Answering 12-Mark Essay Questions (AQA GCSE Sociology): Revision Note

Here is an example of a 12-mark essay question:

Q. Discuss how far sociologists would agree that the nuclear family performs important functions for society.

[12 marks]

Model answer:

Some sociologists, such as functionalists and the New Right, argue that the nuclear family performs important functions for society, while others believe it is harmful or benefits only certain groups.

Functionalists such as Parsons claim the nuclear family carries out two key functions. The first is the primary socialisation of children, which teaches norms and values and helps maintain social order. The second is the stabilisation of adult personalities, where family life provides emotional support and reduces stress — known as the warm bath theory. These functions suggest that the nuclear family contributes to stability in society. However, critics argue this view is idealistic and ignores family conflict and inequality.

The New Right also support this view. Murray argues that the nuclear family is the most effective structure for raising children into responsible adults. He claims lone-parent families lack a male role model, which may lead to poor socialisation. However, this explanation is criticised for blaming lone parents and ignoring wider issues such as poverty and unemployment.

In contrast, feminists such as Delphy and Leonard see the nuclear family as patriarchal, benefiting men more than women. They argue that women perform unpaid domestic work and may become isolated in the home, meaning the family does not function equally for all its members. However, critics argue that feminist views may overlook choice and diversity in modern family arrangements.

Marxists also challenge the idea that the family benefits society as a whole. Zaretsky argues that the nuclear family supports capitalism by socialising children into accepting hierarchy and acting as a unit of consumption. However, critics argue this view underestimates the emotional rewards and support many families provide.

In conclusion, while the nuclear family may perform some important functions, other perspectives highlight inequalities and limitations. Overall, sociologists disagree about whether the nuclear family benefits society as a whole.

Word count: 304 words

Level 4: 10-12 marks

Marking Commentary:

This response sits in Level 4 (10–12 marks) across all three assessment objectives.

AO1: clear, accurate knowledge of relevant perspectives, concepts and theorists (functionalism, primary socialisation, warm bath theory, patriarchy, capitalism), with key terms used correctly, not just named.

AO2: that knowledge is applied to the actual question, whether the nuclear family performs important functions, with each perspective linked back to it rather than drifting into a general account of family types.

AO3: balanced and evaluative. Contrasting perspectives are set against each other (functionalist/New Right support versus feminist/Marxist challenge), each supported by named sociologists and given a criticism rather than left unchallenged. The conclusion reaches a reasoned judgement on "how far," which is what lifts it into Level 4.

Note: this answer uses four perspectives to show the range available, but you don't need that many. Two well-developed, well-evaluated viewpoints can reach Level 4, depth and focus matter more than number.

Step-by-step structure:

• Paragraph 1: Introduction briefly sets out the debate

• Paragraph 2: Explains Parsons’ two key functions (primary socialisation and stabilisation of adult personalities), using relevant concepts and linking them clearly to the question

• Paragraph 3: Shows how the New Right (e.g., Murray) support the functionalist view, then offers a brief critique of the functionalist viewpoint at the end of the paragraph

• Paragraph 4: Presents a contrasting perspective, explaining how feminist theorists (e.g., Delphy & Leonard) argue that the nuclear family is patriarchal and disadvantages women. Links the point back to the question

• Paragraph 5: Outlines the Marxist view (e.g., Zaretsky’s ideas on capitalism and consumption) and briefly critiques it by noting that many people still value family life. Links back to the question

• Paragraph 6: The concluding paragraph makes a clear judgement about how far sociologists agree, acknowledging that while the nuclear family performs some functions, other perspectives highlight inequalities and alternative family forms

Each exam paper has four 12-mark questions, making up 48% of your total GCSE grade, so this is a key area to focus on! Examiners have noticed that students who do well on essays are more likely to get the top grades.

Top-level (level 4) answers to the 12-mark essays have a lot of similar features, such as:

• A detailed level of knowledge and understanding

• The accurate use of key terms related to the issue raised by the question

• The application of relevant sociologists and theories, concepts and evidence/key studies are focused on the issue raised by the question

• A response that compares and contrasts at least two different sociological viewpoints (you need balance, but not breadth, two developed viewpoints beat four rushed ones; an unbalanced or one-sided argument keeps you out of the top bands)

• Arguments that are well explained, with supported judgements and evidence-based conclusions (not your own opinion)

• Writing clear enough that your argument is easy to follow