AQA GCSE Media Studies Paper 1 2025 Question Paper

Get the official AQA GCSE Media Studies Paper 1 (8572/1) question paper from the 14 May 2025 afternoon exam — the exact paper used across UK exam centres. This PDF contains all 84 marks of exam questions in the original format, covering media language, representation, audiences, and industries.

The paper is divided into two sections. *Section A (pages 2–12)* focuses on media language and representations, including analysis of an IKEA advertisement (Figure 1) and the OMO print advert (Figure 2). For example, *Question 2 (page 4)* asks you to analyse how design and layout communicate meaning, while *Questions 3–4 (pages 7–8)* explore gender stereotypes and persuasive verbal codes in advertising. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

*Section B (pages 13–16)* focuses on media audiences and industries. It includes questions on film production, social media influence, and marketing. The final *extended response Question 9 (page 16)* requires evaluation of whether social media influencers are positive role models, referencing key case studies such as Kim Kardashian and Marcus Rashford.

Use this paper to practise under real exam conditions and develop analytical writing skills across unseen and set products. Pair it with the matching AQA 8572/1 June 2025 mark scheme on markscheme.net to check answers and understand examiner expectations. Updated for the 2025/2026 academic year, optimised for mobile and desktop, and instantly downloadable from markscheme.net.

This document is designed for GCSE Media Studies students preparing for the 2026 exam series, including Year 11 candidates studying the AQA 8572 specification, resit students improving grades, and home-schooled learners following the full course.

It is also ideal for teachers, tutors, and revision providers who need authentic exam material for mocks, timed assessments, and exam technique practice. It supports structured analysis of media products, development of extended responses, and understanding of how marks are awarded for both short and long questions.