GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION TYSTYSGRIF ADDYSG GYFFREDINOL 2009 2010 SOCIOLOGY GCE AS/A2 SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPERS SPECIMEN MARKING SCHEMES
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 3 Contents Page Question Papers A/S Sociology Unit 1 - Acquiring Culture 5 A/S Sociology Unit 2 - Understanding Culture 9 A2 Sociology Unit 3 Power and Inequality 13 A2 Sociology Unit 4 Social Divisions 15 Mark Schemes A/S Sociology Unit 1 - Acquiring Culture 21 A/S Sociology Unit 2 - Understanding Culture 23 A2 Sociology Unit 3 Power and Inequality 3 A2 Sociology Unit 4 Social Divisions
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 5 WELSH JOINT EDUCATION COMMITTEE General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced CYD-BWYLLGOR ADDYSG CYMRU Tystysgrif Addysg Gyffredinol Uwch Gyfrannol/Uwch SOCIOLOGY UNIT 1 ACQUIRING CULTURE SPECIMEN PAPER (1 hour) ADDITIONAL MATERIALS In addition to this examination paper, you will need a 12 page answer book. INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES Answer question 1 and one other. You are advised to divide your time according to the mark allocation given. Write your answers in the separate answer book provided. INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES The number of marks is given in brackets at the end of each question or part-question. You are reminded that assessment will take into account the quality of written communication used in your answers. No certificate will be awarded to a candidate detected in any unfair practice during the examination. Credit will be given for reference to recent public debate and research publications.
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 6 UNIT 1 - ACQUIRING CULTURE 1 hour Question 1 Look at the item below and answer the following questions. Culture and clothing Clothing is used to express identity; it can reflect the norms and values of a culture. The wearer may use clothing to cause a reaction in others, or to express group solidarity. Traditionally Welsh people have expressed culture through their national costume. Welsh female costume consists of a hat, made of black felt, with a high crown and wide brim, which is worn over a lace cap. Welsh clothing is unlikely to be seen on a daily basis but it has a ceremonial importance, so for example, children will wear it on St. David's Day as a mark of their national identity and separation from English culture. Adapted from www.learnenglish.de 1. (a) With reference to the item, explain the meaning of the term culture. (5) (b) Using material from the item and elsewhere, describe and explain ways in which culture may be transmitted. (10)
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 7 Choose one question from the following options: Question 2: Families and culture (a) Outline and explain the evidence that family structures have undergone significant change since 1945. (15) (b) To what extent have men and women become equal partners in marriage? (30) Question 3: Youth cultures (a) Outline and explain reasons for the development of youth cultures (15) (b) To what extent are youth cultures deviant? (30) Question 4: Community and culture (a) Outline and explain reasons why people develop communities. (15) (b) To what extent have communities experienced significant change since 1945? (30)
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 9 WELSH JOINT EDUCATION COMMITTEE General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced CYD-BWYLLGOR ADDYSG CYMRU Tystysgrif Addysg Gyffredinol Uwch Gyfrannol/Uwch SOCIOLOGY UNIT 2 UNDERSTANDING CULTURE SPECIMEN PAPER (1½ hours) ADDITIONAL MATERIALS In addition to this examination paper, you will need a 12 page answer book. INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES Answer question 1 and one other. You are advised to divide your time according to the mark allocation given. Write your answers in the separate answer book provided. INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES The number of marks is given in brackets at the end of each question or part-question. You are reminded that assessment will take into account the quality of written communication used in your answers. No certificate will be awarded to a candidate detected in any unfair practice during the examination. Credit will be given for reference to recent public debate and research publications.
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 10 UNIT 2 UNDERSTANDING CULTURE 1 ½ hours Question 1 Look at the item below and answer the following questions. Every ten years a major piece of quantitative research known as the Census is conducted to give us a complete picture of the whole population. It counts the numbers of people living in each city, town and country area. It tells us about each area and its population, including the balance of young and old, what jobs people do, and the type of housing they live in. Because the same questions are asked and the information is recorded in the same way throughout the UK, the Census allows us to compare different groups of people across the entire nation. In 2001, a Census form which is a detailed questionnaire was delivered to every household, establishment, or to people living anywhere else in the United Kingdom. The forms were designed for self-completion by the respondents in order to provide information which related to Census day 29 April 2001. Most forms were then posted back to temporary local offices and the remainder collected by a 'field force' of people employed to make sure that the Census was conducted properly. The form for a household in England asked questions which collected information on household accommodation, relationship, demographic characteristics (e.g. sex, age and marital status), migration, cultural characteristics, health and provision of care, qualifications, employment, workplace and journey to work. In Wales there was an additional question on the Welsh language. Source: adapted from http://www.statistics.gov.uk (a) Using material from the item and elsewhere, identify the main strengths of questionnaires. (10) (b) With reference to the item and sociological studies and research, assess the strengths of triangulation. (20)
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 11 Choose one question from the following options: Question 2: Education (a) Describe and assess the role of education as an agency of socialisation. (20) (b) Discuss changing patterns of gender attainment in education since the 1970s. (40) Question 3: Religion (a) Describe and assess the main changes to patterns of church attendance since the 1970s. (20) (b) Discuss the view that religion is a force for social change. (40) Question 4: Mass Media (a) Describe and assess the main changes to patterns of media ownership since the 1970s. (20) (b) Discuss the view that the media presents stereotypical images of males and females. (40)
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 13 WELSH JOINT EDUCATION COMMITTEE General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced CYD-BWYLLGOR ADDYSG CYMRU Tystysgrif Addysg Gyffredinol Uwch Gyfrannol/Uwch SOCIOLOGY UNIT 3 POWER AND INEQUALITY SPECIMEN PAPER (1½ hours) ADDITIONAL MATERIALS In addition to this examination paper, you will need a 12 page answer book. INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES There is one compulsory question and a choice of extension questions for each option. Write your answers in the separate answer book provided. INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES The number of marks is given in brackets at the end of each question or part-question. You are reminded that assessment will take into account the quality of written communication used in your answers. No certificate will be awarded to a candidate detected in any unfair practice during the examination. Credit will be given for reference to recent public debate and research publications.
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 14 Choose from one of the following options Compulsory question: Option 1. Understanding Crime 1. Explain why functionalists regards crime as both inevitable and functional. (15) Either 2. Are Marxism theories useful to explanations of criminal behaviour? (45) Or 3. "Crime statistics are biased and unreliable". Discuss. (45) Option 2. Understanding Health Compulsory question: 4. Explain what is meant by the term "sick role". (15) Either 5. Are cultural explanations a useful means of explaining inequalities in health between social classes? (45) Or 6. "Illness is socially constructed". Discuss. (45) Compulsory question: Option 3. Understanding Politics 7. Explain why Pluralists regard interest groups as an essential part of a democratic system. (15) Either 8. Is Marxism a useful means of understanding power in contemporary society? (45) Or 9. "Voting behaviour is no longer linked to social class". Discuss. (45)
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 15 WELSH JOINT EDUCATION COMMITTEE General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced CYD-BWYLLGOR ADDYSG CYMRU Tystysgrif Addysg Gyffredinol Uwch Gyfrannol/Uwch SOCIOLOGY UNIT 4 SOCIAL DIVISIONS SPECIMEN PAPER (2 hours) ADDITIONAL MATERIALS In addition to this examination paper, you will need a 12 page answer book. INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES Answer question 1 and one other question. Write your answers in the separate answer book provided. INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES The number of marks is given in brackets at the end of each question or part-question. You are reminded that assessment will take into account the quality of written communication used in your answers. No certificate will be awarded to a candidate detected in any unfair practice during the examination. Credit will be given for reference to recent public debate and research publications.
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 16 Question 1 (compulsory) Truancy Truancy is a persistent problem in British schools. Some geographical areas experience more truancy than others. For example Local Education Authorities produced statistics in 2000 that showed that in the Wirral absent pupils had missed on average 26 half days whereas in Wokingham this figure was 11. Corrigan researched truancy but his aim was to understand it rather than just measure its frequency. To do this he used participant observation telling those involved that he was a writer interested in the lives of working class boys. He found that the boys truanted because they didn t like particular lessons or particular teachers or even because they enjoyed rebelling against the fact that school was compulsory. (a) (b) Give two reasons why Corrigan decided to use participant observation to research truancy. (10) As an A Level sociology student you have been asked to design a research project to collect quantitative data on attitudes towards grammar schools amongst a representative sample of British residents in your area. Outline each stage of your research design explaining the reasons for your choices at each stage. Identify some of the problems that you anticipate might occur and the impact that these may have on the quality of the data collected. (30)
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 17 Choose one question from the following options: Understanding World Sociology Either: Question 2 (a) (b) Identify two areas of life in the developed and developing world where there is evidence of gender inequality. Illustrate your answer with reference to appropriate evidence for each area identified. (20) Evaluate the view that globalisation has resulted in the exploitation of the poorest people in the world. (30) Or: Question 3 (a) Identify two areas of life in the developed and developing world where there is evidence of ethnocentrism. (20) (b) Evaluate the view that Modernisation is nothing more than cultural Imperialism. (30) Choose one question from the following options: Either: Understanding Social Inequality Question 4 (a) Identify two areas of life in the contemporary UK where there is evidence of ethnic inequality. Illustrate your answer with reference to appropriate evidence for each area identified. (20) (b) Evaluate the view that ethnic inequalities are the result of institutional racism. (30) Or: Question 5 (a) Identify two areas of life in the contemporary UK where there is evidence of class inequalities. Illustrate your answer with reference to appropriate evidence for each area identified. (20) (c) Evaluate the view that class inequalities are both functional and inevitable. (30)
MARKSCHEMES GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 19
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 21 SOCIOLOGY GCE UNIT ONE ACQUIRING CULTURE MARK SCHEME Judgements remain the responsibility of the markers. The responsibility for final decisions remain with the Chief Examiner for the paper Principles underlying marking: Marking is positive. The full range of the mark scheme will be applied. Mark allocation matrix raw marks AO1 (55%) AO2 (45%) 1 (a) 5 3 2 1 (b) 10 5 5 2 (a) 15 8 7 2 (b) 30 16 13 Total 60 33 27 weightings 100 % 55 % 45 %
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 22 Q.1 (a) With reference to the item, explain the meaning of the term culture. (5) Part (a) Answers should be fully rewarded for accuracy and succinct coverage of any relevant points. Candidates may refer to some but not necessarily all of the following: The notion that culture may be expressed in many ways Some elements of cultural transmission e.g. clothes, food etc. Offer a direct definition, e.g. Way of life of a group of people perhaps with reference to a theorist or a writer Reference to norms and values as important aspects of culture The use of examples of norms and values to identify similarities and differences in cultures The notion that culture is socially constructed and can change between societies and over time Responses other than those listed above may be valid and credit worthy. Marks 3 2 1 AO1 There will be relevant points made which identify the meaning of culture displaying a detailed and clear understanding of the term including reference to norms and values. Reference will be made to the item. There will be some understanding of the term culture which is illustrated through the use of examples. There will be basic understanding of the term culture with misunderstanding evident. 0 No relevant points will be made Marks AO2 2 Detailed understanding is displayed through clear explanation. 1 There will be some analysis. 0 No explanations offered.
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 23 (b) Using material from the item and elsewhere, describe and explain ways in which culture may be transmitted to children (10) Answers should be fully rewarded for accuracy and succinct coverage of any relevant points. Note that appropriate development and use of exemplary material can be taken as evidence of analysis. This question is open to interpretation by candidates and so credit will be given to a range of possible approaches. Candidates may refer to some but not necessarily all of the following: Agencies of socialisation are described and explained in an analytical fashion and fully contextualised Elements of culture will be described and their application to the question will be and fully contextualised Processes of socialisation into a culture are described and explained in an analytical fashion and fully contextualised All relevant examples and explanations will be credited Responses other than those listed above may be valid and credit worthy. Marks AO1 (5) AO2 (5) 4-5 2-3 1 There are a number of specific, correct and relevant points made. Correct sociological terminology will be used in such a way as to display explicit knowledge and understanding The quality of written communication will be good. Reference will be made to item. Additional sociological knowledge will be present. There will be some relevant points made. Some sociological language may be present. There may be some errors of punctuation, spelling and grammar. There may be reference to the item or additional sociological knowledge. There is little evidence of sociological content. Answers will be common sense in approach Appropriate examples and explanations of the processes or agencies described will be apparent. Analysis will be explicit Some appropriate examples and explanations of the processes or agencies described will be apparent. Analysis will be implicit Limited use of appropriate examples and explanations of the processes or agencies described will be apparent.
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 24 Option 1: Families and Culture Q.2 (a) Outline and explain the evidence that family structures have undergone significant change since 1945. (15) The focus of the answer should be on family structure and social change. Answers should be fully rewarded for accuracy and succinct coverage of any relevant points. Note that appropriate development and use of exemplary material can be taken as evidence of analysis. Candidates may refer to some but not necessarily all of the following: The variety of family structure that is emerging in modern Britain Specific statistical evidence to support the claim that family structures have undergone change Reference to recent political, social or public debate with reference to family change Reference to relevant studies or sociological writing Applied use of examples All relevant examples and explanations will be credited Responses other than those listed above may be valid and credit worthy.
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 25 Banding AO1 (8) AO2 (7) 12-15 8-11 4-7 1-3 6-8 Candidates will be able to make accurate, appropriate and detailed reference to a range of writers, research and theory. There will be a detailed level of knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed and wide ranging. Candidates will be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will be expressed in appropriate sociological language Candidates will be able to make accurate and appropriate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is very good, with few, if any, errors of spelling punctuation or grammar. 4-6 Candidates will be able to make some accurate, appropriate reference to writers, research or theory. There will be some knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed or wide ranging. Candidates may be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will make some use of appropriate sociological language. Candidates may be able to make some the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing some knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is, for the most part good though there may be some errors of spelling punctuation and grammar. 2-3 Candidates will be able to make basic references to writers, research or theory. There will be basic knowledge and understanding but this will lack detail and will not be wide ranging. Candidates will make basic references to other areas of sociology. There will be limited and at times inaccurate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications. The quality of written communication will be limited with frequent errors of punctuation, spelling and grammar. 1-2 Candidates may rely on anecdotal references with few if any references to writers, research or theory. There will be limited knowledge or understanding. There will be limited use of sociological language The quality of written communication will be poor with numerous errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar. 0 No relevant knowledge or understanding displayed No relevant analysis 5 7 Candidates will relate their knowledge directly to the question under consideration and this link will be detailed and explicit. References to writers, research and/or theory will be explained in detail and contextualised. Answers will be formally constructed with a clear and logical argument. Evaluation and/or analysis will be detailed and explicit throughout the answers. The candidate may challenge the terms of the question.. 4 5 Candidates will relate their knowledge to the question under consideration but the link is likely to be more implicit than in band 4. References to writers, research or theory will have some explanation. Answers will have some clarity and logical argument. Evaluation or analysis is likely to be implicit and is unlikely to be present throughout the answer. 2 3 Candidates will basic links between their knowledge and the question. There will be basic explanation of any writers, research or theory referred to. Answers will have basic clarity or logical argument. Any evaluation or analysis will be implicit and very limited.. 1 Candidates will make limited links between their knowledge and the question. There will be limited explanation of any writers, research or theory. There will be limited analysis.
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 26 (b) To what extent have men and women become equal partners in marriage? The focus of the answer should be on men and women in the family in the last 50 years. Answers should be fully rewarded for accuracy and succinct coverage of any relevant points. Note that appropriate development and use of exemplary material can be taken as evidence of analysis. This question is open to interpretation by candidates and so credit will be given to a range of possible approaches. Reference to the notion that social roles are not static, but are processes and therefore fluid will be credited appropriately Candidates may refer to some but not necessarily all of the following: Changes in the role of women in the family is a dynamic that influences change to male gender roles The nature of structural change to families has been an influential factor in the changing male role: cohabitation, gay partnerships, childless relationships and lone parenthood Crisis of masculinity and changes in masculinity including the rise of lads and ladettes, notions of fatherhood Changing norms values and mores Reference to recent political, social or public debate with reference to family change Reference to relevant studies or sociological writing Applied use of examples All relevant examples and explanations will be credited Responses other than those listed above may be valid and credit worthy.
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 27 Banding AO1 (16) AO2 (14) 1-3 13-16 Candidates will be able to make accurate, appropriate and detailed reference to a range of writers, research and theory. There will be a detailed level of knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed and wide ranging. Candidates will be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will be expressed in appropriate sociological language Candidates will be able to make accurate and appropriate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is very good, with few, if any, errors of spelling punctuation or grammar. 9-12 Candidates will be able to make some accurate, appropriate reference to writers, research or theory. There will be some knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed or wide ranging. Candidates may be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will make some use of appropriate sociological language. Candidates may be able to make some the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing some knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is, for the most part good though there may be some errors of spelling punctuation and grammar. 5-9 Candidates will be able to make basic references to writers, research or theory. There will be basic knowledge and understanding but this will lack detail and will not be wide ranging. Candidates will make basic references to other areas of sociology. There will be limited and at times inaccurate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications. The quality of written communication will be limited with frequent errors of punctuation, spelling and grammar. 1-4 Candidates may rely on anecdotal references with few if any references to writers, research or theory. There will be limited knowledge or understanding. There will be limited use of sociological language The quality of written communication will be poor with numerous errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar. 12-14 Candidates will relate their knowledge directly to the question under consideration and this link will be detailed and explicit. References to writers, research and/or theory will be explained in detail and contextualised. Answers will be formally constructed with a clear and logical argument. Evaluation and/or analysis will be detailed and explicit throughout the answers. The candidate may challenge the terms of the question.. 8-11 Candidates will relate their knowledge to the question under consideration but the link is likely to be more implicit than in band 4. References to writers, research or theory will have some explanation. Answers will have some clarity and logical argument. Evaluation or analysis is likely to be implicit and is unlikely to be present throughout the answer. 4-7 Candidates will basic links between their knowledge and the question. There will be basic explanation of any writers, research or theory referred to. Answers will have basic clarity or logical argument. Any evaluation or analysis will be implicit and very limited.. 1-3 Candidates will make limited links between their knowledge and the question. There will be limited explanation of any writers, research or theory. There will be limited analysis. 0 No relevant knowledge or understanding displayed No relevant analysis
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 28 Question 3: Youth cultures (a) Outline and explain reasons for the development of youth cultures (15) The focus of the answer should be on youth cultures and social change. Answers should be fully rewarded for accuracy and succinct coverage of any relevant points. Note that appropriate development and use of exemplary material can be taken as evidence of analysis. Candidates may refer to some but not necessarily all of the following: The variety of youth cultures that have emerged in modern Britain Reference to youth cultures as forms of resistance Reference to relevant studies or sociological writing Applied use of examples All relevant examples and explanations will be credited Responses other than those listed above may be valid and credit worthy. Banding AO1 (8) AO2 (7) 12-15 8-11 4-7 1-3 6-8 Candidates will be able to make accurate, appropriate and detailed reference to a range of writers, research and theory. There will be a detailed level of knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed and wide ranging. Candidates will be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will be expressed in appropriate sociological language Candidates will be able to make accurate and appropriate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is very good, with few, if any, errors of spelling punctuation or grammar. 4-6 Candidates will be able to make some accurate, appropriate reference to writers, research or theory. There will be some knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed or wide ranging. Candidates may be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will make some use of appropriate sociological language. Candidates may be able to make some the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing some knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is, for the most part good though there may be some errors of spelling punctuation and grammar. 2-3 Candidates will be able to make basic references to writers, research or theory. There will be basic knowledge and understanding but this will lack detail and will not be wide ranging. Candidates will make basic references to other areas of sociology. There will be limited and at times inaccurate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications. The quality of written communication will be limited with frequent errors of punctuation, spelling and grammar. 1-2 Candidates may rely on anecdotal references with few if any references to writers, research or theory. There will be limited knowledge or understanding. There will be limited use of sociological language The quality of written communication will be poor with numerous errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar. 5 7 Candidates will relate their knowledge directly to the question under consideration and this link will be detailed and explicit. References to writers, research and/or theory will be explained in detail and contextualised. Answers will be formally constructed with a clear and logical argument. Evaluation and/or analysis will be detailed and explicit throughout the answers. The candidate may challenge the terms of the question.. 4 5 Candidates will relate their knowledge to the question under consideration but the link is likely to be more implicit than in band 4. References to writers, research or theory will have some explanation. Answers will have some clarity and logical argument. Evaluation or analysis is likely to be implicit and is unlikely to be present throughout the answer. 2 3 Candidates will basic links between their knowledge and the question. There will be basic explanation of any writers, research or theory referred to. Answers will have basic clarity or logical argument. Any evaluation or analysis will be implicit and very limited.. 1 Candidates will make limited links between their knowledge and the question. There will be limited explanation of any writers, research or theory. There will be limited analysis. 0 No relevant knowledge or understanding displayed No relevant analysis
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 29 (c) To what extent are youth cultures deviant? (30) The focus of this question is a discussion relating to the argument put forward that youth cultures are deviant against the notion that they are only perceived in this way because of the way that they are presented by the media. This means that it is expected that answers will contain a discussion of the role of the media in deviance amplification and moral panics. Changing norms values and mores Reference to recent political, social or public debate with reference to change Reference to relevant studies or sociological writing Applied use of examples All relevant examples and explanations will be credited Responses other than those listed above may be valid and credit worthy. Banding AO1 (16) AO2 (14) 1-3 13-16 Candidates will be able to make accurate, appropriate and detailed reference to a range of writers, research and theory. There will be a detailed level of knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed and wide ranging. Candidates will be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will be expressed in appropriate sociological language Candidates will be able to make accurate and appropriate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is very good, with few, if any, errors of spelling punctuation or grammar. 9-12 Candidates will be able to make some accurate, appropriate reference to writers, research or theory. There will be some knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed or wide ranging. Candidates may be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will make some use of appropriate sociological language. Candidates may be able to make some the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing some knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is, for the most part good though there may be some errors of spelling punctuation and grammar. 5-9 Candidates will be able to make basic references to writers, research or theory. There will be basic knowledge and understanding but this will lack detail and will not be wide ranging. Candidates will make basic references to other areas of sociology. There will be limited and at times inaccurate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications. The quality of written communication will be limited with frequent errors of punctuation, spelling and grammar. 1-4 Candidates may rely on anecdotal references with few if any references to writers, research or theory. There will be limited knowledge or understanding. There will be limited use of sociological language The quality of written communication will be poor with numerous errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar. 12-14 Candidates will relate their knowledge directly to the question under consideration and this link will be detailed and explicit. References to writers, research and/or theory will be explained in detail and contextualised. Answers will be formally constructed with a clear and logical argument. Evaluation and/or analysis will be detailed and explicit throughout the answers. The candidate may challenge the terms of the question.. 8-11 Candidates will relate their knowledge to the question under consideration but the link is likely to be more implicit than in band 4. References to writers, research or theory will have some explanation. Answers will have some clarity and logical argument. Evaluation or analysis is likely to be implicit and is unlikely to be present throughout the answer. 4-7 Candidates will basic links between their knowledge and the question. There will be basic explanation of any writers, research or theory referred to. Answers will have basic clarity or logical argument. Any evaluation or analysis will be implicit and very limited.. 1-3 Candidates will make limited links between their knowledge and the question. There will be limited explanation of any writers, research or theory. There will be limited analysis. 0 No relevant knowledge or understanding displayed No relevant analysis
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 30 Question 4: Community and Culture (a) Outline and explain reasons why people develop communities. (15) The focus of the answer should be on identification of reasons for communities. Answers should be fully rewarded for accuracy and succinct coverage of any relevant points. Note that appropriate development and use of exemplary material can be taken as evidence of analysis. Candidates may refer to some but not necessarily all of the following: The variety of communities that have emerged in modern Britain Reference to communities as forms of support networks Reference to relevant studies or sociological writing Applied use of examples All relevant examples and explanations will be credited Responses other than those listed above may be valid and credit worthy. Banding AO1 (8) AO2 (7) 12-15 8-11 4-7 1-3 6-8 Candidates will be able to make accurate, appropriate and detailed reference to a range of writers, research and theory. There will be a detailed level of knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed and wide ranging. Candidates will be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will be expressed in appropriate sociological language Candidates will be able to make accurate and appropriate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is very good, with few, if any, errors of spelling punctuation or grammar. 4-6 Candidates will be able to make some accurate, appropriate reference to writers, research or theory. There will be some knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed or wide ranging. Candidates may be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will make some use of appropriate sociological language. Candidates may be able to make some the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing some knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is, for the most part good though there may be some errors of spelling punctuation and grammar. 2-3 Candidates will be able to make basic references to writers, research or theory. There will be basic knowledge and understanding but this will lack detail and will not be wide ranging. Candidates will make basic references to other areas of sociology. There will be limited and at times inaccurate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications. The quality of written communication will be limited with frequent errors of punctuation, spelling and grammar. 1-2 Candidates may rely on anecdotal references with few if any references to writers, research or theory. There will be limited knowledge or understanding. There will be limited use of sociological language The quality of written communication will be poor with numerous errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar. 5 7 Candidates will relate their knowledge directly to the question under consideration and this link will be detailed and explicit. References to writers, research and/or theory will be explained in detail and contextualised. Answers will be formally constructed with a clear and logical argument. Evaluation and/or analysis will be detailed and explicit throughout the answers. The candidate may challenge the terms of the question. 4 5 Candidates will relate their knowledge to the question under consideration but the link is likely to be more implicit than in band 4. References to writers, research or theory will have some explanation. Answers will have some clarity and logical argument. Evaluation or analysis is likely to be implicit and is unlikely to be present throughout the answer. 2 3 Candidates will basic links between their knowledge and the question. There will be basic explanation of any writers, research or theory referred to. Answers will have basic clarity or logical argument. Any evaluation or analysis will be implicit and very limited.. 1 Candidates will make limited links between their knowledge and the question. There will be limited explanation of any writers, research or theory. There will be limited analysis. 0 No relevant knowledge or understanding displayed No relevant analysis
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 31 (b) To what extent have communities experienced significant change since 1945? (30) The focus of this question is a discussion of the impact of social change on communities and whether they have changed a great deal or not. Answers are likely to include references to gemeinschaft and gesellschaft. Changing norms values and mores The changing nature of work and its impact on community The impact of technology such as the internet The influence of minority cultures on new communities or development Reference to recent political, social or public debate Reference to relevant studies or sociological writing Applied use of examples All relevant examples and explanations will be credited Responses other than those listed above may be valid and credit worthy. Banding AO1 (16) AO2 (14) 1-3 13-16 Candidates will be able to make accurate, appropriate and detailed reference to a range of writers, research and theory. There will be a detailed level of knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed and wide ranging. Candidates will be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will be expressed in appropriate sociological language Candidates will be able to make accurate and appropriate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is very good, with few, if any, errors of spelling punctuation or grammar. 9-12 Candidates will be able to make some accurate, appropriate reference to writers, research or theory. There will be some knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed or wide ranging. Candidates may be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will make some use of appropriate sociological language. Candidates may be able to make some the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing some knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is, for the most part good though there may be some errors of spelling punctuation and grammar. 5-9 Candidates will be able to make basic references to writers, research or theory. There will be basic knowledge and understanding but this will lack detail and will not be wide ranging. Candidates will make basic references to other areas of sociology. There will be limited and at times inaccurate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications. The quality of written communication will be limited with frequent errors of punctuation, spelling and grammar. 1-4 Candidates may rely on anecdotal references with few if any references to writers, research or theory. There will be limited knowledge or understanding. There will be limited use of sociological language The quality of written communication will be poor with numerous errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar. 12-14 Candidates will relate their knowledge directly to the question under consideration and this link will be detailed and explicit. References to writers, research and/or theory will be explained in detail and contextualised. Answers will be formally constructed with a clear and logical argument. Evaluation and/or analysis will be detailed and explicit throughout the answers. The candidate may challenge the terms of the question.. 8-11 Candidates will relate their knowledge to the question under consideration but the link is likely to be more implicit than in band 4. References to writers, research or theory will have some explanation. Answers will have some clarity and logical argument. Evaluation or analysis is likely to be implicit and is unlikely to be present throughout the answer. 4-7 Candidates will basic links between their knowledge and the question. There will be basic explanation of any writers, research or theory referred to. Answers will have basic clarity or logical argument. Any evaluation or analysis will be implicit and very limited.. 1-3 Candidates will make limited links between their knowledge and the question. There will be limited explanation of any writers, research or theory. There will be limited analysis. 0 No relevant knowledge or understanding displayed No relevant analysis
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 33 SOCIOLOGY GCE: UNIT TWO UNDERSTANDING CULTURE MARK SCHEME Judgements remain the responsibility of the markers. The responsibility for final decisions remain with the Chief Examiner for the paper Principles underlying marking: Marking is positive. The full range of the mark scheme will be applied. Mark allocation matrix raw marks AO1 (55%) AO2 (45%) 1 (a) 10 6 4 1 (b) 20 12 8 2 (a) 20 12 8 2 (b) 40 20 20 Total 90 50 40 weightings 100 % 55 % 45 %
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 34 UNIT 2 UNDERSTANDING CULTURE 1 ½ hours Question 1 Look at the item below and answer the following questions. Every ten years a major piece of quantitative research known as the Census is conducted to give us a complete picture of the whole population. It counts the numbers of people living in each city, town and country area. It tells us about each area and its population, including the balance of young and old, what jobs people do, and the type of housing they live in. Because the same questions are asked and the information is recorded in the same way throughout the UK, the Census allows us to compare different groups of people across the entire nation. In 2001, a Census form which is a detailed questionnaire was delivered to every household, establishment, or to people living anywhere else in the United Kingdom. The forms were designed for self-completion by the respondents in order to provide information which related to Census day 29 April 2001. Most forms were then posted back to temporary local offices and the remainder collected by a 'field force' of people employed to make sure that the Census was conducted properly. The form for a household in England asked questions which collected information on household accommodation, relationship, demographic characteristics (e.g. sex, age and marital status), migration, cultural characteristics, health and provision of care, qualifications, employment, workplace and journey to work. In Wales there was an additional question on the Welsh language. Source: adapted from http://www.statistics.gov.uk (a) Using material from the item and elsewhere, identify the main strengths of questionnaires. (10) (b) With reference to the item and sociological studies and research, assess the strengths of triangulation. (20)
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 35 Question 1 (a) Using material from the item and elsewhere, identify the main strengths of questionnaires. (10) Answers should be fully rewarded for accuracy and succinct coverage of any relevant points. Candidates may refer to some but not necessarily all of the following: Generalisability Reliability Ease Ethics Cost Objectivity And any other relevant points Responses other than those listed above may be valid and credit worthy. Marks AO1 At least two strengths are identified and fully explained with reference to relevant examples. 5-6 Accurate sociological terminology will be used in such a way as to display explicit and detailed knowledge and understanding. Reference will be made to the item and to other relevant studies. Knowledge may be illustrated with reference to the item. The quality of written communication will be good. Two strengths are identified and explained with some knowledge and understanding evident. 3-4 Some sociological language may be present. There will be reference to the item or additional sociological knowledge. There may be some errors of punctuation, spelling and grammar. There is basic evidence of sociological knowledge and understanding. 1-2 Answers will be common sense in approach. 0 No relevant knowledge or understanding is present. Marks 3-4 1-2 AO2 Appropriate examples and explanations of the two strengths identified will be apparent. Analysis (explanations) will be explicit Some appropriate examples and explanations of the strengths identified will be apparent but this may be unbalanced. Analysis will be implicit 0 No analysis present
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 36 (b) With reference to the item and sociological studies and research, assess the strengths of triangulation. (20) Answers should be fully rewarded for accuracy and succinct coverage of any relevant points. Note that appropriate development and use of exemplary material can be taken as evidence of analysis. Candidates may refer to some but not necessarily all of the following: The strengths and limitations of quantitative methods (this should be explained in the context of key methodological concerns) Examples of quantitative methodology should be used to illustrate and argue for or against When arguing for or against this should be in the context of key methodological issues such as: Ethics, validity, reliability, practicality, generalisability, representativeness All relevant examples and explanations will be credited. Direct reference to relevant studies is necessary for answers to gain access to the top mark band. the top mark band Responses other than those listed above may be valid and credit worthy.
GCE SOCIOLOGY Specimen Assessment Materials 37 Banding AO1 AO2 17-20 11-16 6-10 10-12 Candidates will be able to make accurate, appropriate and detailed reference to a range of writers, research and theory. There will be a very good level of knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed and wide ranging. Candidates will be able to refer evidence drawn from more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will be expressed in appropriate sociological language Candidates will be able to make accurate and appropriate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is very good, with few, if any, errors of spelling punctuation or grammar. 6-9 Candidates will be able to make some accurate, appropriate reference to writers, research or theory. There will be some knowledge and understanding and this will be detailed or wide ranging. Candidates may be able to refer to more than one area of sociology where appropriate. Answers will make some use of appropriate sociological language. Candidates may be able to make some the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications showing some knowledge and understanding of its meaning. The quality of written communication is, for the most part good though there may be some errors of spelling punctuation and grammar. 4-5 Candidates will be able to make limited reference to writers, research or theory. There will be basic knowledge and understanding but this will lack detail and will not be wide ranging. Candidates will make limited references to other areas of sociology. There will be limited and at times inaccurate use of the sociological terminology indicated in the specifications. The quality of written communication will be limited with frequent errors of punctuation, spelling and grammar. 7 8 Candidates will relate their knowledge directly to the question under consideration and this link will be detailed and explicit. References to writers, research and/or theory will be explained in detail and contextualised. Answers will be formally constructed with a clear and logical argument. Evaluation and/or analysis will be detailed and explicit throughout the answers. The candidate may challenge the terms of the question. 5 6 Candidates will relate their knowledge to the question under consideration but the link is likely to be more implicit than in band 4. References to writers, research or theory will have some explanation. Answers will have some clarity and logical argument. Evaluation or analysis is likely to be implicit and is unlikely to be present throughout the answer. 3 4 Candidates will limited links between their knowledge and the question. There will be limited explanation of any writers, research or theory referred to. Answers will have limited clarity or logical argument. Any evaluation or analysis will be implicit and very limited.. 1-5 1-3 Candidates may rely on anecdotal references with few if any references to writers, research or theory. There will be limited knowledge or understanding. There will be limited use of sociological language The quality of written communication will be poor with numerous errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar. 0 No relevant knowledge or understanding displayed No relevant analysis 1-2 Candidates will make no links between their knowledge and the question. There will be no explanation of any writers, research or theory. There will be no evaluation.