recovering from the great depression and facing tensions in Europe (pre-WW2)