Intro to Sociology of Crime: 20 Exam Tips

1. Remember that this is a Sociology of Crime exam thus you should focus on the social theories and perspectives introduced in the lectures rather than making your answers too criminal justice based. 2. It is a good idea to note the dates of key publications. Where you can cite a source then do so, e.g. Campbell (1993), Carrabine and Cox et al.,(2009); Cohen (1976). 3. Use the sources from the recommended reading list from the module (see the module handbook under Content on NOW). If you have studied sociology before, dont rely on your old exam notes or A-Level texts. 4. You do not need to include quotes but if you can remember a good quote by all means include it to illustrate your point and cite your source in brackets after the quote. You do not need to include a list of References at the end of exam answers. 5. You will be writing three essay type answers out of nine possible questions. You know the questions in advance as this is a seen exam paper so use the Easter break to practice writing three essay style answers. 6. Use the revision method that works best for you. Some students prefer to memorise the main points, theories, examples and arguments for each answer on index cards. Others prefer to use brainmaps and spider diagrams. 7. You cannot bring any notes, books or dictionaries into the exam room (the exam paper will already be in the exam room so you don't need to bring it with you).

8. When you are writing your answers it is a good idea to jot down the main points (essay plans) at the front or back of the answer book as a reminder before you start writing, however don't forget to cross these through afterwards. 9. Allow yourself around 15-20 minutes to jot down your essay plans and then divide up the remaining time for writing your answers, allowing some time at the end to go back through and make any additions/corrections. 10. Remember that each answer carries the same weighting. Each question is marked out of 100 and then the average mark from all three questions is your total mark, so there is no advantage to writing one or two good answers and then producing a poor third answer as it will bring your overall average mark down. 11. Spend an equal amount of time on each of your answers. If you are going over time on a particular question conclude your answer as soon as possible and move on to the next question. 12. If you find yourself running out of time on a particular question then you can use note form to conclude the answer, however this will obviously not get you as high a mark as if you provide a complete answer. I know that none of you would do this, but we have in the past seen students write notes on the last question and claim to have 'run out of time' when the exam paper shows what time they have left the exam room (in some cases rather too early to have 'run out of time'!). 13. There are no hard and fast rules about word length for exam answers. Some students answer the question very well by writing clearly and concisely and may answer the question in fewer pages than others who might provide longer answers that could stray off the topic. Dont focus on what other students are doing, stay focused on your plans and writing your answers.

14. Stick closely to the structure of the lecture outlines when answering the questions and supplement these with the sources used in the lectures and the recommended books (these are listed in the Module Handbook for Intro to Sociology of Crime on NOW). You can use material from more than one lecture to answer a question and this is to be encouraged as it shows that you are making analytical links across the module. However, dont just reproduce the same paragraphs for different answers. 15. You can start answers by giving a brief overview of your intentions as an introduction to the answer. Then go on to outline the different perspectives and theories and compare and contrast their views. 16. Do answer questions critically. When presenting an argument you can give your own perspective or argument but it is best not to do this in the first person (I, me, my). It is better to write 'It could be argued that' or 'having considered the evidence it appears that' rather than 'I think that' or 'In my opinion'. 17. Where relevant, use examples from contemporary issues (such as recent news stories) on crime and deviance to illustrate your answers. This shows that you have engaged with the module and understood the relevance of the theories and perspectives for criminological issues today. 18. It is a good idea to conclude your answers by referring back to the question and summarising your key points and arguments. 19. Once you've chosen your three question topics and drafted your answers I would encourage you to make use of the two drop-in exam surgeries (date/time/location to be advised) if you would like to check that you are on the right lines with your essay plans. These sessions

will be held a few weeks into next term. You can come on your own or with friends who are answering the same questions. 20. Finally, Im sure that youll appreciate that with a large lecture group I cannot provide email feedback on draft essay answers. This is why I provide the two drop-in exam surgeries on different days and times (and when you have no teaching timetabled). I strongly encourage you to attend one (or both) of these sessions as students find these very helpful and reassuring for their exam revision. Terry Gillespie (March 2013)