Types of Questions and Mark Tariffs

This section provides detailed information on the different types of questions students will encounter in the Criminology Unit 4 exam and how they are marked.

Fixed-mark tariffs are explained:

• 1-4 marks for point-based questions
• 4 marks for short-answer questions
• 6 marks for mid-length response questions
• 9 marks for extended response questions

The guide emphasizes the importance of understanding these mark allocations to manage time effectively during the exam.

Highlight: Knowing the mark allocation for each question type helps students prioritize their time and effort during the exam.

For point-based questions, the guide advises:

• Bullet-pointing or numbering answers
• Providing quick, accurate responses
• Not writing in continuous prose

For short-answer questions:

• Writing in continuous prose (paragraph format)
• Using some specialist vocabulary
• Summarizing answers if the "Briefly" suffix is used

Example: A short-answer question might ask: "Briefly describe how prisons serve as a method of social control. [4]"

For medium-length questions:

• Writing in continuous prose
• Providing clear, detailed, and accurate responses
• Using a range of specialist vocabulary
• Fully addressing the demands of the question

Understanding these question types and how to approach them is crucial for success in Criminology Unit 4 past papers and the actual exam.