Qualifying Exam: Paper 1 and 2

The format for paper 1 and 2 will be the same as what we had always discussed before the June AS Exam. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you look back at my previous blog posts especially on the key references that should be included in the exam. Dig through your past notes and June AS revision sessions.

Every essay....

MUST include at least 10 references. Remember the BASICS.

Additional Tips for answering essay questions (Paper 3)

FAMILIES AND HOUSEHOLDS

• Always be neutral: write about the various types of families and show how the 'best' type depends on the context.

For example, in modern industrial societies the middle class prefer isolated nuclear families as they are socially mobile but working class communities would prefer a larger extended family to provide mutual support.

• Include a debate on whether families are EQUAL or UNEQUAL.

EQUAL: symmetrical family, joint conjugal roles, New Man, Social Policies

UNEQUAL: Dark side of the family, 'Traditional' families according to Functionalists and Marxists, where women are often being exploited (sexual division of labour)


EDUCATION


Make sure that you include factors that affect educational achievement which can be due to:

Social Class
Gender
Ethnicity

It is VERY important to write about in-school factors and out of school factors

Questions will normally ask you whether educations systems are EQUAL or UNEQUAL.

To show that it is becoming equal, write about social policies in education (particularly changes that promote opportunities such as the New Vocationalism) and the functionalist view on meritocracy.


CRIME AND DEVIANCE

Include arguments on:

What causes crime and deviance?

This can be explained through various theories which look at the following variables:

Social Class
Gender
Ethnicity
Age
Region (Location)

Examination questions usually pinpoint that a certain group are seen as criminals but you need to make sure that your essay touches upon the issue that crimes done by other groups as well but they often remain HIDDEN.

For example, 'crime is predominantly a working class activity'...... if that is part of the question you will need to highlight that the middle class also commit crimes, and ethnicity and gender should also be taken into account.

Structure for Paper 3 (Qualifying Examination)

Topics:

Families and Households
Education
Crime and Deviance

For EACH TOPIC you will have to answer THREE sub-questions. Example:

EDUCATION

1. (a) (i) Define the term hidden curriculum. [3]

(ii) Identify and briefly describe two examples of how the hidden curriculum operates within schools. [6]

(b) ‘The most influential factor in determining a pupil’s educational achievements is their school sub-culture’. Assess this statement. [16]


IMPORTANT: For each topic you will have an option to choose one question out of two. For example,

EDUCATION question 1 or 2.

CRIME AND DEVIANCE question 5 or 6.


Therefore always READ instructions carefully in the examination.

GET READY for your Exams!! :D

ATTENTION PreU2 Sociology Qualifying Exam FINAL Date and Time:

31st JULY: PAPER 3 8am-11am
PAPER 2 2-3.30 pm

...2nd AUGUST: PAPER 1 2-3.30 pm

Therefore it will be the same as the timetable (with amendments) that all you guys have received. Best of luck :)

Congrats everyone :)

thanks to all those involved in making Socio Day a huge success! This will be the start of a new tradition! all of you rock! :D