GCSE Sociology AQA Unit 1

The unit 1 Sociology exam is this Monday!  Here are ten top tips to support with last minute preparation.

1. Remember unit 1 topics are:

• studying society
• family
• education

2. Studying society key areas to revise include

• sampling e.g. simple, stratified, systematic, snowball etc
• ethics e.g. confidentiality, informed consent etc
• strengths and weaknesses of different methods e.g. official statistics, interviews, questionnaires, observations etc.

3. One and two mark answers should be short (no more than a short sentence).  You can get away with a term, number or word.


4. Four mark answers should be a roughly one paragraph (around four sentences).  When answering a four mark question make sure you give:

• a definition
• an example
• develop your points

5. When answering a five mark questions remember to answer both parts e.g. you must describe AND explain.


6. There will be two 12 mark questions on the paper-one for family and one for education.


7. Spend around 12-15 minutes on a 15 mark answer.  To achieve high marks:

• write an introduction (defining key terms and setting out your argument)
• agree with the statement in the question (using key terms, examples, key thinkers, theory)
• disagree with the statement in the question (using key terms, examples, key thinkers, theory)
• draw conclusions

8. When revising family remember to revise theories.  Here is a very brief overview:

• Functionalists like the nuclear family as they believe it performs positive functions (PEER which stands for primary socialisation, emotional support, economic support, reproduction)
• New Right believe alternatives to the nuclear family such as lone parent families create social problems 
• Marxists argue the nuclear family keep the rich rich and poor poor e.g. through inheritance
• Feminists argue the nuclear family is patriarchal (benefits men more than women) 

9. Also revise theories for Education!  Functionalists like the education system whereas Marxists argue it keeps the rich rich and poor poor.

10. Remember you only need to answer one 12 mark question per section but apart from that attempt all questions.  Read all questions carefully and don't panic!

Good luck!