How to cite examples for 'A' level Sociology?

[Teck Loh]

An 'A' level Sociology Question

When you answer questions which require you to give examples, do you have to give specific examples or generic ones?

Take this question for example:

What is social role? Give an example.

So I say: Social role is the role adopted by an individual to interact with society at large. When Mr Brown goes to work, he becomes Constable Brown. His social role is that of a police officer.

Now, a friend of mine who's doing General Paper says that's not acceptable in GP. You are required to give 'specific examples', he says. So should I use Gordon Brown as an example? He is Gordon Brown, but he has a social role separate from his private role as an individual. He is also the Prime Minister. That's his social role.

Comments and advice welcomed.

Teck