Revised GCSE Religious Studies Examination Support

Revised GCSE Religious Studies Examination Support

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Introduction This booklet contains examination support for each paper of the GCSE Specification. This booklet must be used in conjunction with Specimen Assessment Materials for GCSE Religious Studies. There is guidance for one question from each section of a paper from the Specimen Assessment Materials. This booklet and the Specimen Assessment Materials can be downloaded from the CCEA website (www.ccea.org.uk). Donna Finlay Subject Officer Religious Studies E-mail dfinlay@ccea.org.uk Telephone 028 9026 1200 (ext: 2105) 1

Religious Studies GCSE Paper 1 The Christian Church through a Study of the Catholic Church and One Protestant Tradition Question 1 The different parts of this question test factual knowledge: one word or short sentence responses only are required. Explain why Pentecost is important to Christians. This question tests understanding and the skill of selecting and utilising knowledge. The answer requires the candidate to present a series of reasons, with appropriate development as to why Pentecost is important to Christians. Christians regard the day of Pentecost to be the beginning of the Christian Church Pentecost provides an opportunity for Christians to reflect upon the gifts of the Hoy Spirit Christians celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, which was promised by Jesus. Most Christians today no longer celebrate the true meaning of Easter. Do you think the Easter message is meaningful to teenagers today? Give reasons for your answer. This question requires the evaluation of religious ideas and practice, in this case the significance of Easter for Christians. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. the commercial side of Easter easily distracts teenagers from the real meaning e.g., Easter eggs the Church today organises events which help young people to focus on the Easter message of hope and resurrection. The question is open ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 2

Question 6 Describe the system of Church Government in one Christian tradition you have studied. This question requires specific knowledge of the system of Church Government expressed in continuous prose of one specific Christian tradition (or denomination). What personal qualities make a good priest, minister or pastor? Explain your answer. This question tests understanding and the skill of selecting and utilising specific qualities. The answer requires the candidate to present a number of qualities, with appropriate explanations. the demonstration of a strong Christian faith the need to have good interpersonal skills, e.g., communication, being approachable being non-judgemental when dealing with people. A priest, minister or pastor should be involved in the life of the local community beyond the Church. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. This question requires the evaluation of religious practice, in this case the extent to which a church leader should be more widely involved in the community. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. the need to display a Christian witness to the wider community, say in support of social justice or campaigning against racism offering practical help in difficult situations e.g., church halls could be used to distribute food, clothes during floods etc the main focus should be on looking after the needs of the church congregation e.g., visiting the sick/bereaved. The question is open ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 3

Paper 2 (A) The Christian Church with a Focus on the Catholic Church Question 2 The different parts of this question test factual knowledge: one word or short sentence responses only are required. Churches could make better use of their buildings to serve the whole community. Do you at agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer showing that you have considered different points of view. This question requires the evaluation of a religious practice, namely the issue of the use of churches for wider community purposes. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. Different points of view must be considered. social activities could be held in Church Buildings. These could be a good way of attracting people to Church Jesus himself set an example of reaching out to all e.g., women, outcasts, foreigners, etc. The Church should be following his example Churches are sacred buildings and should be kept solely for worshipping God if secular activities were to be held in a Church building, it would not be any different from a community hall. The question is open ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 4

Question 5 Describe the key characteristics of the Early Church. This question requires specific knowledge of the key characteristics expressed in continuous prose. Explain what Paul taught about spiritual gifts in the Church. This question tests understanding. The answer requires the candidate to present a series of reasons, with appropriate explanations, what Paul taught about spiritual gifts. A descriptive account of particular spiritual gifts is not required, though reference must be made to spiritual gifts, within the context of exploring the teachings of Paul. people can be given different gifts making a distinction between gifts that are genuine and so therefore come from the Holy Spirit and those that are not the notion that every Christian has a gift the gifts are for the building up of the body of Christ. Too much emphasis is placed on attendance at Mass. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. This question requires the evaluation of religious practice, namely that too much emphasis is placed upon physical attendance at Mass and not enough emphasis placed on other aspects of the Christian life. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. this demonstrates the commitment of the individual to the Catholic Church the belief that Christ is present in the Mass the Christian life centre on acts of love and compassion and not whether one attend church every week. The question is open ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 5

Paper 2 (B) The Christian Church with a Focus on the Protestant Tradition Question 3 Describe the main features of a baptismal ceremony in a Protestant tradition of your choice. This question requires specific and accurate knowledge of a baptismal ceremony expressed in a Protestant denomination in continuous prose. Explain the meaning of baptism for one Protestant tradition. This question tests understanding. The answer requires the candidate to present a series of explanations, with appropriate development about the meaning of baptism. A descriptive account of a baptism is not required, though reference may be made to the service, within the context of exploring the meaning of baptism. Jesus was himself baptised, it was commanded by him and practised in the early church. The church today therefore wishes to follow Christ s example and command a public declaration of an individual s faith or parental faith the symbolism of dying to self and raising to a new life in Christ. Do you think it is important for a Christian to be baptised? Give reasons for your answer. This question requires the evaluation of a religious practice, namely whether baptism is important to a Christian. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. it is an opportunity to publicly profess one s faith Jesus was himself baptised and so Christians want to follow Christ s example salvation is not dependent upon baptism. The question is open ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 6

Question 7 Describe the work of one organisation, community or fellowship which helps bring together Christians from different traditions. This question requires specific knowledge of an organisation, community or fellowship expressed in continuous prose. Explain why many Christians think that it is important to understand the beliefs and values of traditions different from their own. This question tests understanding. The answer requires the candidate to present a series of reasons, with appropriate development, why Christians think it is important to have an understanding of different traditions. A descriptive account of particular beliefs/values is not required, though reference may be made to them. it furthers an individual s knowledge about a different tradition It can promote peace and reconciliation If one is to exercise genuine religious choice it is necessary to know about other beliefs and values than one s own. The Christian Church has the right to speak out against changing moral standards in our society. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. This question requires the evaluation of a religious idea. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. the Bible does set out moral guidelines, obedience to which contribute to the common good there are many different religions in our society and so the Church has no right to impose its views on others the church can act as the conscience of the nation. The question is open ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 7

Paper 3 The Revelation of God and the Christian Church Question 4 Describe Jesus temptation in the wilderness. This question requires specific knowledge of the biblical story expressed in continuous prose. God will always forgive. Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer showing that you have considered different points of view. This question requires the evaluation of a religious idea, namely whether God will always forgive. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. Differing points of view must be considered. when Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive, Jesus replied with 70 times 7 thus implying that God s forgiveness is limitless in the New Testament, Jesus forgave people s sins, therefore God will forgive us if we ask sinning repeatedly, may imply that there is a lack of genuine repentance. The question is open ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 8

Question 5 Describe what happened to the seed in the Parable of the Sower. This question requires specific knowledge of the biblical passage expressed in continuous prose. Explain some of the ways in which Jesus made the parables meaningful to his listeners. This question tests understanding and the skill of selecting and utilising knowledge. The answer requires the candidate to present a series of reasons with appropriate development, on the ways in which Jesus made the parables meaningful: reference may be made to specific examples in the New Testament within the context of a discussion of the ways in which Jesus made the parables meaningful. Jesus based his parables on common everyday situations e.g., sowing seeds; by doing this, people could relate to the parable parables were an easy way for people to understand Jesus message and therefore easier to remember expressed theological ideas in accessible stories, the parable of the Loving Father. The message of Jesus still has relevance for teenagers today. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. This question requires the evaluation of a religious idea. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. many of Jesus teachings were related to his own culture and so are not relevant in our modern society there are other world religions that teenagers could explore, which also provide answers Jesus message can be applied to many situations which teenagers face e.g., friendships, relationships, family life, abortion, peer pressure. The question is open ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 9

Paper 4 Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Matthew Question 3 Describe what type of person the Roman officer was. (Candidates are provided with the text of Matthew 8: 5 13.) This question tests the skill of selecting and using knowledge to develop religious understanding, in this case for candidates to use the narrative description of Jesus encounter with the Roman officer to produce a description of the type of person that the story reveals the officer to be. the love and compassion of the Roman officer for his servant and the length to which he went to try to alleviate his suffering his humility, in that even though he was a member of the ruling army, who would expect to be obeyed, he felt that he was unworthy of Jesus entering his home his faith in the power of Jesus to heal. Why would some of the people of Jesus day have been annoyed by his actions and comments in this story? This question tests understanding and the skill of selecting and utilising knowledge. The answer requires the candidate to state a number of reasons why the people would have been angry with Jesus. The reasons are implicit in the passage provided to candidates. the Roman officer was a member of an occupying army and therefore resented by many Jews he was also a Gentile and therefore regarded as unclean by devout Jews Jesus spoke of this Gentile as having greater faith than anyone in Israel. Do you think that the Christian Church does enough to challenge prejudice and discrimination in our society? Give reasons for your answer. This question tests evaluation. The candidate is required to express an opinion and to present reasons in support of this opinion. 10

The Christian churches collectively try to put Jesus teaching on good neighbourliness into practice and encourage their members to do likewise many church members are guilty of prejudice against those who belong to different religious traditions the churches are too concerned with holding on to their membership and do not want to be controversial. The question is open-ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine positive and negative points). It is the quality of argument that attracts marks rather than the Question 7 Describe the main features of Jesus trial before Pilate. This question requires specific knowledge of the biblical story expressed in continuous prose, in this case the story of the trial of Jesus before Pilate, and the ability to identify the central elements in the story. Explain some of the ways in which Jesus did not get a fair trial. You may use examples from the Jewish and Roman trials. This question tests understanding and the skill of selecting and utilising knowledge. The answer requires the candidate to cite evidence from the trials of Jesus before the High Priest and/or before Pilate that shows evidence of injustice. the use of false witnesses the irregular nature of the trial before the Sanhedrin different charges were brought at the two trials. It is impossible to decide who was responsible for the death of Jesus. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. This question requires the evaluation of the evidence from the Gospel of Matthew for who was responsible for the trial and death of Jesus. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. 11

Matthew blames both the Jews and the Romans for the death of Jesus a number of people and groups were responsible and it is difficult to blame one particular person or group the story is recounted by a follower of Jesus, so it is difficult to know what actually happened. The question is open-ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 12

Paper 5 Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Mark Question 1 The different parts of this question test factual knowledge: one word or short sentence responses only are required. Why were the religious leaders angry when Jesus healed on the Sabbath? This question tests understanding and the skill of selecting and utilising knowledge. The answer requires the candidate to present a series of reasons, with appropriate development, for the angry reaction of the Jewish leaders to Jesus healing on the Sabbath: reference may be made to specific examples in the New Testament but the emphasis of answers should fall on the reasons for the angry reaction of the Jewish leaders. the allegation that Jesus broke the 4th commandment and was guilty of working on the Sabbath Jesus opposed the authority of the Jewish leaders and their interpretation of the Scriptures Jesus was able to respond to their criticism and cite Scripture in his defence. Do you think that the Christian idea of Sunday as a day of rest is outdated in the twenty first century? This question requires the evaluation of religious ideas and practice. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. many Christians believe that the 4th commandment is still binding on behaviour it is important to set time aside for worship of God and for one s family Christian values are not accepted by all and should not be imposed the twenty first century is quite different from biblical societies and it is unrealistic to expect the same rules of behaviour and practice to apply. The question is open-ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 13

Question 5 Describe Mark s account of the healing of Jairus s daughter. This question requires specific knowledge of the biblical story expressed in continuous prose. Explain, using examples from Mark s gospel, why Jesus performed miracles. This question tests understanding and the skill of selecting and utilising specific examples from the biblical text. The answer requires the candidate to present a series of reasons, with appropriate examples, why Jesus performed miracles. A narrative/descriptive account of particular miracles is not required, though reference must be made to examples, within the context of exploring the reasons for the use of miracles by Jesus. to show compassion, e.g., the man with the dreaded skin disease (Mk. 1: 40 45) to show the power of Jesus over evil and the spirits, e.g., a man with an evil spirit (Mk. 1: 21 28) to authenticate his status as Messiah and spokesperson for God (Mk. 1: 32 34). Miracles still happen in the twentieth first century. Do you agree? This question requires the evaluation of a religious idea, namely whether miracles happen today. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. it all depends upon what one means by miracle what was once regarded as miraculous, may now be explained scientifically there is evidence of contemporary miracles God is the same, consequently he has the potential to perform miracles today. The question is open-ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 14

Paper 6 World Religions: Islam Question 3 Describe the call of Muhammad to be a prophet of God. This question focuses on knowledge and the ability to provide a descriptive/narrative account of a religious event, in this case that of the call of Muhammad to the role of a spokesperson for God. The question is quite narrowly focused and requires an accurate account of this particular incident only. Explain the significance of the Qur an for Muslims. This question tests understanding and the skill of selecting and utilising knowledge. The answer requires the candidate to show the importance of the Qur an for Muslims by drawing on their knowledge of the beliefs and practices of Islam. The emphasis of answers should fall on the reasons for the angry reaction of the Jewish leaders. Muslims still celebrate the revelation of the Qur an to Muhammad the Qur an is regarded as the divine word of God throughout Muslims treat he Qur an with reverence and respect, e.g., placed above other books; not placed on the ground, etc. Sacred books are written by men and women and not by God. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion. Give reasons for your answer. This question requires the evaluation of a central religious idea, namely the nature and character of sacred books. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. God can communicate his ideas to people who faithfully record his message sacred books are accounts of what people experience and not the literal words of God it is naive to think that God communicates with people. The question is open-ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 15

Question 4 Explain Muslim attitudes to divorce. This question requires knowledge and understanding of Muslim attitudes to divorce, which is presented in continuous prose. It is quite appropriate for candidates to refer to the details of divorce proceedings in order to illustrate Muslim attitudes. Muslim attitude to divorce is realistic in that it takes account of human weakness and that irreconcilable differences can occur within marriage divorce, though allowed, is considered blameworthy and, if possible, to be avoided the Qur'an does not stipulate that there need be any specific grounds for a divorce. Marriage in Islam is intended to be for life. Do you think this teaching still applies to people today? Give reasons for your answer. This question requires the evaluation of a religious idea, namely that marriage ought to be life-long. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. marriage is a contract that can be terminated if one party chooses to withdraw people live longer than before and therefore it is unrealistic to expect marriage to be life-long marriage should be for life, this is promised in the wedding ceremony. The question is open-ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 16

Religious Studies Paper 7 World Religions: Judaism Question 2 The different parts of this question test factual knowledge: one word or short sentence responses only are required. The Jews are God s special people. Do you agree with this statement showing that you have considered different points of view? This question requires the evaluation of a central religious idea, namely that the Jews are special to God. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. The question specifically requires candidates to refer to different points of view. everyone is special to God God choose the Jews for special responsibilities It is individuals that matter to God not nations. The question is open-ended. It is the quality of argument that attracts marks rather than the 17

Question 6 Describe the practices observed during Rosh Hashanah. This question requires knowledge and understanding of the Jewish celebration of Rosh Hashanah. The focus falls on the practices associated with Rosh Hashanah: a time for reflection and repentance; synagogue attendance; rest from work, etc. Explain the importance of Yom Kippur for Jews. This question tests understanding and the skill of selecting and utilising knowledge. The answer requires the candidate to show the significance of Yom Kippur for Muslims by drawing on their knowledge of the beliefs and practices of Judaism. a day of release from sin; therefore joyous and happy provides people with a new start in like, free from the sins of the past year reinforces human accountability before God. The Jewish practice of having a special day to say sorry is a good idea. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion. Give reasons for your answer. This question requires the evaluation of religious ideas and practice. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. by repenting you can change your attitude to the past and begin anew by repenting you show that you have changed and will not do the same thing again we cannot undo our wrong actions and choices; saying sorry does not change things. The question is open-ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 18

Paper 8 An Introduction to Christian Ethics Question 1 The different parts of this question test factual knowledge: one word or short sentence responses only are required. How can church teaching influence Christian attitudes towards the environment? This question tests understanding and the skill of selecting and utilising knowledge. The answer requires the candidate to present a series of ways church teaching can influence Christian attitudes to the environment. Reference must be made to church teaching. in the Old Testament, the Jews were told to be responsible stewards of creation in the New Testament, Jesus often referred to the beauty of nature in his teachings Christians are to act as stewards to the natural world to look after the planet and maintain it for future generations; as such, Christians cannot escape the duty to act responsibly towards the created world. The Bible provides no help for Christians on modern issues like nuclear dumping. Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer. This question requires an evaluation on the modern issue of nuclear dumping. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. Christian teaching states that life is a gift. Life does not only apply to human life, but to all biological life as well, and, indeed to the life of our planet. Nuclear dumping therefore does have an impact on our planet which is a living organism We have a moral responsibility to future generations The question is open ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine positive and negative points). It is the quality of argument that attracts marks rather than the 19

Question 5 Describe the purpose of capital punishment. This question requires specific knowledge of the purposes of capital punishment expressed in continuous prose. Explain what Jesus taught about forgiveness. This question tests understanding and the skill of selecting and utilising specific biblical teachings on forgiveness. The answer requires the candidate to present a series of explanations with appropriate development, regarding Jesus teaching on forgiveness. Jesus said that a sinner should be forgiven and given the chance to reform in Matthew s gospel, Jesus states, Love your enemies. Jesus makes it clear that he wants his followers to be different in the parable of the forgiving father, we see how the son is forgiven: we all sin, but God, like the father, is willing to forgive when Peter asks Jesus about forgiveness, Jesus replies 70 times 7 : we should always forgive. Bring back the death penalty for all murderers! Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. This question requires the evaluation of a moral issue, namely whether the death penalty should be brought back. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. the death penalty does not give the criminal the chance to repent. Once you have killed someone, you cannot bring him or her back if he or she is found later to be innocent all life is sacred and only God can give and therefore take life society will be protected if a murderer is put to death. There is no chance of re-offending. The question is open ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 20

Paper 9 An Introduction to Philosophy of Religion Question 2 The different parts of this question test factual knowledge: one word or short sentence response. Human beings can never truly understand what God is like. Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer showing that you have considered different points of view. This question requires an evaluation of the idea that the idea of God lies beyond human comprehension. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. The question specifically requires candidates to refer to different points of view. God is infinite, human beings are finite, consequently we cannot fully understand the nature of God God has revealed himself in the Bible and in Christ, consequently we can have a partial but true understanding of God the nature of God is mysterious, for God is ineffable the question is open ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine positive and negative points). It is the quality of argument that attracts marks rather than the 21

Question 6 Explain, giving examples, the terms natural suffering and moral evil. This question requires the candidates to provide a delimitation of the two term and give examples of each. Explain why the presence of natural suffering in the world may challenge some people s view of God. This question tests understanding and the skill of reviewing a philosophical objection to the existence of God. The answer requires the candidate to show an understanding of the ways natural suffering presents a challenge to religious belief. no human person is to blame for natural suffering, so God should be blamed God is considered to be all-good and all-powerful, so why is there natural suffering? the innocent often suffer as a result of natural events, e.g., a tsunami. All suffering has a purpose. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. This question requires the evaluation of a moral opinion, namely that all suffering has a purpose. The candidate is required to express an opinion, which is supported by reason, evidence and argument. God can always bring good out of suffering and tragedy suffering only has a purpose if we trust God suffering does not always have a purpose, consequently life does not have a meaning and God does not exist. The question is open ended and candidates may respond positively or negatively (or combine 22