How to answer 12 mark questions

Discuss how far… Discuss how far sociologists would agree that deviant and criminal behaviour results from poor socialisation in childhood. Discuss how far sociologists would agree that women today are just as likely as men to commit crime. Discuss how far sociologists would agree that violence in the mass media leads to violence in real life. Discuss how far sociologists would agree that the audience decides what is seen and heard in the mass media.

Discuss how far… Contrasting arguments Supporting arguments Conclusion: Do the evidence and arguments support the question or go against It? Supporting arguments Discuss how far… Contrasting arguments

Discuss how far… Introduction: What are the main arguments and who/which perspectives debate this question Part One: Which sociologists, perspectives and evidence support the statement? Part Two: Which sociologists, perspectives and evidence counter the statement? Conclusion: How far do sociologists agree? Draw a conclusion – which arguments and evidence do you think are the most persuasive and why?

Discuss how far a sociologist would agree that a pupil’s social class is the most important influence on his or her educational achievements. (12 marks) Pupil highlights the key parts of the question Another pupil writes on the board the missing two factors that would also need to be discussed – gender & ethnicity

Outside school factors Supporting arguments Class Inside school factors Outside school factors

Contrasting arguments Gender Inside school factors Outside school factors Can a pupil name two inside/outside school factors for each of these?

Contrasting arguments Ethnicity Inside school factors Outside school factors

Conclusion: Do the evidence and arguments support the question or go against It?