Hi, the structure is different for each question. Some questions ask you to 'assess', others tell you to examine. Do you have an example question you want help with structuring?
Here's an example question: "Using material from Item 2B and elsewhere, assess the contribution of functionalist sociologists to our understanding of the family." (24 marks)
-Intro - describe functionalist views of the family, in about 2 sentences. Then, introduce both sides of the debate as the question is asking you to 'assess'. So you could say that functionalists believe....., whereas other sociologists such as Marxists and postmodernists argue that the family.......
You could also mention the Item in the introduction as my teacher last year said that you should try to mention the Item at least 3 times throughout your essay. Also, if you don't mention the Item you can't get any higher than a C, or a really low B.
Para 1 - functionalist view. Write about one of the views that functionalists have, e.g. here you could talk about the 4 functions of the family (Murdock)
Para 2 - Marxist view, say how this differs from the functionalist view
Para 3 - another functionalist view - e.g. Parson's 2 functions - primary socialisation of children, stabilisation of adult personalities
Para 4 - functionalist view
Depending on how detailed your paragraphs are, and how fast you write, you could write one or two more paragraphs. In your conclusion, sum up the debate and write your opinion of how much functionalists have contributed to our understanding of the family. Make sure your conclusion is good and strong
I did my Family exam a year ago so sorry if I haven't helped much haha. I got nearly full marks though so I do know that this is the right way to structure it out. If you need help with anything else for Family or Education (if that's what you're studying), don't hesitate to ask x