How to write History/Sociology/Psychology essays? Watch

I would be very grateful of any tips for writing essays for:
History AS
Sociology AS
Psychology AS
Including introductions (all AQA board) and how to revise things for them (e.g. specific knowledge)

For psychology, most of the 12 mark questions start with 'outline and evaluate...' 6 marks are given for outlining, or describing, the study or theory asked in the question. The other 6 marks are given for showing an analysis of the study/theory. You could get these marks by giving 3 evaluations. For example if it was a study you could evaluate the method used or the participant sample. An intro/conclusion isn't really needed.

For sociology, the introduction should be a brief description of what the essay will be about. You could also include any definitions that are included in the essay title, such as a definition of the nuclear family. For the main body of the essay you could write 3/4 paragraphs. Each paragraph needs to explain a point and then evaluate it. For example, if you had a question on sociological theories: in one paragraph you could describe a theory (eg. Functionalism) and what it says, etc and then evaluate it by using other theories to criticise certain aspects of it. In addition, a sentence at the end of each paragraph needs to link back to the question. The conclusion could be a brief summary of the main body of the essay, and also (if you are doing a question based on an argument for/against) if it leans more to one side of the argument than the other.

As for revision techniques, I would suggest making cue cards, so writing the topic on one side and then a brief summary of it on the other side. Making a key words glossary may also help.

Hope this helps!