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Aqa a level sociology exam structures help

Hi, I'm really struggling with my exam structure for sociology. If someone could roughly tell me how to structure each question, I would appreciate it alottt!! thank
4/6 markers (I'm quite confident on these)
10 markers (does this need evaluation?)
20 markers
30 markers

Reply 1

Here is what I've gathered and I've been getting quite good marks. I try to follow what I did for English and PCRE GCSe's which was a mnemonic for every question type so that it prompted me to think in a certain way.

Obviously when approaching apply question you want to find quotes from the items, then link to your knowledge. I use keyboard so I can use a table in word, but you can probably just write out the basic ideas onto the exam paper. The I usually use Statement, Item/theorist, theorist/Item, Effect(societal topic)/Application(method), Conclusion (just a mini one for the paragraph). It's effectively PEEL but labelled so I remember what to do and when.

20 markers and 30 markers are the same, equal for and against was what I was taught for PCRE, I reckon it applies. 4 points total vs 6 total for 30 marks. Always add a conclusion, if you actually have the foresight an introduction is good too. Maybe just leave a big gap before you start your exam, and then write in an introduction at the end.

10 markers are the same structure but without any opinions, as they are just explaining points. I use Statement, Evidence, Effect, and Conclusion. Because we are SEEC'ing the truth :smile:

Finally it should be organised and consistent. But if you are in the middle of a sentence explaining impact, and suddenly you remember more content that directly corresponds with your statement, then you should just add it.

e.g. "(Evidence) Bourdieu pointed out that the white middle-class habitus is more equivalent to most workplaces, compared to the habitus of groups like Black Caribbean’s. (Effect) Therefore, they may not be seen as suitable by the selection staff, as they cannot effectively communicate in the businesses elaborate code (Feinstein)."

Reply 2

Original post
by dylantappenden
Here is what I've gathered and I've been getting quite good marks. I try to follow what I did for English and PCRE GCSe's which was a mnemonic for every question type so that it prompted me to think in a certain way.
Obviously when approaching apply question you want to find quotes from the items, then link to your knowledge. I use keyboard so I can use a table in word, but you can probably just write out the basic ideas onto the exam paper. The I usually use Statement, Item/theorist, theorist/Item, Effect(societal topic)/Application(method), Conclusion (just a mini one for the paragraph). It's effectively PEEL but labelled so I remember what to do and when.
20 markers and 30 markers are the same, equal for and against was what I was taught for PCRE, I reckon it applies. 4 points total vs 6 total for 30 marks. Always add a conclusion, if you actually have the foresight an introduction is good too. Maybe just leave a big gap before you start your exam, and then write in an introduction at the end.
10 markers are the same structure but without any opinions, as they are just explaining points. I use Statement, Evidence, Effect, and Conclusion. Because we are SEEC'ing the truth :smile:
Finally it should be organised and consistent. But if you are in the middle of a sentence explaining impact, and suddenly you remember more content that directly corresponds with your statement, then you should just add it.
e.g. "(Evidence) Bourdieu pointed out that the white middle-class habitus is more equivalent to most workplaces, compared to the habitus of groups like Black Caribbean’s. (Effect) Therefore, they may not be seen as suitable by the selection staff, as they cannot effectively communicate in the businesses elaborate code (Feinstein)."


how do you even have the time for 6 points? how developed should each point be? i get do about 4

Reply 3

Original post
by jules7
how do you even have the time for 6 points? how developed should each point be? i get do about 4
You should time how long each part is taking you for a paragraph. If you follow the structure the point is developed I reckon. Do you ever have a moment in the exam where you completely stop, such as trying to remember a point that you were leading into. If so that's a good thing to fix first.

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