A-Level Sociology (AQA): Free Mock Test & Practice Questions

A-Level Sociology (AQA)

Families, education, methods, crime, theory. AQA board.

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Q1. Which sociologist argued that the nuclear family is a 'universal' institution because it performs essential functions for society, including the 'stabilisation of adult personalities'?

A. Talcott Parsons
B. Ann Oakley
C. Edmund Leach
D. Nancy Chodorow

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✓ Answer: A. Talcott Parsons

Parsons' functionalist 'functional fit' theory argued the nuclear family performs two 'irreducible' functions: primary socialisation of children and the stabilisation of adult personalities (the 'warm bath' theory). Oakley is associated with feminist critiques of the housewife role, not functionalist universality claims.

Q2. Which sociologist's study introduced the concepts of the 'ideal pupil' and teacher typing based on classroom observation of secondary schools?

A. Howard Becker
B. Emile Durkheim
C. Basil Bernstein
D. Talcott Parsons

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✓ Answer: A. Howard Becker

Howard Becker's interactionist study of Chicago high school teachers found they judged pupils against an image of the 'ideal pupil', based on work, conduct and appearance, often favouring middle-class pupils. Durkheim and Parsons wrote from a functionalist perspective, and Bernstein focused on speech codes rather than teacher typing.

Q3. Traditional Marxist criminology has been criticised for:

A. Overstating class as the sole cause of crime while under-examining gender, ethnicity and intra-class crime
B. Ignoring the role of the state and law entirely in shaping crime
C. Being too optimistic about the effectiveness of policing crime
D. Focusing exclusively on victims rather than offenders

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✓ Answer: A. Overstating class as the sole cause of crime while under-examining gender, ethnicity and intra-class crime

Critics, including feminist and left realist sociologists, argue traditional Marxism reduces crime largely to capitalism and class conflict, neglecting how gender and ethnicity shape offending, and largely ignoring crimes committed by the working class against each other. It does not ignore the state and law — quite the opposite, as Marxists centre their analysis on how law serves ruling-class interests.

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A-Level Sociology (AQA) — common questions

Frequently asked

How many questions are in the A-Level Sociology (AQA)?

The exam has 40 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 40-question format so your practice matches the real thing.

What is the pass mark for the A-Level Sociology (AQA)?

You need 24 out of 40 correct to pass, which is about 60%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.

How long do you get?

The test is timed at 60 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.

Are these the real exam questions?

No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with AQA.