1. SY1 The compulsory core 1a This is a knowledge question and requires a definition with an example drawn from the item. To get all 5 marks you need 3 clear points and a meaningful reference to the item (see mark descriptors) 1b This is a socialisation/ social control question that requires a clear description of how the process happens. You may be asked about agents of primary or secondary socialisation or both. You will have to utilise the item to help to illustrate what you say. Words such as sanctions (positive and negative), role models, imitation are significant in the explanation. Examples should be drawn from references to agents of socialisation as appropriate to the question command words. Skills: AO1 Knowledge AO1 Understanding 1Barbara Greenall April 2010

2. SY1 Optional Topics 2a Command words: Outline & explain So in the question about rising divorce you would need to have a range of possible reasons for divorce rates increasing. You would outline each and then explain why this could be a reason. Look at the top mark band descriptors for clues about how much you need to write. The time available is important as are the words detail and range. Always make clear links back to the focus of the question 2b Command words: Evaluate/assess Here we see a requirement for you to demonstrate all skills and to engage in a discussion. These skills need to be present throughout the essay. Each point/idea should be clearly outlined Explained and evaluated. Each paragraph might: D escribe E xplain S upport I nterpret R efer to question E valuate 2Barbara Greenall April 2010

3. SY4 Compulsory section 1a Identify and explain You need to be able to demonstrate your understanding of research decisions. Focus on the purpose of the study so that your answer is contextualised not rehearsed. Identify each reason clearly followed by an explanation which is linked to the research study, the method or sampling in question and to some aspect of GROVER You can practice this by looking at empirical evidence and how the research was carried out. Research since 2000 is really useful. 3Barbara Greenall April 2010

4. SY4 Compulsory section 1b Design a research proposal Explain and justify your choices. Identify potential problems and the impact that they might have on the quality of the data. It is possible to practise this with different design briefs. But be careful not to be over rehearsed. The design must be contextualised to be good. Look at the checklist to help you to structure your design more effectively. SKILLS: AO1 Knowledge & Understanding AO2 Analysis & Evaluation 4Barbara Greenall April 2010

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6. SY4 Optional units 2a Outline and explain evidence that demonstrates some inequality (gender, class or ethnicity) World: One area of life with evidence from the developed and developing world. So: To get into top mark bands If you were to look at education and gender you would need to outline 2 pieces of evidence from the developed and 2 from the developing world then explain what this evidence shows about gender inequality. Skills: A01 Knowledge & Understanding AO2 Analysis 6Barbara Greenall April 2010

7. SY4 2a Social Inequality Outline and explain evidence that demonstrates some inequality (gender, class or ethnicity) Evidence from two areas of life. So: To get into top mark bands If you were to look at gender you would need to outline 2 pieces of evidence from each of 2 distinct areas such as education, health, crime, work and pay etc. then explain what this evidence shows about gender inequality. The same would apply if the focus of the question were class or ethnicity Skills: A01 Knowledge & Understanding AO2 Analysis 7Barbara Greenall April 2010

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9. SY4 2b This is an essay question. Command word EVALUATE/ASSESS So you would approach this in the same way as the essay questions in SY1,2 and 3 remembering that at A2 there is a greater weighting in AO2 skills. D E S I R E Skills: A01 Knowledge & Understanding AO2 Analysis & Evaluation 9Barbara Greenall April 2010

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