Hi Marshall Taylor!
Having just finished my A-Levels - AAB and an A* in my EPQ - and all in essay-based subjects, I
should be an expert in writing essays. Unfortunately, I also have dyslexia! So yeah, not a great start!
That being said, I like to think I know a fair bit of info regarding essay-based subjects. Most essays like a PEEL approach (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link back to the question), with perhaps a bit more complexity for synoptic links in really essay-based subjects (lol I studied History and got sick and tired of synoptic links!
) Perhaps mix it up a bit with a more 'sophisticated' vocabulary, including subject-specific words. It also helps to keep in touch with the news and talk about that, but don't just
point:
explain why it's important as well!
Also, what really stands out - from most examiner reports, past papers, and with my own personal experience writing essays - is originality. Sometimes this could be in your writing style, but for the most part, it means in your argument. Try and get used to being passionate about your subjects, both negatively and positively! (I thought I was too passionate during my Archaeology exam on a question about TV and Film presentations, but I actually got 100% UMS in that exam which accounted for most of the grade!)
The EPQ is reasonably straight-forward, but is time-consuming. Put the effort in, and you can get a stellar grade easy. If you need any help, you need only ask (I'm also helping my sister who has no ****ing idea what to do lol!)
While I didn't study sociology, I did study anthropology, which is similar. But apart from that, I can't offer you that much help specific to your subjects.
All the best, and I hope you get into a Russel Group Uni!
P.S. Don't be disheartened about your GCSE results. Incidentally, I too also studied 11 GCSEs and only one of them was an A (actually a distinction in ICT), but that didn't stop me getting mostly As at A-Level