Answering exam questions

Tips for the Edexcel paper

General information

In the Religious Studies Exam you will have four types of questions a, b, c,& d.

For each topic you will have a choice from two sets of questions (Make sure that before making your choice you read all sections from each question to ensure you can answer a, b, c, & d)

	Underline key words in the question
	Read the question carefully
	Make sure that you answer the question precisely.
	You will be expected to include biblical passages, when relevant, to support your answer
	You will be marked in the level you reach, not how many facts you put down.

 ‘A’ type question

	It only needs to be brief, often it is just a definition that is needed.
	2 marks for a correct answer, 1 mark for a partly correct answer.

 E.g. What is a lay person? (2 marks)

 Possible answer – An ordinary member of Catholic Church who is not ordained and they are not a religious (A religious is a monk, nun, brother or sister).

 ‘B’ type question

	You need to show what you know, explain the facts and explain them in detail.
	You do not write about your opinion.
	It is worth 6 marks.

  E.g.  What is the purpose of marriage for Catholics?  (6 marks)  

 To get 6 marks you need to explain four or five ideas and Catholic belief in marriage in detail.

So, you could write for one of your points:

  Catholics believe marriage is a life long commitment, …..

  (This would get you 1 mark)

…… when a couple make their vows they make a promise before God to remain faithful and stay together ‘till death us do part’.

  (Explain it in more detail for an extra mark)

‘C’ type question 

	An understanding based question where you are expected to demonstrate KNOWLEDGE and show that you UNDERSTAND what it means.
	Worth 8 marks

c. How are the Ten Commandments a guide to Christian living?  

  Example:

  ‘One of the Ten Commandments is to not worship false idols….’

  (If you just write this you would get '0' - 

you have not yet actually answered the question)

But – if you then go on to write:

   ‘ ……. this commandment tell Christians that God should be the main priority in their life, they should not worship, or place other things above God. This could include things like money, popularity, and so on.’ 

(Here you show that you UNDERSTAND the 10 commandments)

You would then need to go on and explain the meaning of other commandments etc.

 Type ‘D’ question

	This is always the 4th question and is an argumentative question. (You need to give reasons for and against an issue plus your opinion).
	They are worth 4 marks.

E.g.                            

“Miracles don’t happen nowadays.”

Do you agree?

Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have

considered another point of view.                                           (4 marks)

To get 4 marks you need to produce a fully developed argumentative answer.

Use one of the arguments (That you have not already used) to back-up your own opinion.

The reasons also have to include religious reasons.

So you could write for one point:

  Miracles do happen nowadays as there are Christians who claim to have been healed through the power of God.

  (For 1 mark)

For example, people who have been to Lourdes in France have had an inexplicable healing.

  (Explain it in more detail to get yourself another mark, you are showing some evidence for your statement)