What does a top band 12 mark answer

What does a top band 12 -mark answer look like? What should it contain? Sentence starters Introduction q Set out the debate – what are the two sides of the argument? q Be as specific as possible – try to go beyond ‘some sociologists’ q Include an evaluative word eg ‘however’ q Maximum two sentences q Remember – there is always a disagreement! Functionalists such as… would argue… However, Marxists would disagree, arguing… Chester argues… However, the Rapoports disagree, arguing… Main paragraphs: aim for 2 -3 q Point which uses words from the question and guides your paragraph clearly q Clear explanation of theory/ sociologists/ method/ concept q Relevant evidence (sociologist/ statistic) or example q Evaluative sentence – what is a strength or weakness of the idea you have discussed? q Link back to the question, summarising your paragraph The Rapoports would argue that… Feminists would argue/ suggest/ believe/ state … This means that… This would impact (issue in question)… This leads to… In their study, they found… For example, … This can be seen in… On the other hand, … This fails to explain… However, … A strength/ weakness of this is… In summary, … Overall, … Conclusion q You need a conclusion to get 10 -12 q 2 - 3 sentences q State which side of the argument is stronger q State WHY that side is stronger q DO NOT WRITE ‘I BELIEVE’ In conclusion/ To conclude the evidence suggests… This is because… Although feminists (/Marxists etc) would disagree, … is more relevantbecause…

Evaluative words/ phrases Comparing q Alternatively, … q On the other hand, … q In contrast, … q In opposition, … q Likewise (similarity), … q Similarly, … Criticising q However, … q Unfortunately, this cannot be generalised to… q This fails to take into account… q This is not relevant to contemporary society because… q This is limited to understanding… q … (Chester) does not consider/ explain/ take into account… q This fails to explain q A weakness of the research is… (small sample size/ replication/ validity) Acknowledging strengths q Despite this (weakness), … q Nevertheless, … q This clearly outlines/ explains/ details/ describes… q A particular strength of this theory is… q This accurately explains/ justifies/ measures… q This is particularly helpful for understanding… q This recognises… q This is relevant to contemporary society because… q A strength of the research is… q This takes into account… q This can be applied to….