How do I revise Social issues and trends for AQA A-Level?

Ensure you can discuss these topics in relation to at least one Spanish-speaking country.

What exam tips are there for Social issues and trends? (2)

Use a range of authentic sources, including online media, to stay updated on current social trends.

What exam tips are there for Social issues and trends? (3)

Practice expressing and justifying opinions on sensitive social topics using a variety of complex grammatical structures.

What mistakes should I avoid in Social issues and trends?

Failing to provide specific examples from Spanish-speaking countries.

What are common errors in Social issues and trends exams? (2)

Relying on generalisations rather than critical analysis of social trends.

Social issues and trends

AQA

A-Level

This sub-theme explores the evolving nature of Hispanic society, focusing on the interplay between traditional values and modern changes, the role of technology in daily life, and the pursuit of equal rights.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Subtopics in this area

Social issues and trends

Topic Overview

This topic explores the social and cultural landscape of the Spanish-speaking world, focusing on key issues such as immigration, racism, and the evolution of family structures. Students analyse how these trends shape modern society in Spain and Latin America, examining both historical context and contemporary debates. The topic is divided into three subtopics: 'Los cambios en la familia' (changes in the family), 'El mundo laboral' (the world of work), and 'La inmigración' (immigration). Each subtopic requires students to discuss causes, consequences, and societal responses, using specific examples from Spanish-speaking countries.

Understanding social issues and trends is crucial for developing cultural awareness and critical thinking. It allows students to compare and contrast different societies, recognising how globalisation and local traditions interact. This topic also provides rich material for the speaking exam, where students must express and justify opinions on complex issues. By mastering this content, students gain a deeper appreciation of the diversity within the Spanish-speaking world and the challenges it faces.

This topic fits into the wider AQA A-Level Spanish course as part of the 'Social issues and trends' paper (Paper 1). It complements the study of political and artistic culture, as many social trends are influenced by political decisions and cultural movements. Students are expected to use a range of tenses, subjunctive mood, and sophisticated vocabulary when discussing these issues, making it a key area for language development.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Ability to discuss modern and traditional values including family structures, marriage, divorce, and the influence of the Catholic Church.
Understanding the impact of cyberspace, including the benefits and dangers of the internet and social media, and the role of smartphones.
Critical analysis of equal rights, specifically women in the workplace, machismo and feminism, and the rights of gay and transgender individuals.
Ability to support arguments with relevant evidence and examples from Spanish-speaking countries.
Demonstration of critical and analytical thinking regarding social changes.
Ability to discuss the benefits and negative aspects of immigration
Understanding of the situation of undocumented immigrants (los indocumentados)
Analysis of racist and xenophobic attitudes

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Ability to discuss modern and traditional values including family structures, marriage, divorce, and the influence of the Catholic Church.
Understanding the impact of cyberspace, including the benefits and dangers of the internet and social media, and the role of smartphones.
Critical analysis of equal rights, specifically women in the workplace, machismo and feminism, and the rights of gay and transgender individuals.
Ability to support arguments with relevant evidence and examples from Spanish-speaking countries.
Demonstration of critical and analytical thinking regarding social changes.
Ability to discuss the benefits and negative aspects of immigration
Understanding of the situation of undocumented immigrants (los indocumentados)
Analysis of racist and xenophobic attitudes
Knowledge of anti-racist measures and legislation
Evaluation of the coexistence of cultures (la convivencia)
Discussion of the role of education and religion in integration

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure you can discuss these topics in relation to at least one Spanish-speaking country.
💡Use a range of authentic sources, including online media, to stay updated on current social trends.
💡Practice expressing and justifying opinions on sensitive social topics using a variety of complex grammatical structures.
💡In the speaking exam, ensure you can develop your ideas independently of the prompts provided on the stimulus card.
💡Ensure you can discuss these topics in relation to at least one Spanish-speaking country.
💡Use a range of sources, including online media, to support your arguments.
💡In the speaking exam, be prepared to justify your opinions and defend your findings with relevant evidence.
💡Ensure you can use complex language and a wide range of vocabulary to express critical and analytical viewpoints.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Failing to provide specific examples from Spanish-speaking countries.
Relying on generalisations rather than critical analysis of social trends.
Neglecting to link social issues to their cultural and historical context.
Inadequate use of complex language or structures when discussing abstract social concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Analiza

Evalúa

Discute

Justifica

Comenta

Compara

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Social issues and trends

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in AQA A-Level Spanish

Grammar

Political and artistic culture

Grammar

Political and artistic culture

Social issues and trends

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main causes of immigration to Spain?

How has the family changed in Spain since the 1970s?

What is the impact of racism in Spanish society?

How does the gig economy affect young people in Spain?

What are the arguments for and against immigration in Spain?

How do regional identities affect social issues in Spain?

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in AQA A-Level Spanish

Grammar

Political and artistic culture

Grammar

Political and artistic culture