9699 Past Papers AS & A LEVEL Sociology Examiner Report 2021

The 9699 Past Papers AS & A Level Sociology Examiner Report 2021 is an essential Cambridge assessment resource for students, teachers, and tutors preparing for the Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology (9699) qualification.

The report explains how candidates performed in the 2021 examinations and identifies the skills and approaches that separated high-scoring answers from weaker responses. Cambridge examiner feedback places particular emphasis on applying sociological knowledge to the question, using relevant evidence, and providing sustained analysis and evaluation.

2021 Examination Sessions

The 2021 examiner reports cover:

• March 2021
• May/June 2021
• October/November 2021

The May/June and October/November reports include feedback across the relevant AS and A Level components.

Key Examiner Feedback

The 2021 reports repeatedly highlight several important areas for improvement:

• Read the question carefully and maintain a clear focus on its specific wording.
• Use relevant sociological concepts, theories, studies, and research evidence.
• Explain how sociological material directly answers the question rather than simply describing it.
• Include arguments for and against a stated view where evaluation is required.
• Develop sustained analysis and assessment instead of relying on simple juxtaposition.
• Avoid unsupported assertions and general knowledge when sociological evidence is required.

Paper 1 – Socialisation, Identity and Methods of Research

Examiners noted that stronger candidates used appropriate empirical support and demonstrated sound understanding of the positivist and interpretivist approaches. Some weaker responses lacked clarity about how education contributes to socialisation, while essay responses often needed more evaluative content.

Paper 2 – The Family

Higher-scoring responses demonstrated detailed knowledge of sociological theories and applied concepts effectively to questions about family structures, relationships, and social change. Weaker answers sometimes relied on common-sense explanations or discussed wider society without maintaining sufficient focus on the family.

Paper 3 – Education

Strong candidates demonstrated detailed knowledge of concepts such as labelling, self-fulfilling prophecy, cultural capital, language codes, and streaming. The strongest responses used these concepts to analyse the precise question rather than simply describing theories.

Paper 4 – Globalisation, Media and Religion

High-quality responses combined strong sociological knowledge with effective analysis and assessment. Examiners particularly valued sustained use of relevant concepts, theories, evidence, and examples, together with clear consideration of arguments opposing the view presented in the question.

Why the Examiner Report Is Useful

Students can use the report to understand:

• What Cambridge examiners expect in high-mark answers.
• Why particular responses receive higher or lower marks.
• Common mistakes made by candidates.
• How to apply sociological theories and evidence.
• How to improve evaluation and analysis.
• How to maintain focus on the exact wording of an essay question.
• How to use past papers and mark schemes more effectively.

Teachers and tutors can also use the report to identify common weaknesses and improve classroom teaching, essay practice, revision programmes, and mock examinations.

For complete preparation, students should use the 9699 AS & A Level Sociology Examiner Report 2021 alongside the relevant Question Papers, Mark Schemes, Grade Thresholds, Syllabus Documents, Syllabus Updates, Specimen Papers, Scheme of Work, Learner Guide, Teacher Guide, and Example Candidate Responses. Cambridge’s official Sociology page provides access to past papers, examiner reports, and specimen examinations, although Cambridge notes that older papers may not reflect the current syllabus.