Ruth’s Sociology Resources Blog

Exam length: 1 hr

Marks Available: 60

Questions: You must choose one four-part question and answer all four parts. You will have two questions to choose from.

Once you have read through the paper and chosen which question to answer, you will have just under one minute to gain each mark.

Marking Criteria:

AO1: Knowledge & Understanding

AO2a: Identification & Analysis

AO2b:Evaluation

The questions will be structured as follows:

a) Identify and briefly explain two …… with reference to Item A. (8 marks)

AO2a: 8 marks

• This question is asking you to identify two pieces of information which will be in the Item (there may be more than 2 for you to choose from) and explain them
• You are being tested on your ability to read the item, draw information from it and interpret that information
• You must clearly identify each characteristic/factor/way – be specific
• You must explain each point – do not just copy from the Item
• Try to use sociological terms and ideas in your answer
• You can use an example if it helps, but keep it brief and relevant
• You may want to break your answer into two brief paragraphs: “One way/factor/characteristic…” and “A second ….”
• You should spend 5 or 6 minutes on this question

b) Identify and briefly explain two …. (8 marks)

AO1: 8 marks

• This question is asking you to show your knowledge and understanding
• You need to identify and explain two points
• Make your points specific
• Make sure your points are relevant, if it is unclear, show how they are relevant
• You may want to break your answer down into 2 paragraphs
• You should spend 5 or 6 minutes on this question

c) Outline and briefly evaluate two ways in which ….. (18 marks)

AO1: 10 marks

AO2a: 4 marks

AO2b: 4 marks

• This question is asking you to demonstrate a range of skills
• You must show your knowledge and understanding of theoretical/research evidence as well as of the subject itself
• Backing up your points with evidence
• You must identify and analyse evidence which is relevant to the question asked
• You must evaluate your points – you can use alternative ideas or ideas/research that criticise your points
• Make sure that you have two clearly identifiable points – you will probably want at least 4 paragraphs for this answer – and that you have outlined and evaluated each
• You should spend about 15 minutes on this question

d) Discuss the view that ….. (26 marks)

AO1: 14 marks

AO2a: 4 marks

AO2b: 8 marks

• This is an essay style question – you must have:
• An introduction
• A conclusion
• (and something in the middle might be a good idea!)
• You must show your knowledge and understanding of both sides of the argument
• Show that you understand that issues are complex and that there is more than one viewpoint on the matter
• You need knowledge and understanding of relevant evidence to back up your points
• Make your points relevant to the question – link each point back to the question
• Make sure that you have tackled all the parts of the question
• It is crucial that you evaluate arguments – look at criticisms, alternative ideas & viewpoints
• Don’t leave all your evaluation until the conclusion
• Make sure that you come to a conclusion – “the evidence above supports/does not support the view that ….”
• Remember you can use the conclusion to briefly mention any crucial points you may realize you have left out/not got round to
• You should spend about 22 minutes on this question