Developing Literacy Skills for A2 essay writing

Context- Subcultural Theory of Crime

Lesson objectivesObjectives Context Success criteria

To review performance and identify targets for future writing

Functionalist essay (review)

and Subcultural Theories essay (write)

Grade C• Include a ‘range of

points’• Explain points and

avoid listing• Give a range of

criticisms

Grade A• Using key terms well

and explaining clearly• Illustrating points• Evaluation is balanced• Contrasting theories

To develop understanding of PEELE model

To develop writing structure and apply PEELE model

Self Review

Go back over your answer and identify your targets to work on in your next piece of writing.

You may wish to apply the following ‘success criteria’ to help with this.

‘success criteria’Grade A Grade C

• Good clear structure with intro/body/ evaluation section/conclusion

• A good range of points included

• Concepts/points explained clearly

• Examples used to illustrate points

• A good range of evaluation points that are focused and used effectively

• Conclusion used to sum up the overall contribution of a theory

• Introduction that does not set the scene well

• Some points given but tend to be listed rather than explained

• Study presented – but not that detailed – scope to explore/discuss ideas more

• Limited/no examples used to support points

• A few evaluation points - may be listed rather than explained

• No conclusion

Top Tip: StructureIntroduction‘set the scene’

Body

Evaluation/ analysis

Conclusion

Separate paragraphs on key points (using PEELE structure)

Developing AO2Literacy Skills

Evaluation- Challenge ideas- Strengths and weaknesses- Contrast views

Application/Analysis/Synthesis- Relevancy- Focused points- Links - Evidence/illustration- Deconstruction of a debate

Understanding/Explanation- Meaning

Knowledge - Relevant concepts/studies etc

D

C

C/B

B/A

MasteringSkills in

Sociology

PEEEL is vital for displaying AO2 skills

To present a solid case against chivalry thesis, you should :• Aim to include a ‘range’ of points• Use PEEEL format to structure a paragraph

= point State the point

= explain Give an explanation of the point

= example Illustrate with examples/studies

= evaluate Offer a criticism/disadvantage of factor

= link Relate to the issue in the question

MasteringSkills in

Sociology

Using PEEEL to organise a paragraph

Example of using the PEEEL model in your socialisation essay

One point emphasised by Durkheim is the way that deviance can be functional for society.

It can help to reinforce boundaries in society, for example, we need to be reminded of the extremes of evil like rape and murder. It also helps to test boundaries and help to cause social change, such as Nelson Mandela and his actions to end apartheid in South Africa. A further function is in how punishment unifies a community, this was shown in the case of the murder of Lee Rigby on the streets of London, people are joined in their anger and desire for justice. Another function is how it helps to single out individuals from wider society, those who maybe a risk to us.

The functions of deviance can be highly beneficial and not just be a bad thing in society.

However, Durkheim can be criticised as he ignores the impact of crime on victims –surely that cannot be positive. He also fails to explain where the laws come from in society and how benefit the powerful more. He also does not consider how the media may lead to copycat crimes.

In sociology, PEEEL is probably best presented in the following order: Point – Explain – Example – Link - Evaluation

Apply the success criteria to the following paragraph (in pairs)

1. What would you grade it (and why)?

2. How could it be improved?

Rewrite this paragraph to make it stronger

MasteringSkills in

Sociology

Using PEEEL to organise a paragraph

Durkheim says that crime can have positive functions for society. One way is by reinforcing boundaries and supporting shared values in society. It also can test boundaries, as some crimes may be needed to make change happen in society. Another way is how the media can help to bring drama to punishment. Even in a society of saints crime would happen as it is inevitable and good. Durkheim can be criticised as he ignores the power in society, who controls biased laws and invisible crime.

In sociology, PEEEL is probably best presented in the following order: Point – Explain – Example – Link - Evaluation

Planning the subcultural theory essay

“Assess the usefulness of functionalist subcultural theory to an understanding of crime and deviance in society”

(21 marks)

Study the following points that could be included in the essay

• Study the cards carefully

• Put them into an order for the essay

• Add the following where you can: - explanations - examples - evaluation points

Albert Cohen

Status Frustration

Focal Concerns

Definition of subculture

Advantages of subcultural

theory

disadvantages of subcultural

theory

Working class culture

Failure at school

Rebellion

Source of status

Explain links to Merton

Cloward & Ohlin

Illegitimate Opportunity Structures

Career path

Matza Juvenile delinquency

Working class neighbourhoods

Conclusion

Challenge authority

Group behaviour

Albert Cohen

Status Frustration

Focal Concerns

Definition of subculture

Advantages of subcultural

theory

disadvantages of subcultural

theory

Working class culture

Failure at school

Rebellion Source of

status

Explain links to Merton

Cloward & Ohlin

Illegitimate Opportunity Structures

Career path

Matza

Juvenile delinquency

Working class neighbourhoods Conclusion

Miller

Group behaviour

Plenary

Using the 2 post its provided:

• Note any skills/knowledge that you have developed today

• Anything that you would like further help with to develop your writing style

Lesson objectivesObjectives Context Success criteria

To review performance and identify targets for future writing

Functionalist essay (review)

and Subcultural Theories essay (write)

Grade C• Include a ‘range of

points’• Explain points and

avoid listing• Give a range of

criticisms

Grade A• Using key terms well

and explaining clearly• Illustrating points• Evaluation is balanced• Contrasting theories

To develop understanding of PEELE model

To develop writing structure and apply PEELE model

Grade A/B target – contrasting theories

How can the following be used to challenge or support Functionalist Subcultural theories?

Labelling Theory

Stress how the police are biased and patrol more working class areas.

They note how the self-concept of people is affected when they are labelled and this can make deviance increase.

They note how deviants form subcultures when rejected by society.

Marxist Theory

Note how crime is caused by capitalism. How it causes inequalities and greed which lead to deviance.

They note how middle class and rich people commit crime but they tend to avoid getting detected.

They also see the laws as biased and helping to control the working class.

Ecological Theory

Examine the links between geographic area and crime. They note the way that urban areas are linked to crime.

They stress the importance of community for reducing crime by strengthening bonds that help to control behaviour.

Grade C target – getting the evaluation right

Before your conclusion – set aside 2 paragraphs.

One to cover the strengths of subcultural theory.• Include at least 3• Use these concepts/ideas: status frustration, career, identity,

mindless deviance

One to cover weaknesses of subcultural theory.• Include at least 3• Use these concepts/ideas: too deterministic, transient, middle

class crime