St. Angela’s Sociology Department
GCSE Coursework Guidelines 2003-4

You are asked to carry out a 2,000 word (max.) Research Project in an area agreed with your teacher.  That may sound a lot but as you are likely to write 200 words per page it only comes to about 10 sides of A4 paper.  You MUST follow the chapter headings and guidelines given below. You are strongly encouraged to WORD PROCESS your work - we will try to supply you with help and support in school to do this.  Merit marks will be available for anyone showing that they have tried to get information from a wide range of sources including the INTERNET.  Mrs Carr in the main library can help to get you started.

Chapter Heading                Content Guidelines                                  No of Words

Introduction	This should be a clear statement of the reason(s) why you chose your topic and what you hope to achieve by doing it. You should include an hypothesis or clear aims for your work.  Also include any personal observations you have made in your chosen area.	100 -  200
Background	Here you should show your background knowledge of the area you have chosen. .	400 - 800
Research Methods	You MUST choose ONE main research method.  You need to write about the advantages and disadvantages of using this method.   You should also keep a RESEARCH DIARY*.	400 -800
Content and results	Here you organise and present the information you have gathered.	400-800
Evaluation	You should now present an evaluation.  You should try to comment on the good/bad/weak/strong aspects of your study.	200 – 400

You must also include a list of the BOOKS, MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS, HELPFUL PEOPLE that helped you with your work. You should also include a RESEARCH DIARY*. That is a list of dates and times of any significant activity you enacted in connexion with your research e.g. library visits, ‘phone calls, interview times/dates and so on. Make sure you have a title page with your name and school centre number (13234). A contents page and all pages clearly numbered. DO NOT USE INDIVIDUAL PLASTIC PAGE COVERS.

GCSE OCR Sociology Exams

There will be three parts to each knowledge based question.

Part a) is worth 6 marks. 

You will be asked to “Identify and describe three…” of something.  Make sure you clearly identify THREE points (you can underline them) AND describe them.

Part b) is worth 9 marks. 

You will be asked  “Using examples, explain…” something. Try to imagine that you are writing to a pen-pal or relative who lives abroad and has never been to England before.  You will need to explain carefully and in detail.

Part c) is worth 10 marks.

You will be given a statement and asked to “Evaluate this claim.” 
You MUST give BOTH sides of an argument.   This means you need to think of a range of arguments in support of the statement AND ALSO a range of arguments against the statement. Think of any other things that can be said about the statement.  You then need to say which you think are the strongest and weakest arguments giving full reasons.  YOU ARE NOT GIVING YOUR VIEW/OPINION OF WHAT IS ‘RIGHT’ BUT YOU ARE BEING A REFEREE FOR OTHER PEOPLE’S ARGUMENTS – YOU ARE TO SHOW YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD YOUR TEXTBOOK.