IGCSE Sociology 0495 Exam Tips To Achieve A*:

So, you finished the syllabus content and looking for the exam technique to help you achieve an A*/9? Don't worry. Everything you need will be stated here. Feel free to click on the titles below to reach your desired section.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE EXAMINER'S GAME?

PAPER 1:

WHAT IS PAPER 1?

TECHNIQUE AND MARK DISTRIBUTION

TWO-MARK QUESTIONS:

FOUR-MARK QUESTIONS:

EIGHT-MARK QUESTIONS:

TEN-MARK QUESTIONS:

FIFTEEN-MARK QUESTIONS:

FORGETTING THE EVIDENCE/EXPLANATION:

2. RESPONDING IN BULLET POINTS:

HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE EXAMINER'S GAME?

It is very important to note that it is very common to feel lost once you attempt a past paper. However, this feeling will start to fade away the more you solve. We will first discuss paper 1, including the command words, answering technique, understanding the mark distribution, and time management.

PAPER 1:

WHAT IS PAPER 1?

Sociology paper 1 is the first paper you'll sit for in this subject's examination. It covers the first 4 sections: Theory and methods, culture, identity, and socialization, social inequality, and family. Each section gets a separate question, so the paper includes 4 questions. However, you're only required to solve 2: the first one which comprises of theory and methods and another question of your choice. The paper is 2 hours long and is marked out of 80.

TECHNIQUE AND MARK DISTRIBUTION

TWO-MARK QUESTIONS:

In two-mark questions, usually the examiner will ask you to identify 2 things in the study. All you have to do is identify them and write them down (no need to elaborate).

FOUR-MARK QUESTIONS:

In four-mark questions, you'll be asked to describe 2 things. So, you'll identify the first problem (1 mark) and describe it (1 mark) then the second (1 mark) and describe it (1 mark)

EIGHT-MARK QUESTIONS:

In this question, you'll be asked to describe 2 strengths and 2 limitations. Thus, technically you're solving 2 four-mark questions (point then explain 4 times).

TEN-MARK QUESTIONS:

In this question, you'll be asked to explain something. You'll need to present an ideal number of 5 points and explaining them (point then explain 5 times).

FIFTEEN-MARK QUESTIONS:

In this question, you'll be expected to present an argument between different sides. It should be in an essay form, that is:

Introduction paragraph: define the sociological terms and identify what sides you'll be delving into. For example, "on one hand, sociologists believe that Marxism is the best way to define social inequality because *the reasons you'll discuss*. However, others believe that feminism and functionalism are more accurate since *the reasons you'll discuss*". Make sure the reasons aren't explained yet; you'll do that in the body paragraphs.

Body 1: you'll explain your reasons for one side. Try to support it with evidence.

Body 2: the exact same thing you did in body 1 but with the opposing side's reasons

Conclusion: wrap up and give your opinion

TIME MANAGEMENT:

The simplest way to manage your time is to use the number of marks as the minutes you spend on a question. To elaborate, if the question is 4 marks then spend 4 minutes on it, 8 marks then spend 8 minutes, etc. It is also crucial not plan your essay questions ahead in order to have an idea of what you'll be writing. The more organized you are, the more impressed the examiner will be.

PAPER 2:

WHAT IS PAPER 2?

Sociology paper 2 is essentially the same as paper 1 but differs in the topics and the removal of some questions. To elaborate, you'll be examined on the remaining 4 sections: family, education, crime and deviance, and media. However, you're only required to answer 2 of the 4 questions. As for the questions, you'll have 1 two-marker, 1 four-marker, 1 eight, and 1 fifteen. The paper's time is 1 hour 45 minutes and marked out of 70.

MISTAKES TO AVOID:

Now that the basic foundation of answering the questions is covered, we will go over the common mistakes that many candidates do.

FORGETTING THE EVIDENCE/EXPLANATION:

It is understandable that within the stress of the exam you may forget to explain efficiently. But keep in mind that the evidence and explanation are what give you the grades. Your answer (specifically "to what extent") should look like: point -> explanation -> evidence -> wrap up. Evidence can include people such as Karl Marx, Ann Oakley, etc.

2. RESPONDING IN BULLET POINTS:

The examiner wants to see your answer written in a paragraph form therefore if you write in bullet points, chances are the examiner will not give you the full mark or might not even read it. Make sure to always write your answers with the strategy discussed and explain as much as you can.

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