9699 · Cambridge International A Level
9699/12
Socialisation, Identity and Methods of Research
Sociology · June 2024 · Variant 2
Relative difficulty
Analysis source: Cambridge Assessment International Education
3.8 / 5
240
360 min
Theories and Methods in Sociology
Cohort performance
Session statistics from official examination reports
Total marks
240
Duration
360 min
Session difficulty
3.8 / 5
Key examiner messages
Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise
An in-depth analysis of the May/June 2024 Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology (9699) series, evaluating key areas of research methodology, identity formation, family theory, role allocation, and globalisation themes across papers 12, 22, 32, and 42.
Question difficulty map
How candidates performed on each question in this series
No data available in official reports
Assessment objectives
Skill and AO weighting from official examiner commentary
Skill weighting
Shows the skill mix this paper tested most heavily.
Knowledge & Understanding
Weight: 5100%Interpretation & Analysis
Weight: 360%Analysis & Evaluation
Weight: 240%Evaluation
Weight: 120%
Method marks watchlist
Where working, steps, or method marks were commonly lost
No data available in official reports
Recurring mistakes across years
Themes examiners flag in multiple recent sessions for this subject
No data available in official reports
Question choice intelligence
Mean scores and popularity for optional questions (HKDSE electives)
No data available in official reports
Level exemplars
What candidate scripts at each grade level looked like
No data available in official reports
Grade & admission context
How marks relate to grade thresholds and entry standards
Report type
Cambridge Principal Examiner Report — component performance and international standards
Level A*
Approx. 73% of maximum mark
Level A
Approx. 67% of maximum mark
Level B
Approx. 60% of maximum mark
Level C
Approx. 53% of maximum mark
Level D
Approx. 45% of maximum mark
Level E
Approx. 37% of maximum mark
Deep insights
What top candidates did
Techniques and approaches examiners rewarded in this series
No data available in official reports
Command word playbook
How to match each command word to the expected response style
State features in sequence or list observable properties — do not explain causes unless asked.
Give reasons and link mechanism to outcome; each point needs a because/so chain.
Weigh arguments for and against with evidence; end with a supported judgement.
Match the expected response style for “Give” questions.
Time traps
Sections where candidates spent disproportionate time relative to marks
Min per mark: 1.7
Min per mark: 1.5
Min per mark: 1.5
Min per mark: 1.5
Min per mark: 1.5
Min per mark: 1.5
Syllabus traceability
Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session
Theories of the family and social change
48 marks this session
Socialisation and the creation of social identity
46 marks this session
Methods of research
40 marks this session
MCQ trap analytics
Commonly chosen wrong options from examiner commentary
No data available in official reports
Topic heatmap across years
Mark concentration by topic and exam year for this subject
Mark intensity
Socialisation and the creation of social identity
Education and inequality
Contemporary issues
Ownership and control of media
Theories of the family and social change
Family roles and changing relationships
Methods of research
Paper comparison
Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session
Paper 12: Socialisation, Identity and Methods of Research:
Paper 22: The Family:
Paper 32: Education:
Paper 42: Globalisation, Media and Religion:
Marks you can still earn
Where valid approaches outside the mark scheme may still gain credit
No data available in official reports
Practise what examiners flagged
Target weak topics from this report inside the Revui app
Theories of the family and social change
48 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSocialisation and the creation of social identity
46 marks this session
Practise in RevuiMethods of research
40 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSelf-diagnostic checklist
Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise
- 1Message
An in-depth analysis of the May/June 2024 Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology (9699) series, evaluating key areas of research methodology, identity formation, family theory, role allocation, and globalisation themes across papers 12, 22, 32, and 42.
Teacher briefing pack
One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review
June 2024 2024
Sociology
An in-depth analysis of the May/June 2024 Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology (9699) series, evaluating key areas of research methodology, identity formation, family theory, role allocation, and globalisation themes across papers 12, 22, 32, and 42.
An in-depth analysis of the May/June 2024 Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology (9699) series, evaluating key areas of research methodology, identity formation, family theory, role allocation, and globalisation themes across papers 12, 22, 32, and 42.
- Total marks
- 240
- Duration
- 360 min
- Session difficulty
- 3.8 / 5
Session analysis
An in-depth analysis of the May/June 2024 Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology (9699) series, evaluating key areas of research methodology, identity formation, family theory, role allocation, and globalisation themes across papers 12, 22, 32, and 42.
Updated Jun 12, 2026
Paper breakdown
Paper 12: Socialisation, Identity and Methods of Research:
Paper 22: The Family:
Paper 32: Education:
Paper 42: Globalisation, Media and Religion:
Top chapters
Exam structure insights
Marks by chapter
See where the marks were concentrated so revision time goes to the highest-value topics.
Mark accessibility
Estimate which marks were basic, mid-level, or high-difficulty.
69% within easy or medium reach
Command word frequency
Spot common command words so answers match the expected response style.
Question type mix
Compare the mark share of each paper section and question type.
High-Value Evaluative Essays
340·11·79%
Medium Explain / Structured
60·8·14%
Essay / Extended Explanation
20·2·5%
Short Answer / Description
12·3·3%
Study ROI
Bigger bubbles recur more often; higher bubbles carry more marks, helping you rank revision priorities.
Difficulty trend
Compare difficulty across recent years.
Time vs marks
Compare marks with suggested time allocation to plan exam pacing.
Paper 12 Section A
0.59 m/minPaper 12 Section B
0.65 m/minPaper 22 Section A
0.68 m/minPaper 22 Section B
0.65 m/minPaper 32 (Compulsor
0.67 m/minPaper 42 (Two 35-ma
0.67 m/minTotal marks
226
Total time
344 min
Avg pace
0.66
Cumulative marks ladder
The line is your running mark total question by question; dashed lines are the estimated grade cut-offs. See which question the line crosses your target grade at, so you know how far you must answer cleanly and which questions decide a band.
Next-year prediction
Topics worth watching next year, with the reason shown directly below each bar.
Religion and Social Change vs. Social Order
90%90%
Modernity, Postmodernity and Globalisation
85%85%
Education Policies and Meritocracy
80%80%
Exam tips
Paper format
- Duration
- 1h 30min
- Total marks
- 60
Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.