1. AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
Level 5: 20-23 marks
Candidates show an excellent knowledge and understanding of sociological theories,
concepts, methods and contemporary examples. Candidates demonstrate considerable depth
of knowledge and understanding, with a strong focus on sociological theory and sociological
thinking (demonstrate an ability to 'think as a sociologist'). The quality of written
communication will be excellent
Level 4: 15-19 marks
Candidates show a very good knowledge and understanding of sociological theories,
concepts, methods and contemporary examples. Responses contain wide ranging and
detailed knowledge and understanding, particularly of sociological theories, which will be
accurate and detailed. The quality of written communication will be very good
Level 3: 10-14 marks
Candidates show a good knowledge and understanding of sociological theories, concepts,
methods and contemporary examples. Responses contain wide ranging or detailed
knowledge and understanding. There will be some understanding of theory but it is likely to be
underdeveloped. The quality of written communication will be good
Level 2: 5-9 marks
Candidates show a basic knowledge and understanding of sociological theories, concepts,
methods and contemporary examples. Sociological evidence will be lacking in breadth and
depth; knowledge and understanding of theory is partial/confused / undeveloped. The quality
of written communication will be basic
Level 1: 1-4 marks
Candidates show a limited knowledge and understanding of sociological theories, concepts,
methods and evidence. There will be a lack of sociological evidence, relying heavily on
anecdote. The quality of written communication will be limited
0 marks
No relevant sociological knowledge or understanding displayed.
__/23
A02a: Interpretation and Application
Level 5: 9-10 marks: Candidates show an excellent ability to interpret sociological evidence
and apply it to a given task/context. Interpretation of sociological evidence will be accurate
and highly focused on and relevant to the question. Responses demonstrate how
sociological knowledge is applied to contemporary issues and debates, drawing on
topics across the specification.
Level 4: 7-8 marks: Candidates show a very good ability to interpret sociological evidence
and apply it to a given task/context. Interpretation of sociological evidence will be accurate
and relevance to the question will be made explicit and clear. Sociological studies will be
explicitly and accurately applied to theory.
Level 3: 5-6 marks: Candidates show a good ability to interpret sociological evidence and
apply it to a given task/context. Relevant evidence will be selected and applied but, on
occasions, this may be related to the general topic area rather than the specific question. The
link between studies and theories will be more implicit.
Level 2: 3-4 marks: Candidates show a basic ability to interpret sociological evidence and
apply it to a given task/context.
2. Knowledge will be only partially relevant to the question. Responses will be generalised;
lacking focus on the question. Connection and application to theory may be vague and
confused.
Level 1: 1-2 marks Candidates show a limited ability to interpret sociological evidence and
apply it to a given task/context.
Knowledge will have limited relevance. Responses will lack both organisation and focus on
the question.
0 marks
No relevant interpretation or application
__/10
A02b: Evaluation and analysis
Level 5: 15-17 marks Candidates show an excellent ability to evaluate and analyse
sociological knowledge. Sustained evaluative skills are demonstrated and the responses
have an evaluative and reflective tone throughout. Responses offer a critical commentary
on contemporary sociological issues and debates, drawing in depth on a variety of contrasting
theories and/or evidence.
Level 4: 10-14 marks Candidates show a very good ability to evaluate and analyse
sociological knowledge. There will be a range of relevant evaluation which includes
explicit evaluation of theories, where relevant.
Level 3: 6-9 marks Candidates show a good ability to evaluate and analyse sociological
knowledge. There will be some relevant and precise points of evaluation of theories/evidence,
but they will be underdeveloped. Responses will be imbalanced, for example by not analysing
both strengths and weaknesses, or focusing on empirical criticisms more than theoretical
ones.
Level 2: 3-5 marks Candidates show a basic ability to evaluate and analyse sociological
knowledge. Evaluation will be generalised or narrow in focus, or evaluation will be implicit
through juxtaposition.
There will be basic criticisms which are unlikely to be theoretically focussed.
Level 1: 1-2 marks
Candidates show a limited ability to evaluate and analyse sociological knowledge. Evaluation
will be minimal and/or largely irrelevant and assertive in tone.
0 marks
No relevant evaluation or analysis.
___/17
WWW
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
EBI
