​Example Answer for Question 1 Paper 1: A Level Sociology, June 2017 (AQA)

Section A – Education: Q1 [4 marks]

This question requires that you identify and elaborate on two distinct in-school factors that may explain why either girls or boys opt for different subjects. Specify which cultural factor and which ethnic group you are referring to.

One reason that some Indian and Chinese pupils attain higher might be the ‘Asian work ethic’, where these families strictly prioritise education and a professional career-path for their children, often as a route out of poverty and social discrimination.

Ethnic minority students are likely to represent most of the families in Britain where English is not the primary spoken language. One viewpoint on this suggests that children in such families are likely to be far less prepared for starting school, and will receive less parental support with homework.

Please Note: These answers have been produced without the knowledge of the mark scheme and merely reflect my attempt at producing a model answer on the day of the exam.