The Exact Question Pattern Of Paper 2: Section A Compulsory Questions And Section B Essay Choice (Copy)
The Exact Question Pattern Of Paper 2
Overview Of Paper 2 Structure
- Paper 2 = The Family
- Duration = 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Marks = 60
- Divided into:
- Section A (Compulsory Questions)
- Section B (Essay Choice)
Full Paper Layout
| Section | Question Numbers | Type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Q1, Q2(a), Q2(b), Q3(a), Q3(b) | Short + structured | Answer ALL |
| Section B | Q4 OR Q5 | Essay | Choose ONE |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Section A: Compulsory Questions
Total Marks = 34 Marks
- Students must attempt every question
- Designed to test:
- Breadth of knowledge
- Application to family context
- Basic evaluation skills
Question-by-Question Breakdown
Q1 – Describe Question
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks | 4 |
| Requirement | Describe TWO ways / points |
| Skill Tested | AO1 (Knowledge) |
What Examiner Wants
- 2 separate points related to family
- Each must include:
- Identification
- Brief description
Typical Areas
- Impact of life expectancy
- Roles within the family
- Social changes affecting family
Q2(a) – Explain Question
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks | 8 |
| Requirement | Explain TWO reasons |
| Skill Tested | AO1 + AO2 |
What Examiner Wants
- 2 reasons linked to family issues
- Each must include:
- Explanation
- Sociological material (theory / concept / study)
Typical Areas
- Gender equality
- Changing family roles
- Social policy influences
Q2(b) – Theory Evaluation Question
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks | 6 |
| Requirement | Explain strength and limitation |
| Skill Tested | AO1 + AO3 |
What Examiner Wants
- Usually:
- 1 strength + 1 limitation
- Each must include:
- Description
- Explanation of why it is significant
Key Focus
- Evaluation of family theories (e.g. liberal feminism, functionalism)
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Q3(a) – Explain The View
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks | 10 |
| Requirement | Explain a sociological view |
| Skill Tested | AO1 + AO2 |
What Examiner Wants
- 2 developed points
- Must:
- Directly address the given statement
- Use sociological concepts and theories
Typical Focus
- Social class and children
- Gender roles
- Family experiences
Q3(b) – Argument Against The View
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks | 6 |
| Requirement | Give ONE argument against |
| Skill Tested | AO2 + AO3 |
What Examiner Wants
- 1 strong counter-argument
- Must include:
- Explanation
- Sociological support
Section A Summary Table
| Question | Marks | Skill Focus | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 4 | AO1 | 2 described points |
| Q2(a) | 8 | AO1 + AO2 | 2 explained reasons |
| Q2(b) | 6 | AO1 + AO3 | Theory evaluation |
| Q3(a) | 10 | AO1 + AO2 | Explain view |
| Q3(b) | 6 | AO2 + AO3 | Counter-argument |
Section B: Essay Choice
Total Marks = 26 Marks
- Students must:
- Choose ONE question (Q4 or Q5)
- Both questions:
- Carry equal marks
- Are similar in difficulty
Essay Question Structure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks | 26 |
| Type | Evaluate question |
| Skills Tested | AO1 + AO2 + AO3 |
Nature Of Paper 2 Essays
- Focus on:
- Family roles
- Gender equality
- Marriage and relationships
- Social change
- Usually framed as:
- “Evaluate the view that…”
What Examiner Expects In Essay
AO1 (Knowledge)
- Use of:
- Sociological theories (Functionalist, Marxist, Feminist)
- Concepts (patriarchy, socialisation, diversity)
AO2 (Application)
- Direct application to:
- Family context
- Question wording
AO3 (Analysis and Evaluation)
- Clear:
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Contrasting perspectives
- Judgement
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Internal Essay Structure
| Part | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Define key idea + show direction |
| Paragraphs (4–5) | Balanced arguments (for and against) |
| Evaluation | Integrated within paragraphs |
| Conclusion | Clear final judgement |
Section A vs Section B (Within Paper 2)
| Feature | Section A | Section B |
|---|---|---|
| Marks | 34 | 26 |
| Focus | Breadth | Depth |
| Style | Short structured | Essay |
| Skill | Quick application | Detailed evaluation |
Common Mistakes In Paper 2 Pattern
Section A Mistakes
- Writing:
- Generic, common-sense answers
- Missing:
- Sociological terminology
- Not balancing:
- Both required points
Section B Mistakes
- Writing:
- Description instead of evaluation
- Ignoring:
- opposing arguments
- Weak:
- application to family context
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Strategic Pattern Insight
- Section A:
- Tests coverage across topics
- Section B:
- Tests depth of understanding and evaluation
Decision Rule For Students
- Attempt:
- ALL of Section A first
- Then:
- Choose essay based on strongest topic
- Maintain:
- Time discipline to protect essay marks
