how to write sociology essay a level

how to write sociology essay a level

A Comprehensive Guide to Writing Sociology Essays at A-Level

1. Introduction to Sociology Essays at A-Level

To answer the question effectively, you need to identify what it is asking, and then distinguish the types of response that can be drawn out. In this case, you are being asked to define a number of concepts. But what does this ‘define’ business mean? Using a good dictionary, or a specialist sociology dictionary, would provide one way of understanding ‘current explanation’. It would show you the kind of detail and operational specification that an assignment of this kind demands. But such dictionaries would also provide you with examples of the use of language – of concepts-in-action; of meaning in context; of what words stand for, and a hint at the complexities of words like ‘label’, ‘cultural deprivation’, and the idiomatic uses of something like ‘double standards’ within the discipline of sociology.

Essay question: Accurately but briefly define each of the following concepts. Use the definitions in the text in the first instance, and illustrate where possible, or indicate briefly an example that may be used later in the essay. (a) Labelling (b) Cultural deprivation (c) Double standards

2. Understanding Essay Prompts and Formulating a Thesis Statement

A common mistake of many A-Level students in developing a persuasive argument is to try to write their essay without a clear and concise thesis statement. Without a strong thesis, many essays do not have that clear, directed point; do not have a strong yet cohesive argument throughout and thus are awarded a low grade in the end despite excellent knowledge and understanding of the topic at hand. It is necessary for the thesis to encapsulate all of the ideas that will be addressed throughout the essay. Using recognized words in writing the thesis at the end of the first paragraph, states your opinion; In the body paragraphs, substantiates your opinion by giving reliable facts and examples; Refutes the opinion of the opposing side in an impartial and practical manner. A persuasive conclusion reviews the thesis, summarizes the evidence, and reinstates the introduction’s opinion in a more general way. It is crucial to complete this process as it will result in a much more structured, effective essay with well put together ideas that can be encountered clearly by the examiner.

The ability to understand a given essay prompt or question and formulate a logical, realistic thesis statement is crucial for any student of sociology. A clearly devised thesis statement can help you simplify and clarify what you need to write and focus your thoughts on how you want to tackle the question at hand. By asking yourself simple questions and jotting down quick points, you can work towards an effective thesis statement. Ask yourself: What is the essay question asking me to do? Understand the key words given in the question – what are the verbs, what are the nouns? Ask yourself: What are the major issues raised by the topic? Use the SPAPER formula – Social, Political, Anthropological, Psychological, Economic or Religious factors? By using simple methods such as those in order to build upon effective thesis, you will be able to set a clear direction for your essay as well as make your thesis statement from it.

3. Research and Evidence Gathering in Sociology Essays

The internet is a convenient way to obtain lots of resources such as journal articles, statistics, and news stories, but these will usually need to be backed up by more traditional sources of evidence such as textbooks, which look in some depth at specific sociological topics. Be wary of using just website sources. As a student, you should always consider the information you are using and ask: Is it reliable? What is its purpose? Why was it composed? Does its author or institution sponsor it? If research appears in a journal, is it peer-reviewed? Because academic websites are maintained by academic personnel and organizations, they are usually filled with reliable information. For articles that you cannot access online, take note of the university or campus library. College libraries usually offer students online access to many academic journals and resources via college databases. It can be very useful to tap into sociological books on specific issues in order to gather up-to-date data and information. While it is best to start your research with reliable and proven books and materials, online sources are still essential.

One of the most important aspects of preparing to write an essay in sociology is simply obtaining the necessary research and evidence. Without the right resources, it is very hard to produce a well-informed essay. Essentially, the quality of the materials available determines the potential quality of the essay. So, before you begin to write, it is important to spend some time investigating the different places you can find the knowledge you need to put together a comprehensive piece. Start by seeking out reputable sources.

4. Structuring and Organizing Your Sociology Essay

3. Any introductory paragraph should give a context to the topic of the essay. The rest of the paragraph should define specific terms used in the question statement, using a definition obtained from your course textbook or favorite dictionary as a reference. Also, this is the detail of the item that you included in the introduction.

2. Write a clear, concise, focused, and explicit opening for your essay. The first sentence in your opening paragraph should include a definition of a sociological concept, term, or phrase that is easy to understand by an English layperson. There is a golden rule in sociology – the simpler the better.

1. Write a clear statement of your understanding of the question and what you are being asked to do. Your ability to construct a good introduction tells the reader that you have a good understanding of the question and what is expected from you in answering that question. An introduction should consist of a well-constructed definition of a sociological concept, term or phrase in the question, a statement on the content and context of the question, and a brief statement on the ways you intend to answer the question. Avoid a vague or ‘waffling’ introduction.

There are no fundamental differences between structuring and organizing your essay in sociology and any other subject. The following sections highlight various stages of constructing your essay. Some of these are preparation techniques.

5. Writing Style and Citations in Sociology Essays

Citations to illustrative dips are an important part of any essay. Use citations sparingly and judiciously, selecting only the best, up-to-date, and most relevant. Prefer academic journals and papers to textbooks where possible, as these are often more detailed and have greater theoretical depth. Do not include citations from any source that is not academically serious or easily accessible to other students, such as Wikipedia. Make sure all references are set out as clearly and neatly as possible, consistently giving all authorship and publication details for every item. If you are unsure, websites such as have detailed advice on how to cite journal articles, books, and book chapters correctly in various styles, and how to document their citation. Find out what the preferred style is for reference lists in your subject. Standard styles include Harvard and Vancouver, the latter of which appears to be more common in Science subjects.

As with other essays, the written style in a sociology essay needs to be concise, well-structured, clear, and relevant. Avoid the use of colloquial language and overly personal statements. Sociology essays should generally be based on academic journals and books and should not include specific personal experiences. Retain some sense of variability in choosing forms of words and phrases. Be aware of academic, political, and gender bias in your writing. When discussing sociology, and any other topic, it is important to be subjective and sensitive to different viewpoints, both in your language and overall argument. Finally, be specific about who and what you are talking about. “They,” “people,” and “it” are vague, and their meaning can be unclear.