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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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Who has to sit the A-Level Sociology (AQA)
Who needs a A-Level Sociology (AQA)?
Typically Year 12 and 13 students; no GCSE Sociology prerequisite.
The real A-Level Sociology (AQA): format
How many questions are in the A-Level Sociology (AQA)?
The real A-Level Sociology (AQA) has 3 questions and lasts 360 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What is the A-Level Sociology (AQA) pass mark?
Real exam pass mark: 70 out of 240 total marks (Grade E). Our mock marks you at 24 out of 40, the threshold we mark against.
What it costs, and what a resit costs
How much does the A-Level Sociology (AQA) cost?
Real exam fee: £100-£200 (school/college) / £150-£450 (private candidate). Resit fee: £100-£200 (school/college) / £150-£450 (private candidate). Rebooking after a fail: Next May/June exam series (typically an annual wait)
How hard is it
What is the A-Level Sociology (AQA) pass rate?
Real exam first-time pass rate: 97.9% (A*-E in June 2026 for AQA). Difficulty: Moderately difficult, demanding strong critical essay writing, broad content, and complex theories.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the A-Level Sociology (AQA)?
Not reading the question carefully or ignoring command words.
Lack of specific sociological knowledge (theorists, studies, concepts).
Failing to use material from the item when instructed.
Figures for the real exam from cite: 2, cite: 3, cite: 4, checked October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the test provider before you book.
A-Level Sociology (AQA): common questions
Frequently asked
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.