May/June 2024 AS Level Sociology Exam Analysis
The May/June 2024 examination papers for 9699/12 (Paper 1) and 9699/22 (Paper 2) maintained the rigorous standard expected by Cambridge International. The exam tested structural core content, balancing straightforward descriptive questions with highly evaluative essays that demanded deep theoretical awareness. Overall, the papers was highly accessible to well-prepared candidates, though scoring in the top level of the mark scheme required structured, non-juxtaposed evaluation.
Where the Marks are Won or Lost
In both papers, Section A questions served as crucial differentiators. On Paper 1, the 8-mark question on questionnaires and the 6-mark question on field experiments rewarded candidates who could link practical methods directly to methodological concepts (such as reliability and Hawthorne effect). In the 10-mark questions (Q3a on both papers), high-scoring responses did not merely outline a concept like cultural deprivation or family diversity; they deployed explicit sociological evidence and theories (e.g., Althusser, Chester, or Rappoports) to justify the stated view. For Section B's 26-mark essays, marks were heavily concentrated in the AO3 (Analysis and Evaluation) objective. Top-tier essays required a sustained thread of evaluation rather than simple juxtaposition (i.e., presenting Marxism, then Functionalism without comparing them directly).
Examiner Pitfalls & Strategic Advice
A recurring issue identified by examiners is the tendency to confuse key concepts. For instance, candidates often blended cultural deprivation with material deprivation or treated them as interchangeable. Similarly, in Paper 2, discussions of radical feminism were sometimes too generalized, ignoring the nuance of liberal and Marxist feminist viewpoints. In methodological questions, candidates often lost marks by identifying a limitation but failing to explain how and why it affects the validity or reliability of the sociological data collected.
To combat this, your preparation strategy should focus on building robust conceptual flashcards and essay blueprints. When explaining a limitation of a research method, always write in three steps: state the limitation, explain its cause in a natural or laboratory setting, and explain its ultimate impact on the data's scientific value.
Future Predictions & Core Focus Areas
With the current series having explored peer group identity, scientific value, family diversity, divorce, and Marxist frameworks, upcoming exam cycles are highly likely to pivot toward alternative core theories and methods. In Paper 1, expect a renewed focus on qualitative research methods, particularly unstructured interviews and participant observation. In Paper 2, keep a close eye on the postmodernist perspective of the family and the impact of globalisation on diverse family structures, which are prime targets for future 26-mark evaluations.