how to revise a level sociology!?!

Essay structure tip:

P - Point
E - Explain
E - Evaluate
L - Link

The 'PEEL' method Is something I always used to use during my A level studies in both exams and essays. I'd write down 4-5 main POINTS that i wanted to discuss/argue (of course this will depend on essay length),

EXPLAIN the points,

EVALUATE < this is where you're going to pick up marks and get those top grades. If you can effectively explain your point but show you recognise and understand conflicting arguments then this is going to reflect analytical, critical thought which is extremely important. (bonus if you can critique theories/studies and analysis their strengths/weaknesses/limitations) But you need to not only show you are aware of conflicting arguments but that you can then use your rationale to justify the overall line of argument that would've highlighted in an introduction.

LINK - After every point you need to make sure you link it back to the exam title/question and answer it, even if its a couple of precise sentences.

CONCLUSION - do not add any new information here, summarise the main points and provide an overall answer to the essay question making sure you highlight your rationale behind how you got to that conclusion.

And of course use references throughout... books, journals, the lot! (keeping on top of reading and current affairs is the most important thing you can do)

In terms of remember theories etc. I used to create flash cards that included a very brief over view of the theory. In an exam you don't have to necessarily go into lots and lots of detail but by creating flashcards they allow you to simplify things so the most important points become memorable. When you remember the surface key points of each theory you are then able to compare and contrast them against each other a little easier without focusing on too much detail. Exams are more about your argument/structure/showing a general understanding not so much specific granular details.

I have a first class sociology degree and social research masters and this has always worked for me... hope this helps!

Omg this is great thank you! I did psych at GCSE but I always struggled with peels, and I never started writing them in my exams u til the start of this year in year 12 (I know it's very detrimental to my grades...) At a level, can I evaluate both positive and negative points? because at GCSE I only criticised and I dint know if its changed. and we also do 'whopper peels' where the other E means Methodological evaluation which is also very confusing. And I have started making flashcards, it's okay right now because I've just started a new.topic but I'm worried as i get more into the topic i wont be able to remember everything