Cambridge A Level Sociology 9699 — 2021 May/June Paper 3 · Variant 2
9699/32/M/J/21 · 50 marks · ≈56 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper4 pages




Mark scheme9 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.









Paper as text
Question paper, page 1
This document has 4 pages. Any blank pages are indicated. Cambridge International AS & A Level DC (PQ) 202446 © UCLES 2021 [Turn over * 1 4 0 8 4 3 2 4 6 0 * SOCIOLOGY 9699/32 Paper 3 Education May/June 2021 1 hour 15 minutes You must answer on the enclosed answer booklet. You will need: Answer booklet (enclosed) INSTRUCTIONS ● Answer all questions. ● Follow the instructions on the front cover of the answer booklet. If you need additional answer paper, ask the invigilator for a continuation booklet. INFORMATION ● The total mark for this paper is 50. ● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
Question paper, page 2
2 9699/32/M/J/21 © UCLES 2021 Answer all questions. 1 Describe two examples of how anti-school subcultures can affect educational attainment. [4] 2 Explain two ways in which girls’ educational performance may be influenced by wider social changes. [8] 3 ‘The school curriculum gives all pupils an equal chance to fulfil their educational potential.’ Using sociological material, give two arguments against this view. [12] 4 Evaluate the view that education is an instrument of ideological control. [26]
Question paper, page 3
3 9699/32/M/J/21 © UCLES 2021 BLANK PAGE
Question paper, page 4
4 9699/32/M/J/21 © UCLES 2021 Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity. To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series. Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which itself is a department of the University of Cambridge. BLANK PAGE
Mark scheme, page 1
This document consists of 9 printed pages. © UCLES 2021 [Turn over Cambridge International AS & A Level SOCIOLOGY 9699/32 Paper 3 Education May/June 2021 MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 50 Published This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have considered the acceptability of alternative answers. Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers. Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes. Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2021 series for most Cambridge IGCSE™, Cambridge International A and AS Level components and some Cambridge O Level components.
Mark scheme, page 2
9699/32 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 2 of 9 Generic Marking Principles These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1: Marks must be awarded in line with: • the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question • the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question • the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2: Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions). GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3: Marks must be awarded positively: • marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as appropriate • marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do • marks are not deducted for errors • marks are not deducted for omissions • answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The meaning, however, should be unambiguous. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4: Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5: Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question (however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate responses seen). GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6: Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.
Mark scheme, page 3
9699/32 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 3 of 9 Social Science-Specific Marking Principles (for point-based marking) 1 Components using point-based marking: • Point marking is often used to reward knowledge, understanding and application of skills. We give credit where the candidate’s answer shows relevant knowledge, understanding and application of skills in answering the question. We do not give credit where the answer shows confusion. From this it follows that we: (a) DO credit answers which are worded differently from the mark scheme if they clearly convey the same meaning (unless the mark scheme requires a specific term) (b) DO credit alternative answers/examples which are not written in the mark scheme if they are correct (c) DO credit answers where candidates give more than one correct answer in one prompt/numbered/scaffolded space where extended writing is required rather than list-type answers. For example, questions that require n reasons (e.g. State two reasons …). (d) DO NOT credit answers simply for using a ‘key term’ unless that is all that is required. (Check for evidence it is understood and not used wrongly.) (e) DO NOT credit answers which are obviously self-contradicting or trying to cover all possibilities (f) DO NOT give further credit for what is effectively repetition of a correct point already credited unless the language itself is being tested. This applies equally to ‘mirror statements’ (i.e. polluted/not polluted). (g) DO NOT require spellings to be correct, unless this is part of the test. However spellings of syllabus terms must allow for clear and unambiguous separation from other syllabus terms with which they may be confused (e.g. Corrasion/Corrosion) 2 Presentation of mark scheme: • Slashes (/) or the word ‘or’ separate alternative ways of making the same point. • Semi colons (;) bullet points (•) or figures in brackets (1) separate different points. • Content in the answer column in brackets is for examiner information/context to clarify the marking but is not required to earn the mark (except Accounting syllabuses where they indicate negative numbers). 3 Calculation questions: • The mark scheme will show the steps in the most likely correct method(s), the mark for each step, the correct answer(s) and the mark for each answer • If working/explanation is considered essential for full credit, this will be indicated in the question paper and in the mark scheme. In all other instances, the correct answer to a calculation should be given full credit, even if no supporting working is shown. • Where the candidate uses a valid method which is not covered by the mark scheme, award equivalent marks for reaching equivalent stages. • Where an answer makes use of a candidate’s own incorrect figure from previous working, the ‘own figure rule’ applies: full marks will be given if a correct and complete method is used. Further guidance will be included in the mark scheme where necessary and any exceptions to this general principle will be noted.
Mark scheme, page 4
9699/32 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 4 of 9 4 Annotation: • For point marking, ticks can be used to indicate correct answers and crosses can be used to indicate wrong answers. There is no direct relationship between ticks and marks. Ticks have no defined meaning for levels of response marking. • For levels of response marking, the level awarded should be annotated on the script. • Other annotations will be used by examiners as agreed during standardisation, and the meaning will be understood by all examiners who marked that paper.
Mark scheme, page 5
9699/32 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 5 of 9 Question Answer Marks 1 Describe two examples of how anti-school subcultures can affect educational attainment. Indicative content • Discourage achievement by teasing students who work hard. • Getting expelled/excluded/dismissed from lessons. • Disrupting lessons. • Truanting / missing lessons. • Members of anti-school subcultures may be labelled leading to a self- fulfilling prophecy. • Alternative goals to those promoted by education. • Any other relevant example. Note: Reward a maximum of two examples. For each example up to 2 marks are available: 1 mark for identifying an example of how anti-school subcultures can affect educational attainment. 1 mark for showing understanding of how the example can affect educational attainment. (2 × 2 marks) 4
Mark scheme, page 6
9699/32 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 6 of 9 Question Answer Marks 2 Explain two ways in which girls’ educational performance may be influenced by wider social changes. Indicative content • Changes in media images of men and women • Feminism has challenged traditional stereotypes • Changes in female aspirations • Changes in employment opportunities, laws and flexibility. • Changes in family structures, need for economic independence • Any other relevant reason Reward a maximum of two reasons. Up to 4 marks are available for each reason 1 mark for making a point / identifying a reason (e.g. changes in media images of men and women). 1 mark for explaining that point/identifying a reason (e.g. wider range of role models for girls) 1 mark for selecting relevant sociological material such as a study/concept/theory/empirical evidence to support the point (e.g. McRobbie) 1 mark for explaining how the material supports the point (e.g. McRobbie found increasing portrayal of women aspiring to successful careers rather than just romance and marriage). (2 × 4 marks) 8
Mark scheme, page 7
9699/32 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 7 of 9 Question Answer Marks 3 ‘The school curriculum gives all pupils an equal chance to fulfil their educational potential’. Using sociological material, give two arguments against this view. Indicative content • Ethnocentric curriculum may disadvantage some ethnic minorities. • Feminised curriculum may disadvantage boys. • Lack of female representation in some subjects may disadvantage girls. • Dominance of middle-class culture in the curriculum may disadvantage working class pupils. • Disjuncture of linguistic code/cultural capital/habitus reduces ability/motivation of some to engage with curriculum • Any other relevant argument against the view Reward a maximum of two arguments. Up to 6 marks are available for each argument. Note: This question is asking for arguments against the view. There are no marks for explaining the view or giving arguments supporting the view. Levels of response Use the following levels to mark each argument. Level 3: 5–6 marks • One clear and developed argument against the view that the school curriculum equally helps children of all backgrounds to reach their potential • Sociological material, such as concepts, theories and evidence, is used to support the argument against the view. The material selected is appropriate and focused on the question with its relevance made clear. Level 2: 3–4 marks • One clear but underdeveloped argument against the view that the school curriculum equally helps children of all backgrounds to reach their potential • The material selected is appropriate but not fully focused on the question. Sociological evidence is used but its relevance to the argument is not made clear. Level 1: 1–2 marks • One point disagreeing with the view that the school curriculum equally helps children of all backgrounds to reach their potential which is undeveloped or lacking clarity. • Any material selected lacks focus on the specific question. Level 0: 0 marks No response worthy of credit. 12
Mark scheme, page 8
9699/32 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 8 of 9 Question Answer Marks 4 Evaluate the view that education is an instrument of ideological control. Indicative content In support Against Points • Marxist model of society • Althusser – ideological state apparatus • Bowles and Gintis – correspondence theory • Bourdieu – cultural reproduction • Willis – learning to labour • Feminist perspective – patriarchy • Ethnocentric curriculum and racism • Young - Social Construction of knowledge • Functionalist model of social cohesion and role- allocation • Social Democratic and liberal perspectives on economic progress and individual opportunity • Interactionist perspective on teacher and pupils’ definitions of the situation and human agency • Postmodernism and cultural diversity Evidence Bowles and Gintis, Bates and Riseborough, Davies, Willis, Kampmeier, Gillborn Chitty, Saunders, Chubb and Moe, Willis, Fuller Concepts Class conflict Infrastructure, Proletariat, Correspondence theory, Cultural capital, Hidden curriculum Function, Consensus, Social Mobility, Subjective meaning, Subculture The above content is indicative and other relevant approaches to the question should be rewarded appropriately. 26
Mark scheme, page 9
9699/32 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 9 of 9 Question 4 levels of response Levels of response Level 5: 22–26 marks • Very good knowledge and understanding of the view that education is an instrument of ideological control. The response contains a wide range of detailed points with very good use of concepts and theory/research evidence. • The material selected will be accurately interpreted, well developed and consistently applied to answering the question. • Clear and sustained analysis with detailed and explicit evaluation of the view that education is an instrument of ideological control. Level 4: 17–21 marks • Good knowledge and understanding of the view that education is an instrument of ideological control. The response contains a range of detailed points with good use of concepts and theory/research evidence. • The material selected will be accurate and relevant but not always consistently applied to answering the question. • Good analysis/evaluation of the view that education is an instrument of ideological control. This may be explicit and direct but not sustained, or it will rely on a good account of different views on the role of education. Level 3: 11–16 marks • Reasonable knowledge and understanding of the view that education is an instrument of ideological control. The response contains a narrow range of detailed points or a wider range of underdeveloped points, with some use of concepts or theory or research evidence. • The material selected will be largely appropriate but its relevance to the question may be unclear or confused at times. • Some analysis/evaluation of the view that education is an instrument of ideological control. This may be one point explicitly used to argue for or against the view that education is an instrument of ideological control or a simple descriptive account of different views on the role of education. Level 2: 6–10 marks • Basic knowledge and understanding of the view that education is an instrument of ideological control. The response contains a narrow range of underdeveloped points and may include basic references to concepts or theories or research evidence. • The material selected is relevant to the topic but lacks focus on or relevance to the specific question. • Any analysis or evaluation is likely to be incidental, confused or simply assertive. Level 1: 1–5 marks • Limited knowledge and understanding of the view that education is an instrument of ideological control. The response contains only assertive points or common-sense observations. • There is little or no application of sociological material. • Little or no relevant analysis or evaluation. Level 0: 0 marks No response worthy of credit.
What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2021 May/June, Paper 3 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.