GCSE Religious Studies Mock Examination 1 Examination Technique Booklet () -~— This booklet contains: Personalised Learning Checklists AO1/A01 Question Guidance Sample AnswersReligious Studies Paper 1 ‘Topic: Christianity Beliefs and Teachings ‘The nature of God: God as omnipotent, loving and just, and the problem of evil and suffering; the oneness of God and the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit ‘Different Christian beliefs about creation including the role of Word and Spirit (John 1:1-3 and Genesis 1:1-3) Different Christian beliefs about the afterlife and their importance, including: resurrection and life after death; judgement, heaven and hell The incarnation and Jesus as the Son of God; the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension Sin, including original sin; the means of salvation, including law, grace and Spirit; the role of Christ in salvation including the idea of atonement ‘Topic: Christianity Practices Different forms of worship and their significance: Liturgical, non-liturgical and informal, including the use of the Bible Private worship; prayer and its significance, including the Lord’s Prayer, set prayers and informal prayer The role and meaning of the sacraments: the meaning of sacrament ‘The sacrament of baptism and its significance for Christians; infant and believers’ baptism; different beliefs about infant baptism ‘The sacrament of eucharist (Holy Communion) and its significance for Christians, including different ways in which it is celebrated and different interpretations of its meaning The role and importance of pilgrimage and celebrations including: two contrasting examples of Christian pilgrimage: Lourdes and lona The celebrations of Christmas and Easter, including their importance for Christians in Great Britain today The role of the Church in the local community, including food banks and street pastors ‘The place of mission, evangelism and Church growth The importance of the worldwide Church including: working for reconciliation; how Christian churches respond to persecution; the work of one of the following: Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD), Christian Aid, Tearfund ‘Topic: Judaism Beliefs and Teachings The nature of God: God as one; God as Creator; God as Law-Giver and Judge, loving and merciful The divine presence (Shekhinah) Beliefs about life after death, including judgement and resurrection ‘The nature and role of the Messiah, including different views on the role and importance of the Messiah ‘The promised land and the Covenant with Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3 ‘The Covenant at Sinai and its importance including the role of Moses and _the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:1-17 Key moral principles including justice, healing the world, charity and[Kindness to others ‘The importance of the sanctity of human life, including the concept of ‘saving a life’ (Pikuach Nefesh) ‘The relationship between free will and the 613 mitzvot; Mitzvot between man and God and mitzvot between man and man, including the difference between them and their importance Topic: Judaism Practices “The synagogue and its importance; the design and religious features of ‘synagogues including reading platform (bimah), ark (aron hakodesh), ‘ever burning light (ner tamid) and associated practices; differences between Orthodox and Reform synagogues Public acts of worship including: Synagogue services in both Orthodox | and Reform synagogues |The significance of prayer, including the Amidah, the standing prayer Shabbat in the home and synagogue and its significance. Worship in the home and private prayer. The written law (Tenakh) and the oral law (Talmud), and their study, use and significance in daily life Ceremonies associated with birt \cluding Brit Milah. Bar and Bat Mitzvah The marriage ceremony Mourning rituals Dietary laws and their significance, including different Jewish views about their importance; Kosher and trefah; Separation of milk and meat Festivals and their importance for Jews in Great Britain today, including tthe origins and meaning of: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur; PesachPaper 1 AO1 Question Types Marks | Ofqual strand Command word(s) _| Comment 1 A01.1: Beliefs, practices | Which one of... ‘Multi-choice and sources of authority Recall 2 | AO1.1: Beliefs, practices | Give/Name two. Recall and sources of authority Two words/phrases/sentences [ sufficient | 4 | A01.2: Influence on Explain... influence | Paper 1 only: individuals, communities | (s) Beliefs and teachings and societies Knowledge and understanding Detail/development required ‘4OT.3: Similarities and | Explain... Paper 1: differences within similar/contrasting... | Practices and/or between religions Paper 2: and beliefs Themes Knowledge and understanding Detail/development _ required 5 | AO1.1: Beliefs, practices | Explain... Refer to | Knowledge and and sources of authority teachings | understanding in your Detail/development answer.../Refer to | required scripture or sacred _| Levels of response writings in your marking answerPaper 4 Structure Paper 1 Four parts Questions | Total marks Religion 1 - Beliefs | Questions worth | 24x 4= and teachings 1/2/4/5/12 marks Religion 1 - Questions worth | plus 5 marks for Practices 1/2/4/5/12 marks _| SPaG Religion 2 - Beliefs and teachings Religion 2 - Types of A01 question Beliefs and teachings Practices Questions worth 1/2/4/5/12 marks Questions worth 1/24/5112 marks Which section? | Wording Explanation ‘Marks ALL ~ | Give two. For 2 mark questions, 2 pupils should list two things - could be words or | i phrases - RB Explain two ways | Pupils must give and [4 in which... explain two ways, but they influences | must show the impact on today. | behaviour/thinking of people in that religion _ _ today — RB Explain two Pupils must give and 5 religious explain two religious teachings teachings. Using the quote about.... Refer to | or a version of it will gain | scripture or the fifth mark. It is easier sacred writings in | to get the marks by using your answer. clear, specific teachings.Practices Which section? | Wording Explanation Marks All Give two.. For 2 mark questions, 2 pupils should list two things - could be words or phrases RP Explain two Pupils must give and 4 contrasting ways _| explain two ways in which in something is done, but which.../examples | they must be contrasting _|of. or different RP Explain two ways | Pupils must give and 5 in which... Refer to teachings in your answer. explain two ways in which something is done. Use of a | quotation/teaching will get the fifth mark.‘Sample answers: Paper 1 Beliefs and teachings 02. Give two qualities which Christians believe describe the nature of God. [2 marks] God is omnipotent and God is omniscient. Commentary: Omnipotent and omniscient are both correct. One mark is awarded for each of the two correct points. Maximum 2 marks. 03. Explain two ways in which belief in the resurrection of Jesus influences Christians today. [4 marks] Christians believe that Jesus’ resurrection influences them to believe that there is no need for them to fear death. Jesus’ death and resurrection shows them that they will also have a life after death, so death does not need to be feared. Christians also believe that Jesus’ resurrection shows them that God wilt forgive them for their sins. Jesus died on the cross so that they could be reconciled back to God after the Fall, so it influence them to ask God for forgiveness, as through Jesus they may have their sins forgiven as he conquered sin and death. Commentary: Two ways have been given. The first way says that Christians are influences as there is no need to fear death. This has been developed by saying that because of the resurrection it shows that there is a life after death. The second way makes the point that there is forgiveness for sins and a way back to God and this encourages Christians to ask God for forgiveness. First way = 2 marks. Second way = 2 marks, Total 4 out of a maximum of 4 marks. 04. Explain two Christian teaching about judgement. Refer to scripture or sacred writings in your answer. [5 marks] Christians believe that God will judge them and decide what happens to them in the afterlife. In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew 25, Jesus says that people will be separated ‘as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.’ Those people who have followed Jesus’ teachings in the Bible and served other will be rewarded in heaven. However, any Christians do not believe that simply being kind to other people is ‘enough to guarantee a place in heaven. In John 15, Jesus says ‘I. am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.’ This quotation implies that good judgement relies, not just on being kind, but by following Christian teaching.Commentary: The first Christian teaching states that judgement will happen after death and be based on what people have done during their lives. The second teaching explains that it is done through Jesus that a person obtains a place in heaven. The final sentence would have been stronger if it had said ‘by following Christian teaching and Jesus.’ Nevertheless, there are two good relevant and accurate references to scripture and the maximum 5 marks are awarded.Paper 1 AO2 Question Type ‘Marks | Elements Command word (s) Interpretations and definitions Comment 12 ‘AO2a: Analyse | Paper 1: aspects of religion and ‘Statement.’ Evaluate belief, including | this statement. in your their answer, you should: significance and | «Refer to influence. “ teaching. AO2b: Evaluate * Give developed aspects of arguments to religion and support this belief, including ‘statement. their © Give developed significance and arguments to influence. support a different point of view. Reach a justified conclusion. Paper 2: ‘Statement.’ Evaluate this statement. In your answer, you: Should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement. Should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view. Should refer to religious arguments. ‘May refer to non- religious arguments. Should reach a justified conclusion. ‘Analyse means deconstructing information and/or issues to find connections and provide logical chain(s) of reasons. Evaluate means appraising and/or making judgements with respect to information and/or issues, and analysis and evaluation should draw on underpinning knowledge and understanding. The emphasis here is on the pupil constructing coherent and reasoned responses, supported by evidence, ‘Similar to the legacy AO2 but much more demanding. Requires a justified conclusion.12 mark AO2 question: Mark scheme [Level Criteria — 4 | Awell-argued response, reasoned consideration of different points of view. Logical chains of reasoning leading to judgement(s) supported by knowledge and understanding of relevant evidence and information. References to religion applied to the issue. | 3 Reasoned consideration of different points of view. 79 Logical chains of reasoning that draw on knowledge and understanding of relevant evidence and information. Clear reference to religion. 2 | Reasoned consideration of a point of view. 46 A logical chain of reasoning drawing on knowledge and understanding of relevant evidence and information. OR Recognition of different points of view, each supported by relevant reasons/evidence. Maximum of Level 2 if there is no reference to religion or the argument is one-sided. 1__| Point of view with reason(s) stated in support. 43 0 Nothing worthy of credit.Tips for the 12 mark AO2 question + Include two different points of view - a one-sided response will not gain more than 6 marks. * Include religious teaching and explain how these are relevant to the argument being made. A response without religion will not gain more than 6 marks. * Write a detailed response. The four 12 mark AO2 questions on Paper 1 and Paper 2 account for 50% of the total mark so spend sufficient time developing the points being made. * Ensure that it includes evaluation/ judgements of the arguments being made and finish with a strong justified conclusion. * Write in paragraphs. Use a minimum of three paragraphs (one giving arguments for the statement, one against and a final conclusion. Consider using writing frames - DREAREY D] Disagree “On the one hand’ or ‘Some Christians would disagree with the statement because. R|Reason/Religion Explain why they would disagree and refer to religious teaching. Use a quote or paraphrase if you can. E | Evaluation Is this a good argument? Words like ‘convincing/substantial/strong/robust/impressive/uncon vincing/weak/unpersuasive/un successful’ are useful to include. A| Agree | ‘On the other hand’ or ‘Some Christians would agree with the statement because...” R|Reason/Religion | Explain why they would agree and refer to religious teaching. Use a quote or paraphrase if you can. E | Evaluation Is this a good argument? Words like ‘convincing/substantial/strong/robust/impressive/uncon vincing/Weak/unpersuasive/un successful’ are useful to | include. Y/ Yourself/Conclusion | A justified conclusion is very important, so one sentence is not sufficient. A way to begin could be ‘Having considered the arguments for and against | am convinced that... because...”A possible framework for evaluating an argument An argument is a conclusion based upon evidence. Arguments are commonly found in newspaper editorials and opinion columns, as well as magazine essays. To evaluate these arguments, you must judge whether it is good or bad. This evaluation should be based upon criteria, such as the FELT criteria below. When you evaluate your arguments, you probably will not use everything in the list below. Focusing on one issue or another is usually quite effective. F | Fairness | Is the argument one-sided? Are there different points of view not discussed in the argument? | ___|Is the argument too narrow? —_ E | Evidence | Is the evidence given relevant and/or reliable? | | Is the evidence given fully explained? L Logic Does the argument need further explanation or evidence? ‘T|Tone _|Is the argument too dramatic? “| | Is the argument too dismissive of different points of view?Sample answers Paper 4: Christianity - Beliefs and Teachings - DREAREY 05. ‘If God were loving, there would be no suffering in the world.” Evaluate this statement. In your answer, you should: refer to Christian teaching give developed arguments to support this statement «give developed arguments to support a different point of view reach a justified conclusion. [12 marks] Some Christians would disagree with the statement because suffering is caused by humans, not by God. This is called moral evil. Christians believe that God gave humans the gift of free will to make their own decisions. This means that even if God were loving, there would still be suffering in the world because it is the result of humans using their free will wrongly. This is a strong argument because if God were to intervene to stop people from causing suffering all of the time, then he would be limiting human free will. Other people might agree with the statement because Christians believe that God is omnipotent, omniscient and benevolent. This means that if God did exist, he would be able to stop suffering from happening because he has the power to prevent it, he must know about it and he loves humans unconditionally. Letting innocent people and children suffer is cruel, so God cannot be loving. This is a weak argument because poverty, for example, which causes suffering across the world is usually caused by the actions of others (e.g. richer countries) and has nothing to do with God. I have considered arguments for and against the statement and | believe there can be suffering in the world even if God is loving. This is because | believe that suffering is a test of faith. In the Bible, God allows Satan to inflict pain and suffering on Job to prove that Job would remain faithful to him. When Job passed God's test, he was rewarded by receiving twice as much as he had before. In my opinion, this shows that God sometimes allows us to suffer for a greater purpose that we might not be aware of. Level 4 answerGCSE Religious Studies Achieve and Aspire Resource Paper 1 - Christianity Beliefs and Teachings () -— Example of a Grade 9 student paperChristian Beliefs and Teachings Specimen Question Paper 1A - On AQA website Christian Beliefs and Teachings 1. Which one of the following is the book in the Bible in which the story of Creation can be found? [1 mark] Genesis 1 mark given 2. Give two qualities which Christians believe describe the nature of God. [2 marks) + Omnipotent * Omniscient 2 marks given 3. Explain two ways in which belief in the resurrection of Jesus influences Christians today. [4 marks] One way in which belief in the resurrection of Jesus influences Christians today is they may believe that there is no need for them to fear death. This is because Jesus’ death and resurrection shows them that they will also have a life after death, so death does not need to be feared Another way in which belief in the resurrection of Jesus influences Christians today is that it shows them that God will forgive them for their sins. This is because Jesus died on the cross so that they could be reconciled back to God after the Fall. Therefore, it influences them to ask God for forgiveness, as through Jesus they may have their sins forgiven as he has conquered sin and death 4 marks given4. Explain two Christian teachings about judgement. Refer to scripture or sacred writings in your answer. [5 marks] Some Christians believe that God will judge them and decide what happens to them in the afterlife. In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus says that people will be separated ‘as a shepherd separates the sheep from the gocts. This means that those people who have followed Jesus’ teachings in the Bible and served others will be rewarded in heaven. However, many Christians do not believe that simply being kind to other people is enough to guarantee a place in heaven. In the Bible, Jesus says, 'T am the way, the truth and the life, No one comes to the father except through me.’ This quotation means that good judgement relies, not just on being kind, but by following Christian teaching and the example of Jesus Christ 5 marks given 5. ‘Tf God were loving, there would be no suffering in the world. Evaluate this statement. In your answer you should: * refer to Christian teaching * give developed arguments to support this statement * give developed arguments to support a different point of view * reach a justified conclusion, [12 marks] Some Christians would disagree with the statement becouse suffering is caused by humans, not by God. This is called moral evil. Christians believe that God gave humans the gift of free will to make their own decisions. This means that even if God were loving, there would still be suffering in the world because it is the result of humans using their free will wrongly. This is a strong argument because if God were to intervene to stop people from causing suffering all of the time, then he would be limiting human free will. Other people might agree with the statement because Christians believe that God is omnipotent, omniscient and benevolent. This means that if God did exist, he would be able to stop suffering from happening because he has the power toprevent it, he must know about it and he loves humans unconditionally. Letting innocent people and children suffer is cruel, so God cannot be loving. This is a weak argument because poverty, for example, which causes suffering across the world is usually caused by the actions of others (e.g. richer countries) and has nothing to do with God T have considered arguments for and against the statement and I believe there can be suffering in the world even if God is loving. This is because I believe that suffering is a test of faith. In the Bible, God allows Satan to inflict pain and suffering on Job to prove that Job would remain faithful to him. When Job passed God's test, he was rewarded by receiving twice as much as he had before. In my opinion, this shows that God sometimes allows us to suffer for a greater purpose that we might not be aware of. 12/12 marks given.