How social contexts influence television programmes

This is a typical question that you might be asked in your GCSE exam:

Explain how social contexts influence television programmes. Refer to The Avengers from 1965 to support your answer.

In order to answer a question like this you need to show an awareness of the social context and to be able to make references to specific moments from the show.

Firstly, take a moment to consider what was significant about the social context of the 1960s.

Then watch the start to The Avengers again. 

Make notes on any interesting examples of how the social context may have influenced the programme.

Then begin to write a response:

Explain how social contexts influence television programmes. Refer to The Avengers from 1965 to support your answer.

Here are some sentence starters:

During the 1960s, views were different. One thing that has changed during the last fifty years is... (remember to ensure your point is about social context)

An example of how this social context shaped TV programmes, such as The Avengers, is...
This is interesting because...
If this programme were to be made today, then...

Another way that the social context shaped TV programmes is...
However, The Avengers did not simply follow what was socially acceptable. It challenged views too. For example...

Overall, The Avengers has/has not been affected by the social context...