How to Revise International A-Level Sociology

Explore International A-Level Sociology with practice on socialisation, social inequality, and research methods.

Revision Strategy

Revising Sociology means understanding concepts and theories well enough to apply them to real-world examples and scenarios. Start by making sure you can define and explain the key terms and theories for each topic, then practise applying them to case studies and exam-style questions. The ability to connect theory to evidence is what earns the highest marks.

Essay structure is critical in Sociology. Most extended answers require you to present arguments and counter-arguments before reaching a supported conclusion. Practise writing structured responses that clearly state a point, support it with evidence or theory, and then evaluate it before moving on. This disciplined approach prevents waffling and keeps your answers focused.

Research methods and evaluation skills are tested across many Sociology papers. Make sure you understand the strengths and weaknesses of different research approaches, can identify bias, and can evaluate the reliability and validity of evidence. These analytical skills are transferable across topics and often provide straightforward marks in the exam.

Study Tips for International A-Level Sociology

✓ Learn the key sociological perspectives (functionalism, Marxism, feminism, interactionism, postmodernism) and practice applying each one to every topic you study. Being able to analyse education, family or crime from multiple theoretical viewpoints is essential.
✓ Study specific sociological research studies in detail. Know the sociologist, date, method, findings and evaluative points for each key study.
✓ Practice writing evaluative essays that compare competing perspectives and reach justified conclusions. Simply describing different viewpoints without evaluating them will not earn top marks.
✓ Understand research methods thoroughly, including the strengths and limitations of different data collection techniques and the ethical issues involved.

Exam Tips for International A-Level Sociology

✓ Structure your essays clearly with an introduction that outlines your argument, developed paragraphs each making a distinct point, and a conclusion that answers the question directly.
✓ Use contemporary examples to illustrate sociological concepts. References to current social issues and recent research demonstrate up-to-date knowledge.
✓ In methods-in-context questions, apply your knowledge of research methods to the specific topic and population described in the question. Generic methods answers without contextual application will not earn full marks.

Topics to Cover

8 topics in International A-Level Sociology

Socialisation

Social Inequality

Family

Education

Crime & Deviance

Media

Research Methods

Theory & Methods

Available Exam Boards

International A-Level Sociology specification guides for each exam board

Cambridge International

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sociology and psychology? +

Sociology studies society, social institutions and group behaviour, focusing on how social structures shape individual experience. Psychology studies individual behaviour and mental processes. There is some overlap, but sociology takes a more structural and macro-level perspective.

Is International A-Level Sociology accepted by universities? +

Yes. International A-Level Sociology is accepted by universities worldwide as a rigorous academic qualification. It is particularly valued for social science, humanities and public policy applications.

Do I need to study sociology at school before taking the A-Level? +

No prior study of sociology is required. The course starts from the basics of sociological thinking and builds up to more complex theoretical analysis. Students new to the subject can achieve excellent results with consistent effort.

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