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2 Knowledge and Understanding

± Includes names of theorists and their studies,
concepts and ideas
2 Interpretation and Application, Evaluation
± Interpret and idea and apply sociological
evidence to support ideas. Evaluation occurs
through outlining strengths and weaknesses
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2 ½ou need to make sure you understand the

question and the key tasks within it. What is
the question asking you to do?
2 If it is asking you to examine, this is code for
explain! ½ou need to go tough all the relevant
points and unpick them.
2 Assess means to make a judgment, not a
personal one but you need to evaluate the
topic.
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2 Underline the relevant points, these need to

be addressed in the introduction.

2 Examine the different explanations for the

rise in the divorce rate.
2 Assess the view that divorce rates have risen
because divorces are now easier to obtain.
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2 uounds boring but will mean that your

answer is structured. It needs to flow to get
good grades.
± Introduction
± 5 paragraphs, each approximately 8 lines, think
about what you are going to put in the paragraph.
± Conclusion
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2 his should address the question being

asked.
2 Include a definition of terms stated in the
essay title
2 An indication of the approach to the essay.
2 hy not to write µin this essay I will«.¶
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2 µDivorce is defined as the legal termination of

marriage. uince the early 1070¶s the divorce
rate, which is the number of divorces per
year has shown an increase which has been
at some times rapid. Although there has
been some stagnation over the last few
years the trend is still one of increase.
uociologist offer many reasons for this trend
including««¶
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2 rury approach
± Reviews the relevant debates and cites supportive evidence
for each
± E.g. Femist sociologists have argued that the position of
women has developed in the last 30 years to give them a
greater sense of autonomy from men, for example«. (AO1)
± It is argued that Feminists are too simplistic in their
approach and his theory has been criticised by a number of
sociologists«.
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2 ake it clear to the examiner that you are meeting

the criteria
± uupport links
2 In addition«supports the view that«
2 Increasing support of the view that«is«
± Critical links
2 A major criticism of the«view is«
2 A different explanation of«has been offered by«
± ake sure your different paragraphs are linked
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2 Always refer back to the question.

± Does it say identify and explain?
2 One reason is«..which is where«.
± Our question says ³assess the view that«.´
2 ake sure you are always assessing it.
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2 Do not choose just one perspective over another for

the sake of it. Far better to write why you cannot
arrive at a decision
2 rury approach ± must arrive at a considered verdict
2 Advocate approach ± must reconsider your
viewpoint.
2 Link back to the question, a good way to conclude is
to write the question again
2 ANuwER  E QUEuION
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2 Essay question ±

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