sociology essays a level

How to Write a Sociological Essay: Explained with Examples

This article will discuss “How to Write a Sociological Essay” with insider pro tips and give you a map that is tried and tested. An essay writing is done in three phases: a) preparing for the essay, b) writing the essay, and c) editing the essay. We will take it step-by-step so that nothing is left behind because the devil, as well as good grades and presentation, lies in the details.

Those who belong to the world of academia know that writing is something that they cannot escape. No writing is the same when it comes to different disciplines of academia. Similarly, the discipline of sociology demands a particular style of formal academic writing. If you’re a new student of sociology, it can be an overwhelming subject, and writing assignments don’t make the course easier. Having some tips handy can surely help you write and articulate your thoughts better. 

[Let us take a running example throughout the article so that every point becomes crystal clear. Let us assume that the topic we have with us is to “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” .]

Phase I: Preparing for the Essay  

Step 1: make an outline.

So you have to write a sociological essay, which means that you already either received or have a topic in mind. The first thing for you to do is PLAN how you will attempt to write this essay. To plan, the best way is to make an outline. The topic you have, certainly string some thread in your mind. They can be instances you heard or read, some assumptions you hold, something you studied in the past, or based on your own experience, etc. Make a rough outline where you note down all the themes you would like to talk about in your essay. The easiest way to make an outline is to make bullet points. List all the thoughts and examples that you have in find and create a flow for your essay. Remember that this is only a rough outline so you can always make changes and reshuffle your points. 

[Explanation through example, assumed topic: “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” . Your outline will look something like this:

Step 2: Start Reading 

Once you have prepared an outline for your essay, the next step is to start your RESEARCH . You cannot write a sociological essay out of thin air. The essay needs to be thoroughly researched and based on facts. Sociology is the subject of social science that is based on facts and evidence. Therefore, start reading as soon as you have your outline determined. The more you read, the more factual data you will collect. But the question which now emerges is “what to read” . You cannot do a basic Google search to write an academic essay. Your research has to be narrow and concept-based. For writing a sociological essay, make sure that the sources from where you read are academically acclaimed and accepted.  

For best search, search for your articles by typing “Food+Diaspora”, “Food+Nostalgia”, adding a plus sign (+) improves the search result.]

Step 3: Make Notes 

This is a step that a lot of people miss when they are preparing to write their essays. It is important to read, but how you read is also a very vital part. When you are reading from multiple sources then all that you read becomes a big jumble of information in your mind. It is not possible to remember who said what at all times. Therefore, what you need to do while reading is to maintain an ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY . Whenever you’re reading for writing an academic essay then have a notebook handy, or if you prefer electronic notes then prepare a Word Document, Google Docs, Notes, or any tool of your choice to make notes. 

As you begin reading, note down the title of the article, its author, and the year of publication. As you read, keep writing down all the significant points that you find. You can either copy whole sentences or make shorthand notes, whatever suits you best. Once you’ve read the article and made your notes, write a summary of what you just read in 8 to 10 lines. Also, write keywords, these are the words that are most used in the article and reflect its essence. Having keywords and a summary makes it easier for you to revisit the article. A sociological essay needs a good amount of research, which means that you have to read plenty, thus maintaining an annotated bibliography helps you in the greater picture.  

[Explanation through example, assumed topic: “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” . 

Annotate and divide your notes based on the outline you made. Having organized notes will help you directly apply the concepts where they are needed rather than you going and searching for them again.] 

Phase II: Write a Sociological Essay

Step 4: writing a title, subtitle, abstract, and keywords .

The title of any document is the first thing that a reader comes across. Therefore, the title should be provocative, specific, and the most well-thought part of any essay. Your title should reflect what your essay will discuss further. There has to be a sync between the title and the rest of your content. The title should be the biggest font size you use in your essay. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: A title preferably should not exceed 5 to 7 words.  

The abstract is a 6 to 10 line description of what you will talk about in your essay. An abstract is a very substantial component of a sociological essay. Most of the essays written in academia exceed the word limit of 2000 words. Therefore, a writer, i.e., you, provides the reader with a short abstract at the beginning of your essay so that they can know what you are going to discuss. From the point of view of the reader, a good abstract can save time and help determine if the piece is worth reading or not. Thus, make sure to make your abstract as reflective to your essay as possible using the least amount of words.  

Your abstract should highlight all the points that you will further discuss. Therefore your abstract should mention how diasporic communities are formed and how they are not homogeneous communities. There are differences within this large population. In your essay, you will talk in detail about all the various aspects that affect food and diasporic relationships. ]

Keywords are an extension of your abstract. Whereas in your abstract you will use a paragraph to tell the reader what to expect ahead, by stating keywords, you point out the essence of your essay by using only individual words. These words are mostly concepts of social sciences. At first, glance, looking at your keywords, the reader should get informed about all the concepts and themes you will explain in detail later. 

Your keywords could be: Food, Diaspora, Migration, and so on. Build on these as you continue to write your essay.]   

Step 5: Writing the Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusion 

Your introduction should talk about the subject on which you are writing at the broadest level. In an introduction, you make your readers aware of what you are going to argue later in the essay. An introduction can discuss a little about the history of the topic, how it was understood till now, and a framework of what you are going to talk about ahead. You can think of your introduction as an extended form of the abstract. Since it is the first portion of your essay, it should paint a picture where the readers know exactly what’s ahead of them. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: An apt introduction can be covered in 2 to 3 paragraphs (Look at the introduction on this article if you need proof). 

Since your focus is on “food” and “diaspora”, your introductory paragraph can dwell into a little history of the relationship between the two and the importance of food in community building.] 

This is the most extensive part of any essay. It is also the one that takes up the most number of words. All the research and note-making which you did was for this part. The main body of your essay is where you put all the knowledge you gathered into words. When you are writing the body, your aim should be to make it flow, which means that all paragraphs should have a connection between them. When read in its entirety, the paragraphs should sing together rather than float all around. 

The main body is mostly around 4 to 6 paragraphs long. A sociological essay is filled with debates, theories, theorists, and examples. When writing the main body it is best to target making one or two paragraphs about the same revolving theme. When you shift to the other theme, it is best to connect it with the theme you discussed in the paragraph right above it to form a connection between the two. If you are dividing your essay into various sub-themes then the best way to correlate them is starting each new subtheme by reflecting on the last main arguments presented in the theme before it. To make a sociological essay even more enriching, include examples that exemplify the theoretical concepts better. 

The main body can here be divided into the categories which you formed during the first step of making the rough outline. Therefore, your essay could have 3 to 4 sub-sections discussing different themes such as: Food and Media, Caste and Class influence food practices, Politics of Food, Gendered Lens, etc.] 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: As the introduction, the conclusion is smaller compared to the main body. Keep your conclusion within the range of 1 to 2 paragraphs. 

Step 6: Citation and Referencing 

This is the most academic part of your sociological essay. Any academic essay should be free of plagiarism. But how can one avoid plagiarism when their essay is based on research which was originally done by others. The solution for this is to give credit to the original author for their work. In the world of academia, this is done through the processes of Citation and Referencing (sometimes also called Bibliography). Citation is done within/in-between the text, where you directly or indirectly quote the original text. Whereas, Referencing or Bibliography is done at the end of an essay where you give resources of the books or articles which you have quoted in your essay at various points. Both these processes are done so that the reader can search beyond your essay to get a better grasp of the topic. 

How to add citations in Word Document: References → Insert Citations 

But for those who want to cite manually, this is the basic format to follow:

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: Always make sure that your Bibliography/References are alphabetically ordered based on the first alphabet of the surname of the author and NOT numbered or bulleted. 

Phase III: Editing 

Step 7: edit/review your essay.

Hello! Eiti is a budding sociologist whose passion lies in reading, researching, and writing. She thrives on coffee, to-do lists, deadlines, and organization. Eiti’s primary interest areas encompass food, gender, and academia.

Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge international as & a level sociology (9699).

• Syllabus overview

In a rapidly changing world, Cambridge International AS and A Level Sociology offers learners the opportunity not only to explore the processes that are shaping current trends, but also to develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human societies and their continuities with the past. 

The study of sociology stimulates awareness of contemporary social, cultural and political issues, and focuses on the importance of examining these issues in a rigorous, reasoned and analytical way.

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

• -->2021 - 2023 Syllabus update (PDF, 214KB)
• -->2024 - 2026 Syllabus update (PDF, 184KB)

Syllabus updates

We have updated this syllabus for examination in 2021, 2022 and 2023 in line with a wider review of Cambridge International AS & A Level to make sure it meets the needs of learners, schools and and higher education institutions around the world.

How has the syllabus changed?

• Following feedback from teachers, the syllabus content has been updated and reorganised.
• A new component has been added (Paper 4), and the topics from current Paper 3 have been divided between Paper 3 and Paper 4.
• Unit 4 Global development has been removed and replaced by a new topic: Globalisation.

How has the assessment changed?

• We have changed the order of Papers 1 and 2.
• The question structure for Papers 1 and 2 and the number of marks has changed slightly.
• A new component has been added: Paper 4 Globalisation, Media and Religion. This paper has essay questions only.
• Paper 3 now assesses only one topic: Education.

When do these changes take place?

This updated syllabus will be assessed in June and November 2021, 2022 and 2023. It is also available in March 2021, 2022 and 2023 (India only). Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus above for full details.

Coming soon

We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021-2023 syllabus.

Look out for a range of support including a Scheme of work, Example candidate responses, Teacher and Learner guides. These materials will be available before first teaching from April 2019 onwards through our School Support Hub .

Endorsed resources

Read more on the Collins website

Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

Important notices

For some subjects, we publish grade descriptions to help understand the level of performance candidates’ grades represent.

We paused the publication of grade descriptions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the awarding standard in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

As the awarding standard has now returned to the pre-pandemic standard, we are working to produce up-to-date grade descriptions for most of our general qualifications. These will be based on the awarding standards in place from June 2023 onwards.

School Support Hub

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Welcome to Seneca Revision Notes

Short and effective seneca revision notes for a-level & gcse.

1 Theory & Methods

1.1 Sociological Theories

1.1.1 Marxism

1.1.2 Feminism

1.1.3 Social Action Theories

1.2 Sociological Methods

1.2.1 Types of Data

1.2.2 Positivism & Interpretivism

1.2.3 Research Design

1.2.4 Research Considerations

1.2.5 Values in Research

1.2.6 Modernity & Post-Modernity

1.2.7 Sociology as a Science

1.2.8 Sociology & Social Policy

1.2.9 End of Topic Test - Sociology Methods & Theories

1.3 Sources of Data

1.3.1 Introduction

1.3.2 Experiments

1.3.3 Surveys

1.3.4 Longitudinal Studies

1.3.5 Questionnaires

1.3.6 Types of Questionnaires

1.3.7 Interviews

1.3.8 Observation

1.3.9 Case Studies

1.3.10 Documents

1.3.11 Official Statistics

1.3.12 End of Topic Test - Sources of Data

2 Education with Methods in Context

2.1 Role & Function of the Education System

2.1.1 Introduction

2.1.2 Functionalist Theories

2.1.3 Marxist & Feminist Theories

2.1.4 The New Right

2.2 Educational Achievement

2.2.1 Social Class: Internal Factors

2.2.2 Social Class: External Factors

2.2.3 Social Class: Attitudes to Education

2.2.4 Social Class: Difference in Achievement

2.2.5 Gender

2.2.6 Ethnicity

2.3 Relationships & Processes Within Schools

2.3.1 Processes

2.3.2 Labelling

2.3.3 Categorisations

2.3.4 Student Experience

2.3.5 End of Topic Test -Education with Methods

2.4 Educational Policies

2.4.1 Equality

2.4.2 Privatisation

2.4.3 Marketisation

2.4.4 Government Policies by Party

2.4.5 Globalisation

2.4.6 End of Topic Test- Educational Policies

2.4.7 Practice Exam Question - Social Policies

3 Option 1: Culture & Identity

3.1 Conceptions of Culture

3.1.1 Culture

3.1.2 Mass Culture

3.1.3 Popular Culture

3.1.4 Global Culture

3.1.5 End of Topic Test - Culture and Identity

3.2 Identity & Socialisation

3.2.1 Identities

3.2.2 Socialisation

3.2.3 Secondary Socialisation

3.2.4 Theories of Socialisation

3.2.5 End of Topic Test - Identity

3.2.6 Practice Exam Question - Socialisation & Equality

3.3 Social Identity

3.3.1 Social Class

3.3.2 Upper & Middle Class

3.3.3 Working & Underclass

3.3.4 Social Class Evaluation

3.3.5 Gender

3.3.6 Changing Gender Identities

3.3.7 Ethnicity

3.3.9 Disability

3.3.10 Nationality

3.3.11 End of Topic Test - Social Identity

3.4 Production, Consumption & Globalisation

3.4.1 Production & Consumption

3.4.2 Globalisation

3.4.3 Evaluation

3.4.4 End of Topic Test - Production

4 Option 1: Families & Households

4.1 Families & Households

4.1.1 Definitions

4.1.2 Functionalist & New Right Perspectives

4.1.3 Marxist & Feminist Perspectives

4.1.4 Postmodernist Perspective

4.1.5 End of Topic Test - Families & Households

4.1.6 Practice Exam Question - Function of Family

4.2 Changing Patterns

4.2.1 Marriage

4.2.2 Divorce

4.2.3 LAT Relationships

4.2.4 Child-Bearing

4.2.5 Lone Parenthood

4.2.6 Diversity

4.2.7 The Sociology of Personal Life

4.2.8 Government Policies Post-WW2

4.2.9 End of Topic Test - Changing Patterns

4.3 The Symmetrical Family

4.3.1 The Symmetrical Family

4.3.2 Evaluation

4.4 Children & Childhood

4.4.1 Childhood

4.4.2 Childhood in the UK

4.4.3 Childhood as a Social Construct

4.4.4 The Disappearance of Childhood

4.4.5 Child Abuse

4.4.6 Domestic Violence

4.4.7 End of Topic Test - Family & Childhood

4.5 Demographic Trends UK

4.5.1 Introduction

4.5.2 Birth Rates

4.5.3 Death Rates

4.5.4 The Ageing Population

4.5.5 Studies on the Ageing Population

4.5.6 Migration

4.5.7 Globalisation

4.5.8 End of Topic Test - Demographics UK

5 Option 1: Health

5.1 Social Constructions

5.1.1 The Body

5.1.2 Health, Illness & Disease

5.1.3 Disability

5.1.4 Models of Health & Illness

5.1.5 End of Topic Test - Social Constructions

5.2 Social Distribution of Healthcare

5.2.1 Social Class

5.2.2 Gender

5.2.3 Ethnicity

5.2.4 Regional

5.3 Provision & Access to Healthcare

5.3.1 The NHS

5.3.2 Inequalities in Provision

5.3.3 Sociological Explanations

5.3.4 Inequalities in Access

5.3.5 Inequalities in Access 2

5.3.6 End of Topic Test - Distribution Health

5.4 Mental Health

5.4.1 The Biomedical Approach

5.4.2 Social Patterns

5.4.3 Social Constructionist Approach

5.5 The Globalised Health Industry

5.5.1 The Functionalist Approach

5.5.2 The Postmodernist Approach

5.5.3 The Globalised Health Industry

5.5.4 End of Topic Test - Mental Health & Globalisation

6 Option 1: Work, Poverty & Welfare

6.1 Poverty & Wealth

6.1.1 Types of Poverty

6.1.2 Types of Poverty 2

6.1.3 Distribution of Wealth UK

6.1.4 Sociological Theories

6.1.5 Sociological Theories 2

6.1.6 Distribution of Poverty UK

6.1.7 End of Topic Test - Poverty & Wealth

6.2 Welfare

6.2.1 The Welfare State

6.2.2 Theoretical Approaches to Welfare

6.3 Labour Process

6.3.1 Nature of Work

6.3.2 Technology & Control

6.3.3 Work & Life

6.3.4 The Effects of Globalisation

6.3.5 Globalisation & Worklessness

6.3.6 End of Topic Test - Welfare & Labour

7 Option 2: Beliefs in Society

7.1 Ideology, Science & Religion

7.1.1 Types of Religion

7.1.2 Ideology & Belief Systems

7.1.3 Social Stability & Religion

7.1.4 Social Change & Religion

7.1.5 End of Topic Test - Ideology, Science & Religion

7.2 Religious Movements

7.2.1 Religious Organisations

7.2.2 New Religious Movements

7.2.3 New Age Movements

7.2.4 Practice Exam Question - Growth of NRMs

7.3 Society & Religion

7.3.1 Social Groups & Religion

7.3.2 Gender & Religion

7.3.3 End of Topic Test- Religious Movements & Society

7.4 Contemporary Religion

7.4.1 Secularisation UK

7.4.2 Against Secularisation

7.4.3 Secularisation US

7.4.4 Fundamentalism

7.4.5 Economic Development & Religion

7.4.6 End of Topic - Contemporary Religion

8 Option 2: Global Development

8.1 Development, Underdevelopment & Global Inequality

8.1.1 Development

8.1.2 Underdevelopment & Global Inequality

8.2 Globalisation & Global Organisations

8.2.1 Globalisation

8.2.2 Transnational Corporations & International Agency

8.2.3 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

8.3 Aid, Trade, Industrialisation, Urbanisation

8.3.1 Development: Aid & Trade

8.3.2 Development: Industrialisation & Urbanisation

8.3.3 Development: Environment & War

9 Option 2: The Media

9.1 Contemporary Media

9.1.1 New Media

9.1.2 Control of the Media

9.1.3 Sociological Approaches: New Media

9.1.4 Globalisation

9.1.5 News Selection

9.1.6 Moral Panics

9.1.7 End of Topic Test - Contemporary Media

9.2 Media Representations

9.2.2 Social Class & Ethnicity

9.2.3 Gender

9.2.4 Sexuality & Disability

9.2.5 Practice Exam Questions - Presentation of Women

9.3 Audiences

9.3.1 Media Theories

9.3.2 Media Theories 2

9.3.3 Media Representations & Audiences

10 Crime & Deviance

10.1 Crime & Society

10.1.1 Functionalism

10.1.2 Subcultural Theory

10.1.3 Marxism

10.1.4 Realism

10.1.5 Other Approaches

10.1.6 End of Topic Test - Crime & Society

10.1.7 Practice Exam Questions - Social Construction

10.2 Social Distribution of Crime

10.2.1 Ethnicity

10.2.2 Gender

10.2.3 Globalisation & Crime

10.2.4 Media & Crime

10.2.5 Types of Crimes

10.2.6 End of Topic Test - Social Distribution of Crime

10.3 Prevention & Punishment

10.3.1 Surveillance

10.3.2 Prevention

10.3.3 Punishment

10.3.4 Victimology

10.3.5 End of Topic Test - Prevention & Punishment

• UCAS Guide Home >
• A-Level Sociology

Revision Tips to Achieve A* in A-Level Sociology

Getting an A* Sociology isn’t rocket science—it’s about smart studying. Wondering how some students ace it effortlessly? It’s not just smarts; it’s strategy . This blog spills the beans on easy-to-follow tips that turn average into A*. No magic tricks, just practical methods that tons of students have used to rock A-Level Sociology. 

Table of Contents

The Anatomy of A-Level Sociology A* Revision

Mastering the art of revision requires a strategic approach beyond mere cramming. Let’s delve into the key elements that form the backbone of A* success in Sociology.

Understand the Exam Structure

To navigate the exam with finesse, dissect its structure. Identify the distinct components, such as essays, short-answer questions, and practical assessments. Familiarity breeds confidence , so get to know the weighting of each section. This insight allows you to allocate your time wisely during revision, ensuring you focus on areas that carry more weight.

Identify High-Value Topics

Not all topics are created equal. Scrutinise A-Level Sociology past papers and mark schemes to discern patterns. Some themes may recur frequently, signalling their importance. Prioritise these high-value topics in your revision schedule. It’s not about memorising everything; it’s about optimising your efforts by concentrating on the areas that offer the greatest return on investment.

Create a Custom Study Plan

Generic study plans may not cut it. Craft a personalised study plan tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. Consider your learning style, whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic, and structure your study sessions accordingly. Break down your plan into manageable chunks , setting realistic goals for each session. A customised approach ensures you cover all bases and minimises stress.

Embrace a Targeted Approach

Not all revision is created equal. Instead of aimlessly reviewing your notes, adopt a targeted approach. Focus on understanding key concepts, theories, and case studies. Break down complex ideas into bite-sized, digestible portions. Use visual aids, like mind maps and diagrams , to reinforce your understanding. This targeted strategy not only aids comprehension but also enhances long-term retention.

Utilise Technology Wisely

In the digital age, leverage technology to your advantage . Explore online resources, educational apps, and interactive platforms. Engage with forums where students discuss challenging topics and share valuable insights. Embrace the power of collaborative learning, using technology as a tool to enhance your understanding and stay updated on the latest developments in Sociology.

7 Best A-Level Sociology Revision Tips

Acing Sociology demands more than just reading through textbooks. Here are seven proven techniques to boost your revision in Sociology.

1. Conceptual Linkages:

Sociology isn’t just about isolated theories; it’s a web of interconnected ideas . As you revise, focus on linking concepts. Understand how theories complement or challenge each other. This holistic approach enhances understanding and equips you to draw insightful connections in your exam responses.

2. Real-World Application:

Sociology thrives on real-world scenarios. Bring your revision to life by applying theories to current events or historical contexts. Explore case studies that exemplify sociological concepts. This application solidifies your understanding and equips you with tangible examples for exam essays.

3. Critical Evaluation Skills:

When revising, focus on evaluating theories, methods, and research studies. Question assumptions and consider alternative perspectives . Practice critiquing arguments, weighing evidence, and forming your conclusions. This analytical edge will set your exam responses apart.

4. Essay Structuring Techniques:

Sociology exams often involve essay questions. Hone your essay-writing skills by mastering the art of structuring. Craft clear introductions that set the stage develop your arguments coherently in the body and conclude with impact. Practise using sociological terminology fluently , showcasing your understanding with precision.

5. Interactive Group Discussions:

Sociology is inherently social, so make your revision social, too. Engage in group discussions where you can debate theories, analyse case studies, and share perspectives. This interactive approach helps solidify your knowledge and exposes you to different viewpoints.

6. Media Analysis Exercises:

Sociology is alive in the media. Regularly analyse news articles, documentaries, or TV shows sociologically. How do these mediums’ societal structures, norms, or inequalities play out? This practice will sharpen your ability to apply sociological concepts to real-world scenarios.

7. Contextual Mind Mapping:

Sociology is all about connections . Create mind maps that link theories, concepts, and real-world examples. Visualising these connections enhances your understanding and aids in recalling information during exams.

In Sociology, your revision journey shapes your success. We’ve simplified the complexities, creating a path lit with understanding and insight. As you step into exams, it’s not just about what you know but how you use that knowledge. Carry your personalised toolkit and let your A* in Sociology stands out.

Ready to enhance your understanding? Dive into Study Mind’s A-Level Sociology tutoring . Your journey to excellence starts now.

How do I balance in-depth study with a broad understanding in A-Level Sociology?

Achieving the delicate balance between depth and breadth in Sociology requires strategic planning. Prioritise high-value topics for in-depth study while maintaining a broad overview of key concepts. Use your study plan to allocate time effectively, ensuring you cover depth and breadth. Regular self-assessment can guide adjustments to maintain equilibrium.

Is it essential to memorise every sociological theory, or can I focus on understanding a select few?

While understanding is crucial, memorising every theory may be overwhelming. Prioritise a deep understanding of a select few foundational theories. Once you grasp core concepts, you can often apply them to related theories. Quality over quantity ensures a solid foundation for nuanced exam responses.

How can I stay updated on the latest sociological debates and discussions?

Staying current in Sociology involves actively engaging with academic journals, reputable online platforms, and discussion forums. Follow leading sociologists on social media, participate in online debates, and attend relevant webinars or conferences. This continual engagement will enhance your knowledge and provide fresh perspectives for your exam responses.

Can I incorporate personal opinions in my sociology essays, or should I strictly stick to academic viewpoints?

While essays should primarily reflect academic viewpoints, incorporating personal opinions can enhance your analysis. However, it’s crucial to clearly distinguish between academic theories and your perspective. Use personal insights to illustrate or support arguments, ensuring they align with the broader sociological context and contribute to the depth of your response.

How do I overcome the challenge of memorising sociological terminology?

Mastering sociological terminology involves consistent practice and contextual understanding. Create flashcards with terms and their definitions, and actively use them in your study sessions. Integrate key terms into your written responses to reinforce memory. Associating terms with real-world examples or scenarios can make memorisation more engaging and effective.

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A-level Sociology (AQA) Revision Notes

Saul McLeod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

On This Page:

Revision guide for AQA A-Level (7192) and AS-Level Sociology (7191), including straightforward study notes, independent study booklets, and past paper questions and answers. Fully updated for the summer 2023 term.

Thanks to the Hectic Teacher for allowing us to link to these resources:

Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context

• Hectic Teacher
• Study Booklet Part 2
• Study Booklet Part 3
• Complete Revision Notes
• Short Questions and Answers
• the role and functions of the education system, including its relationship to the economy and to class structure
• differential educational achievement of social groups by social class, gender and ethnicity in contemporary society
• relationships and processes within schools, with particular reference to teacher/pupil relationships, pupil identities and subcultures, the hidden curriculum, and the organisation of teaching and learning
• the significance of educational policies, including policies of selection, marketisation and privatisation, and policies to achieve greater equality of opportunity or outcome, for an understanding of the structure, role, impact and experience of and access to education; the impact of globalisation on educational policy.

Methods in Context

• Students must be able to apply sociological research methods to the study of education.

Paper 2: Research Methods and Topics in Sociology

Research methods.

• Study Booklet Part 1

Learning Objectives

• quantitative and qualitative methods of research; research design
• sources of data, including questionnaires, interviews, participant and non-participant observation, experiments, documents and official statistics
• the distinction between primary and secondary data, and between quantitative and qualitative data
• the relationship between positivism, interpretivism and sociological methods; the nature of ‘social facts’
• the theoretical, practical and ethical considerations influencing choice of topic, choice of method(s) and the conduct of research

Topic 2: Families and Households

• the relationship of the family to the social structure and social change, with particular reference to the economy and to state policies
• changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce, childbearing and the life course, including the sociology of personal life, and the diversity of contemporary family and household structures
• gender roles, domestic labour and power relationships within the family in contemporary society
• the nature of childhood, and changes in the status of children in the family and society
• demographic trends in the United Kingdom since 1900: birth rates, death rates, family size, life expectancy, ageing population, and migration and globalisation

Topic 5: Beliefs in Society

• ideology, science and religion, including both Christian and non-Christian religious traditions
• the relationship between social change and social stability, and religious beliefs, practices and organisations
• religious organisations, including cults, sects, denominations, churches and New Age movements, and their relationship to religious and spiritual belief and practice
• the relationship between different social groups and religious/spiritual organisations and movements, beliefs and practices
• the significance of religion and religiosity in the contemporary world, including the nature and extent of secularisation in a global context, and globalisation and the spread of religions

Topic 6: Global Development

• Revision Notes
• Knowledge Organiser
• development, underdevelopment and global inequality
• globalisation and its influence on the cultural, political and economic relationships between societies
• the role of transnational corporations, non-governmental organisations and international agencies in local and global strategies for development
• development in relation to aid and trade, industrialisation, urbanisation, the environment, and war and conflict
• employment, education, health, demographic change and gender as aspects of development

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

Crime and deviance.

• Study Booklet Part 4
• Example Essays
• crime, deviance, social order and social control
• the social distribution of crime and deviance by ethnicity, gender and social class, including recent patterns and trends in crime
• globalisation and crime in contemporary society; the media and crime; green crime; human rights and state crimes
• crime control, surveillance, prevention and punishment, victims, and the role of the criminal justice system and other agencies

Theory and Methods

• Independent Study Booklet Part 1
• Independent Study Booklet Part 2
• Methods Flash Cards
• Theory Flash Cards
• consensus, conflict, structural and social action theories
• the concepts of modernity and post-modernity in relation to sociological theory
• the nature of science and the extent to which Sociology can be regarded as scientific
• the relationship between theory and methods
• debates about subjectivity, objectivity and val
• the relationship between Sociology and social policy

Download Past Paper Questions With Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ao3 in sociology a-level.

AO3 is an assessment objective for analysing and evaluating sociological theories, concepts, evidence and research methods in order to present arguments, make judgements and reach conclusions.

Examples of AO3 points include:

• Evaluate from other PERSPECTIVES – What would other perspectives say about the theory / concept? Is there a counter-argument?
• Evaluate – HISTORICAL CRITICISM – Is the theory/ concept dated? When was the concept developed? Is it still relevant today, or has society changed so much that it is no longer relevant? Has society changed in such a way that some aspects of the theory are now more relevant?
• Evalaute – POWER/ BIAS/ VALUE FREEDOM? Who developed the concept/ theory – whose interests does it serve? For example, “x” theor is ethnocentric because….

What is the fastest way to revise sociology?

There is no great mystery about how to study for sociology A-level. Many students, although they’re not naturally that ‘academic’ still score A and A* grades through sheer hard work, focus and determination.

Before you start you need to satisfy yourself that you have good syllabus notes to work from. Although most textbooks are fine in places they have a tendency to either not give enough detail on certain topics or give too much information (which can be just as bad).

As long as you have great syllabus notes and lots of past paper questions the rest is really up to you. If you want to score an A* or A grade you need to act like someone who’s going to score these grades.

You are competing against people who are going to put in a hell of a lot of hard work so you need to work as hard as or harder than them. And you need to think about what hard work really is.

What are the most effective ways of revising subject knowledge?

• Ask “How” and “Why” questions  when revising and try to connect ideas (this method is called “elaboration”)
• No cramming . Distribute your revision over time and use a spaced system of repetition
• Switch topics regularly  when revising (this is called “ interleaving ” and it will help you to identify connections between different topics)
• Words and visuals . Combine words and visual representations to create two ways of remembering key ideas (this is called “dual coding”)
• Teachers! Students! Please get in touch if you have any A-level sociology notes you would like to share. We would really like to cover all 8 topics for paper 2.
• Please contact us via email contact@simplypsychology,org .

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AS and A Level: Sociology

"Guilty," freedom, strength, relief.

Joanne Alldritt "Guilty," freedom, strength, relief. As soon as the judge said this single, amazingly powerful word, these forgotten feelings rushed through me. I had finally got my revenge. The confusion lead me to let out tearful sighs of joy and sudden outcries of relief. The man who had made my adult life a misery and ruined my teenage memories didn't have any domination over my thoughts or feelings anymore. From going ahead with the prosecution I felt satisfied that no other innocent teenager or harmless child would have to worry about this particular evil, pathetic man ever going near him or her again. It had taken twenty years for me to work up the courage to prosecute but it was worth it. My personality is now like it was, I'm outgoing, less sensitive and I've learnt to trust people. I just hope no one has to go through what I did. When my mother sent me to Lowood boarding school after "average results" in my first year at a state school, I found it difficult to make new friends because firstly the clothes that my mother insisted I wore at weekends were not the most fashionable and the fact that I was the weakest academically in my class resulted in low self esteem. So I was thirteen and had few friends so to speak of. I could only assume that it was because of the "introvert personality," my mother always said I had. She implied that my shortage of friends

• Word count: 1276
• Level: AS and A Level
• Subject: Sociology

"The British media's coverage of asylum seekers and refugees is characterised by stereotyping, exaggeration and inaccurate language" - Discuss.

"The British media's coverage of asylum seekers and refugees is characterised by stereotyping, exaggeration and inaccurate language." The quote above comes from "It's Official: media coverage of asylum is distorted and unfair" This was a piece of writing, analysing how the media displays asylum seekers as misfits and outcasts. The analysis was written by a Cardiff University research team, which studied the media content on asylum coverage in depth, for a period of 12 weeks. In their research during this 12-week period they found 14 negative front-page articles based on asylum seekers in Britain. The majority of these front pages were in the Daily Mail and Daily Express, both of these mid-market tabloids are aimed at a right wing Tory biased audience, who perceive the asylum issue in many ways. The media's articles on asylum seekers uses a negative tone in the headlines and the text, it uses negative connotations to represent asylum system as overburden and intruders, for example the Daily Mail's headline on Tuesday, December 16th states: "£16,000 That's what the average asylum seekers family gets a year in handouts (and it's all tax free!)". The Newspaper has written £16000 in this bold font to represent it as a huge amount; the £16000 takes up half the page and is there to cast the reader's eye indicating what a significant amount of money it is. The headline also

• Word count: 2162

"The British media's coverage of asylum seekers and refugees is characterised by stereotyping, exaggeration and inaccurate language." Discuss this statement, with reference to at least two newspaper articles.

"The British media's coverage of asylum seekers and refugees is characterised by stereotyping, exaggeration and inaccurate language." Discuss this statement, with reference to at least two newspaper articles. A Cardiff University research team found that in the 12-week period studied in depth, there were fourteen negative front page articles on asylum, more than one per week. The majority of these front pages were in the Daily Mail and the Daily Express. In the two articles we studied, both had negative representations of asylum seekers and gave the audience a biased opinion of refugees seeking asylum and benefits in the UK, just as the statement suggests. The articles use an unflattering use of language to outline what the Mail and Express call an 'overburdening' and 'troublesome' problem. Stereotypical images are portrayed in these newspapers and readers would imagine their 'average asylum seeker' as undeserving, unemployed and just 'scrounging' money from the government. The Mail and Express rely heavily on politicians and dwell on negative statistics, and examples, to represent asylum seekers in a pessimistic light. The articles continually highlighted the amount of money given in 'handouts' as a huge sum of money and other valid comments [such as family sizes] appeared irrelevant. For instance, it seemed that the bold "£16,000 in tax free handouts" title makes the

• Word count: 1298

This essay based on wide background information. The writer of this essay tries to show the Hungarian stereotypes through theoretical view, statistical facts and mainly his own thoughts.

Name: Kornél Krámer Course: BABL Year: III. Module: Business Communication Module leader: Ildikó Polyák Date: Monday, 20th January 2003 Hungarian Stereotypes Content of pages Content of pages 2 Introduction 3 Theory of stereotypes 3 About Hungarians 4 Hungarians about Hungarians 4 Hungarian stereotypes 6 Foreigners about Hungarians 7 Conclusion 8 Bibliography 10 Introduction This essay based on wide background information. The writer of this essay tries to show the Hungarian stereotypes through theoretical view, statistical facts and mainly his own thoughts. It must be mentioned that the writer is a Hungarian person, so the ideas are more original and the essay shows the inner information about Hungarian society. The essay starts with a theoretical approach of stereotypes, then it continues with an introduction to Hungarian stereotypes. This part of the essay contains findings and analyses of certain questionnaires. Interesting things of Hungarian stereotypes in a more experience approach close this part. Theory of stereotypes1 Social psychology just like other modern disciplines rooted in sociological and philosophical customs. From the Enlightenment social psychology inherited two basic dilemmas: 1. universalism versus relativism; 2. action versus cognition. Ad 1.: The Enlightenment's philosophy says, that every man is a personality and the member of

• Word count: 2083

'White-collar crime never hurt anybody'. Discuss

Assignment 2 - 'White-collar crime never hurt anybody'. Discuss We have entered the age of white-collar crime. A time when the words thieves and businessmen go hand in hand. White-collar criminals don't get their hands dirty in their work. They use their heads to get what they want instead of using a little muscle. But are these criminals are just as dangerous as the rapists and murderers? White-collar crime is the category of crime that tends to be committed by professionals, people who know how to bend the rules within the system and take what doesn't belong to them, without getting caught. Securities Fraud, Insider Trading, Bank Fraud, Tax Fraud, and Money Laundering are all examples of white-collar crime. The more common White Collar crime includes: Bank Fraud: Defrauding banks of their money, Cellular Phone Fraud: The unauthorized use, tampering, or manipulation of a cellular phone or service. Computer fraud: Where computer hackers steal information sources contained on computers such as: bank information, credit cards, and personal information.(Levi 2001) There are some more types of this crime such as; Counterfeiting, this is when someone copies or imitates an item without having been authorized to do so and passes the copy off for the genuine or original item. Counterfeiting is often associated with money however can also be associated with designer clothing,

• Word count: 1800

Is religion a conservative force or a force for social change?

Is religion a conservative force or a force for social change? Functionalists, Marxists and Feminists have generally dismissed the idea that religion can cause social change in society. They believe that religion acts as a conservative force, i.e. that it prevents social change. However, if any change is going to happen, it will be changes in society that shape religion. Religion as a conservative force can be defined in two ways; the first way of defining religion as a conservative force is to refer to religion as preventing change and maintaining the status quo. The functionalist perspective and Marxists perspective both provide arguments to support this definition of religion as a conservative force. Functionalist Emile Durkheim supports the idea of religion as a conservative force with the idea of a collective conscience, which is the shared morals and beliefs which unite society. Durkheim believed "religion promotes social solidarity... which unites into one single moral community." This example of religion acting as a conservative force can be seen in Italy, where the Catholic religion binds the population into one moral community, preventing social change and maintaining the status quo. Another key idea by functionalists to support the argument that religion acts as a conservative force is how religion supports society through times of life crisis. This idea was

• Word count: 1313

Families and Households are structurally diverse

Sociology Coursework Hypothesis and Aim: "Families and households at Glenthorne High School are structurally diverse" The aim of this research is to investigate whether families and households at Glenthorne High School are diverse; to see whether there are a variety of families and household structures. In order to carry out this research I will conduct a questionnaire asking pupils what type of family structure they live in. I am interested to investigate this because I personally have lived in a variety of different household structures, which is in agreement with the Rapports research into family diversity. Word Count: 91 Context and Concepts: The Rapport's believe that the nuclear family; a family consisting of an adult male and female with one or more children, own or adopted (George Murdock). The nuclear family is becoming less significant in contemporary society according to the Rapports; however this is only one aspect of diversity. Rhona and Robert Rapoport thought of five distinct elements of family diversity; these five are Organisational Diversity, Culture Diversity, Class Diversity, Life-Course and Cohort. I will be focusing my research on the Organisational (Structural) Diversity. In agreement with my hypothesis the Rapports have suggested that the Organisational diversity of the family has increased over the last 17 years; social trends research

• Word count: 1221

Describe the different purposes of education according to different sociological perspectives.

Describe the different purposes of education according to different sociological perspectives. Education as a whole is a vital part of socialisation, and has been called the 'secondary' socialisation after the family. Functionalism confirms this theory with the idea that education is another social system within the structure, helping the society to function. Parsons states that the school compensates for the defective socialisation sometimes present, especially in dysfunctional families. For example some families may fail to instate the morals of society and so that is left up to the school. Merton continues the theory by concluding that within the family the status is ascribed and therefore does not reflect the real world. In the school status has to be achieved and is only done so on merits providing a better preparation for the outside world. This is a preferable socialisation as the wider society expects and relies upon achieved status. Ottoway & North suggest that the schools are useful because they pass on knowledge and skills to the next generation, this is to keep society functioning. It also sustains and in the long term will improve present knowledge. Moore & Davies back up this theory stating that the school provides an 'economic placement'. Through qualifications, it allocates placements of individuals into the employment structure. Durkheim incorporates all

• Word count: 640

Deviance in Society A person would be considered to be acting deviantly in society if they are violating what the significant social norm in that particular culture

Deviance in Society A person would be considered to be acting deviantly in society if they are violating what the significant social norm in that particular culture is. What causes humans to act certain ways is a disputed topic among researchers for some time now. There are three types of researchers that have tried to answer this question. There is the psychological answer, biological answer, and the sociological answer. With all of the studies that have been performed, no one group has come up with an exact reason to why people behave deviantly. Although, sociologists' theories have not been disproved as often as the psychologists' and biologists' theories because their experiments are too hard to define and no one definition for deviance is agreed upon by all experimenters (Pfuhl, 40). My own curiosity to find out what the influences are behind deviant behaviour is the purpose for this paper. We have already discussed this topic during class in part two, chapter four of the textbook which explains deviance and crime. This section talks more about deviance being a learned behaviour. I wanted to find out more information to see if biological factors are also behind this kind of behaviour. The most knowledge acquired for why people act deviantly is from the sociological perspective. There is need for more research, if possible, in the psychological and biological

• Word count: 2417

What was the impact of the 1829 Metropolitan Police Act?

Conflicts and Contradictions in Crime 2500 words essay 2 What was the impact of the 1829 Metropolitan Police Act? The Maintenance of Law and Order before the 1829 Metropolitan Act established. Authorities had few resources to cope with riot, crime and disorder. Country parishes and smaller market towns had constables and the local watch and ward; this was the old Tudor system. In London, the Bow Street Runners were set up in 1742. Troops were used to keep order. Local militias were used for local problems and spies were used to track down those who were suspected of disaffection. The industrial revolution put new pressures on society, leading to violence. Collective living led to collective organisation, which helped to create social disorder on a larger scale. The Penal Code was severe with almost two hundred capital offences and other punishments including transportation. This actually encouraged more serious crime as evidenced by the expression, "I might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb". However, prisons were still a bad place to be, even after Peel's reforms of the 1820s. As Home Secretary, he undertook a refurbishment of the prisons and also a large scale reform of the penal code. Eventually prisons did improve although much of the pioneering work was done by people such as Sir Samuel Romily and Elizabeth Fry. Debate about the creation of a standing police

• Word count: 1807

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The Department recommends that students write a total of four to six essays per paper over the course of Michalemas and Lent terms.

This equates to two or three essays per paper, per term. Since students take four papers, and terms are eight weeks long, two essays per paper would work out at one essay per week (if distributed evenly). Regardless of how many essays students choose to write, they will still receive six supervisions per paper over the course of both terms. This means three supervisions per paper, per term.

For two of these supervisions, the Sociology Department has a policy that allows students to prepare in another way besides an essay for the supervision, such as with a blog post , or a presentation on a reading or related current event. This should be agreed ahead of time with the supervisor in question.

Essays are expected to be around 1,500 to 2,000 words, which may sound like a lot to new students, but it is crucial practice for honing the skill of making a detailed, coherent and concise argument. The upper word limit is also important, as writing to wordcount (and deadline) are key academic skills, and this takes into consideration the marking workload of your supervisors.

Essay writing is one of the main means of study as well as a form of preparation for the exams , in which students are expected to draw on lecture material, supervision work, and independent reading. Over the course of the HSPS programme, students will be increasingly encouraged to supplement supervisors’ suggested readings with the sources they have encountered using their growing research skills.

Essay Writing FAQs

The sections below provide some answers to help students approach their essays. Students are encouraged to reach out to their peers, supervisors and/or Directors of Studies if they are having trouble with essay writing.

When you write an essay, you’ll need to find the suggested reading list provided in the paper guide. A reading list will usually contain a mixture of online resources like journal articles and Ebooks, and physical books which can be requested from the libraries; in 2020-21, however, given the coronavirus pandemic, we have adjusted our reading lists so that all texts are available electronically. Most of the readings you need for sociology are available via the Seeley library (Sociology, Land Economy), and you can find out how to access them on our Study Resources [link] page.

There are multiple copies of most of the books in the Seeley library so you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting hold of a text. Often you can request a book even if it has been taken out, in which case the student who has the book on loan will be expected to return the book in three days. If they’re not available at the Seeley library, the iDiscover website can show you all the locations where a book can be found in other university libraries.

Many College libraries also have undergraduate reading list collections, and it’s always worth emailing either the SPS or your college library if you’re struggling to access a text. Finally, if you can’t access a book or find an Ebook version online, Google Books often has parts of books - such as selected chapters - available to read for free. Your lecturer may also give tips for finding certain texts.

You will find you get much faster at reading and condensing arguments as you progress through your degree. Rather than trying to read everything, focus on the readings that the lecturer has marked as particularly important, and then use the additional recommended readings to gain a broader understanding and add more nuance to your essays.

What matters is that you’ve got a grasp of the key concepts and theories as portrayed in the available literature on a topic. When you’re first starting out, it may be better to focus on a few readings and give yourself more time to think and write. Another way of tackling reading lists is to split the workload with other people doing the same topic. Sharing notes and ideas not only helps consolidate your learning, it also makes life much, much easier.

If you’re assigned an entire book without chapter or page number suggestions, don’t feel you’re expected to read them cover to cover. Start with the introductory and concluding chapters to get a feel for the arguments. You can also check the contents page for sections or chapters that are especially relevant. Sometimes useful summaries, reviews, or commentaries on books are available online; for example, you can search for book reviews via Google Scholar.

Key to writing a good Sociology essay is a clear argument based on a careful and critical reading of the material relevant to the question. In the first instance, this will be the books and articles the paper organiser has indicated you should read in the paper guide. Pay careful attention to the language a particular author uses and attempt to situate the work in the social and intellectual context of the period in which it was written.

A good essay will provide an introduction that explains your interpretation of the question and how you intend to answer it, namely your essay’s structure and argument. As part of the process of building the argument, the body of the essay will outline, and critically evaluate, the different positions you’ve considered on the topic of the question (e.g. a question on class may discuss Marx, Weber and Durkheim’s differing understanding of the structural organisation of class and/or the subjective experience of class). This critical evaluation may include how well arguments are supported with empirical examples of events (including contemporary events not yet analysed in the literature), studies or statistical data.  Specifically, you can use the theory to help us understand an empirical case of your choice, and then use that empirical case to shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of that theory.

Here you can show further knowledge by referring to material beyond the reading list, as long as you demonstrate its relevance. The essay should conclude by summarising your argument and the justifications you have offered for it, as well as indicating the relevance of your argument in the broader theoretical and/or empirical context. Always try to justify your arguments by reference to concrete examples, studies, research or new work. Reference all your sources consistently and systematically. Finally give yourself time to re-read, edit and re-edit your essay. Often the process of re-reading and editing will improve an essay immensely. This process will, of course, be aided through discussions in supervisions and the further reflections they inspire for you.

When supervisors mark your essays (and indeed, your exams), they will be guided by the marking criteria, so it is best to familiarise yourself with these criteria. You can ask your supervisor for advice on how to interpret these criteria, which can be downloaded via WHERE [link].

The university and the faculty libraries have lots of guidance on essay-writing, which you can ask them about or find on their websites. Some colleges run workshops or have academics who provide support for essay-writing; your Director of Studies (DoS) should be able to point you in the right direction. This is especially useful for students who want to develop their academic writing skills, and can help build confidence for those who might feel a little out-of-practice.

Finally, it’s always good to share essays with friends taking the course to get a sense of their approaches. You can learn from your fellow students just as you can learn from university academics. Chatting through an issue that you’re finding confusing with a friend can have great results, because just by talking through your difficulties or thought processes, the path to the answers you need can become clearer.

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Beliefs in Society: AQA A Level Sociology Topic Essays (20 Marks)

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These exemplar essays cover a wide range of 20-mark essay titles for the Beliefs in Society topic for AQA A Level Sociology.

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The essays included in this digital collection have the following titles:

• Applying material from Item J and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that belief in science is a religion. (20 marks)
• Applying material form Item J and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that the main function of religion is to promote social cohesion. (20 marks)
• Applying material from Item J and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that religion prevents social change. (20 marks)
• Applying material from Item J and elsewhere, evaluate the view that the main reason for the decline in church attendance is the growth of new religious movements. (20 marks)
• Applying material from Item J and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that racism is the main reason why minority ethnic groups are more religious. (20 marks)
• Applying material from Item J and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that religion is less significant in people’s lives than science, today. (20 marks)
• Applying material from Item J and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that religion no longer acts as a “shared sacred canopy” in the world today. (20 marks)
• Applying material from Item J and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that religion today is more about believing than belonging. (20 marks)
• Applying material from Item J and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that working-class individuals are more religious than middle-class individuals. (20 marks)
• Applying material from Item J and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that the main impact of globalisation on beliefs in society has been the growth of religious fundamentalism. (20 marks)

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6 ways LibreOffice is better than Google Docs for serious writing work

I've been writing for more than 30 years. I guess that makes me somewhat of an expert. During those three-plus decades, the one document tool I've depended on the most hasn't changed all that much. 

OK, let me clarify that. 

When I first started writing, there was no LibreOffice; there was StarOffice, which became OpenOffice. From OpenOffice, LibreOffice was forked and there's been no turning back. (LibreOffice was announced officially in January 2011.) Although I use Google Docs for most of my non-fiction work, when things get serious, it's all LibreOffice.

Also: How to install Steam on Linux to start playing thousands of games

What do I mean by "serious?" I mean my novels. I mean formatting. I mean working on 60k+ word documents that can span over 300 pages. 

Let's dive into the LibreOffice features that keep me coming back.

1. LibreOffice is highly customizable

Of all the things I like about LibreOffice, the software's customization options land squarely at the top of the list. One thing about us writers is that we like to do things the way we like to do them. When our workflow is dictated by something or someone else, we can get a bit cranky.

Also:  How to customize the LibreOffice UI to best fit your style

LibreOffice not only allows all the right customizations to help me work the way I need, but it also allows me to configure certain options such that I can work most efficiently. Working efficiently is crucial for me because of my writing approach. When I'm working on a novel, the ideas tend to flow faster than my fingers can type (and I can type fast). If I have to pause every time I need to switch from H2 to standard text or enter a chapter heading, that stops my flow. 

One example of this is the customization of styles. By default, the Heading 2 style aligns left --  but I have to have it centered. After that, the default paragraph style needs to be single-spaced, and the first line of every paragraph needs an indention of .10. With the LibreOffice Style Editor, I not only can set the formatting of those styles, but I can dictate what style follows (so when I hit Enter after a Heading 2, it will always default to my configuration of Default Paragraph Style). 

Also: Rhino Linux's latest release makes it the Swiss Army knife of Linux distributions

With LibreOffice, I can put my fingers on the keyboard and write without interruption or distraction. The problem with distraction is that it's not just the time it takes to handle the issue at hand; it's also getting back in the flow of things. So, even a 10-second distraction can turn into a minute. A 10-minute distraction can turn into 20, and it's all uphill from there.

2. LibreOffice saves documents locally

Ten years ago, I wouldn't have considered this a selling point for an office suite. But with the migration to cloud (and the possibility of AI using stored documents for fodder), storing my manuscripts on a third-party server is a non-starter. Thankfully, LibreOffice hasn't gone the way of the cloud; everything is saved and stored on your local file system.

Also: How to refine your writing with LibreOffice's statistical analysis tool

It sounds so archaic, so old-fashioned, right?

If you have seriously sensitive documents (such as a book manuscript that you don't want to somehow get out into the public or used to train AI), you would be best served by coming down from the clouds and using LibreOffice to store your documents locally. I save them to a shared drive on my network, so I can access them from any computer and continue the writing or editing process.

Speaking of which...

3. LibreOffice offers continuity

I have LibreOffice installed (and set as the default) on my Linux desktop and my MacBook Pro. By doing this, I can ensure that switching from one machine to the next will keep the document formatting intact. This becomes very important when dealing with book manuscripts that you submit to your publisher, as they might require them to be formatted in a very particular way. 

Also: How to use the LibreOffice digital signature feature

If I were to switch between LibreOffice, Pages, and Google Documents, the formatting could wind up a jumbled mess. That's not to say LibreOffice doesn't adhere to standards. You can open a LibreOffice document in MS Office and it will (mostly) look fine (although you might have to tweak some formatting). Even Google Docs allows you to download in the Open Document Format (ODT), which LibreOffice uses as its default. 

With LibreOffice -- more than any other office suite -- I find the continuity between applications, computers, and documents to be spot on.

4. LibreOffice is packed with tools

LibreOffice comes with plenty of built-in tools that cover a variety of needs. Yes, it has spellchecking, a thesaurus, autocorrect, and other standard tools. But it also contains a few extras that might appeal to you, such as text redaction, accessibility check, auto-text, macros, extensions, a style navigator, templates, and style editing. 

Also: How to create a database with LibreOffice

And that only scratches the surface. There are also database, presentation, formula, and drawing tools available, each of which has its own set of specialized tools.

The thing about LibreOffice is that if I need to get something done in a document, you bet I can do it without turning to a third-party tool.

5. LibreOffice is free (and not just in price)

I'm not an open-source purist. I use proprietary applications, like Spotify, Slack, Opera, and others. But when given the choice, I will always go with an open-source application. Why? Because that means the source can be vetted by thousands of developers across the globe. On top of that, the development team listens to feature requests. I've submitted features to the developers that they are considering. That's important to someone who depends on a tool for their livelihood.

On top of LibreOffice being free, it's also free of charge. You can download and install LibreOffice on as many machines as you like, without ever having to drop a penny. Of course, you could also donate to the LibreOffice cause. 

Also: 5 best open-source email clients for Linux (and why Geary is my go-to)

I can already hear you saying, "But Google Docs is free." That it is. But with the locally-installed LibreOffice, you don't have to worry about a third-party gaining access to your work. Although Google claims they aren't currently training their AI LLMs with user content, there's no guarantee that the claim will continue to be the case.

6. LibreOffice is big on security

LibreOffice offers a heightened level of security over Google Docs with two outstanding features. First, you can password-protect files such that the only way to open a document is to know the password. Without that password, the document remains locked.

 Document passwords are set up in the Save As dialog and can be encrypted with either a password or a GPG key. Another handy option was made available in the 24.8 version of LibreOffice and allows you to strip all metadata from the file (which is great for privacy). 

Also: How to password-protect a document with LibreOffice

To do this, go to Tools > Options > Security, "Security Options and Warnings" > Options. In the resulting pop-up, click "Remove personal information on saving" and click OK. When you enable the removal of personal information, it will happen with every document you save in LibreOffice. As far as the password protection, that's done on a per-document basis.

And there you have it, six reasons why LibreOffice has remained my go-to office suite for decades. I cannot imagine using any other tool to write my manuscripts. 

Download and install LibreOffice from the Document Foundation now. You won't regret the choice.

LibreOffice now removes personal data from documents. Why that matters

Buy a microsoft office for windows license for $40 right now, get this microsoft office pro and windows 11 pro bundle for $50 - the lowest price we've seen.

AQA A-Level Sociology: Guidance on 10 Mark with Item Questions – Education with Theory and Methods

Table of Contents

Last Updated on May 31, 2018 by Karl Thompson

Below is an example of an actual marked response to a 10 mark ‘analyse with the item question’.

The example is taken from the 2017 Education with Theory and Methods Paper (paper and mark schemes available from the AQA website ) and the specific question is as follows:

Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.

Applying material from Item A , analyse two effects of increased parental choice on pupils’ experience of education (10)

While this example is taken from a 10 mark ‘applying material from the item’ question taken from the education paper, the general advice below on how to answer such questions applies equally to the same format of 10 mark questions that you will get in both sections A and B of paper 2, and on paper 3.

For general advice on how to answer 10 mark questions (covering both the two types of question) please see this post here .

Marked exemplar of a 10 mark ‘applying from the item’ question

NB the second picture is a continuation of the first, same response on both pictures!

KT’s commentary

A great example in the first paragraph of ‘how not to do it’….

If you can’t be bothered to think of how you might improve it for yourself, click here for an example of a 9/10 answer , but if the first bit of this sentence applies to you, I don’t rate yer chances of ever getting more than middle mark band!

Essay Plans/ Revision Resources

A-level SOCIOLOGY Feedback on the Examinations Student responses and commentaries: Paper 1 7192/1 Education with Theory and Methods Published: Autumn 2017

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A Level Sociology Education Topic: ROLE OF EDUCATION - Student booklet and teaching slides (AQA)

Subject: Sociology

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

2 September 2024

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This is a fantastic teaching resource that covers the Role of Education topic within the AQA Sociology A Level Education Module (and AS Level).

The Booklet is to be filled in by pupils within lessons and includes a range of activities, specification content and exam style questions. The booklet offers comprehensive coverage of the topic and would enable a student to gain a complete knowledge of this module.

This resource covers about 6 - 10 hours of lesson time.

The slides can be used to teach from and accompany the booklet.

This resource could also be used by a student to revise this topic.

Specification links: The role and functions of the education system, including its relationship to the economy and to class structure.

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