AQA GCSE · Question 12 · Socio-cultural Influences and Well-being in Physical Activity and Sport
Using Figure 1, analyse the reasons for the participation levels amongst the different age groups.
How to approach this question
Structure your answer by age group. For each group (16-34, 35-54, 55-74, 75+), first state what the graph shows about their participation level. Then, analyse the likely reasons for this level, considering factors like health, time, money, family/work commitments, and opportunities. Make sure to refer to the data in the graph.
Full Answer
This question requires you to interpret data from a graph (AO2) and then apply your knowledge of socio-cultural factors to explain the trends (AO3). The graph shows a negative correlation between age and physical activity participation. Your analysis should explain this trend by discussing the various barriers and enablers to participation that are prevalent at different life stages. For younger people, enablers like school sport and good health are strong. In middle age, barriers like work and family become significant. For older adults, health-related barriers become the primary reason for lower participation rates.
Common mistakes
Simply describing the graph without giving reasons. For example, 'The graph shows that 16-34 year olds participate most and 75+ participate least'. This is description, not analysis. You must explain *why* this is the case.
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