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Media representations of age, class, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and disability

Past-paper questions pack

Name
Class
Date set
Date due
Score/ 120

Questions are numbered; the mark schemes (the answer key) follow on separate pages so the question pages can be handed out alone. www.alevelsociologytutor.com

AQA AQA AS and A-level Sociology past-paper questions since 2016 · 9 parts · mark schemes follow the questions · www.alevelsociologytutor.com · Questions and mark schemes © AQA

1. June 2025 · Paper 2 · Q19 · 10 marks · AO1=5,AO2=3,AO3=2
1 9 Outline and explain two ways that the ownership and control of the media may affect media representations of social class. [10 marks]
2. June 2025 · Paper 2 · Q20 · 10 marks · AO1=3,AO2=4,AO3=3
2 0 Read Item M below and answer the question that follows. Item M People’s views of social groups may be reinforced by representations in the media. Alternatively representations may challenge those views. The content of the media may affect people’s views of sexuality. Applying material from Item M, analyse two ways in which the content of the media may affect people’s views of sexuality. [10 marks]
3. June 2024 · Paper 2 · Q21 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6
2 1 Read Item N below and answer the question that follows. Item N Some sociologists suggest the media have often presented stereotypical representations of social classes. For example, working class people are often represented negatively in comparison to other social classes. Marxists suggest the ruling class use the media to present ideas that suit their interests. However, others argue that new media platforms are being used to challenge stereotypes presented by the mass media. Applying material from Item N and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of the ways in which the media represent people from different social classes. [20 marks]
4. June 2023 · Paper 2 · Q21 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6
2 1 Read Item N below and answer the question that follows. Item N Many feminist sociologists argue that gender representations in the media are shaped by patriarchal ideology. This reflects the dominance of males in both the media and wider society. Representations of both men and women are often based on stereotypes which reinforce gender inequalities. Other sociologists argue that gender stereotypes in the media help companies to make a profit. Another view is that stereotypes are being replaced by more fluid and flexible representations of gender, reflecting changes in society. Applying material from Item N and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of the ways in which the media represent gender. [20 marks]
5. June 2022 · Paper 2 · Q20 · 10 marks · AO1=3,AO2=4,AO3=3
2 0 Read Item M below and answer the question that follows. Item M The content of the mass media is often produced and controlled by professionals who are middle aged or older. It also concentrates on exciting stories and sensational headlines to attract audiences. The content of the mass media sometimes represents young people in negative ways. Applying material from Item M, analyse two reasons why the content of the mass media sometimes represents young people in negative ways. [10 marks]
6. June 2019 · Paper 2 · Q19 · 10 marks · AO1=5,AO2=3,AO3=2
1 9 Outline and explain two ways in which the new media enable people to challenge stereotypical media portrayals of women. [10 marks]
7. June 2018 · Paper 2 · Q19 · 10 marks · AO1=5,AO2=3,AO3=2
1 9 Outline and explain two reasons why the news may portray young people negatively. [10 marks]
8. June 2017 · Paper 2 · Q20 · 10 marks · AO1=3,AO2=4,AO3=3
2 0 Read Item M below and answer the question that follows. Item M There are many different ethnic groups in society today. Many of these are under- represented in positions of power, but over-represented in powerless groups in society. Some minority ethnic groups have different cultural beliefs, values and practices from those of mainstream society. The media often portray minority ethnic groups negatively. Applying material from Item M, analyse two reasons why the media often portray minority ethnic groups negatively. [10 marks]
9. Specimen set 1 · Paper 2 · Q21 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6
2 1 Read Item B below and answer the question that follows. Item B Sociological studies have found that women appear on television less than men do and play a narrower range of roles. Women presenters are often young, glamorous, white and slim. In fiction, female characters are frequently portrayed as emotional. The media also show women how they should look and how to get a partner. Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that the media portray women in a stereotypical way. [20 marks]

Mark schemes

1. June 2025 · Paper 2 · Q19
Mark scheme June 2025 Paper 2 Q19
2. June 2025 · Paper 2 · Q20
Mark scheme June 2025 Paper 2 Q20
3. June 2024 · Paper 2 · Q21
Mark scheme June 2024 Paper 2 Q21
4. June 2023 · Paper 2 · Q21
Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 2 Q21
5. June 2022 · Paper 2 · Q20
Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 2 Q20
6. June 2019 · Paper 2 · Q19
Mark scheme June 2019 Paper 2 Q19
7. June 2018 · Paper 2 · Q19
Mark scheme June 2018 Paper 2 Q19
8. June 2017 · Paper 2 · Q20
Mark scheme June 2017 Paper 2 Q20
9. Specimen set 1 · Paper 2 · Q21
Mark scheme Specimen set 1 Paper 2 Q21