GCSE Religious Studies A — Mock Exam Feedback

Which one of the following means a man having more than one wife at the same time? A: Cohabitation, B: Procreation, C: Monogamy, D: Polygamy (1 mark)

Give two religious teachings about divorce. (2 marks)

Explain two contrasting religious beliefs in contemporary British society about sexual relationships before marriage. In your answer you should refer to the main religious tradition of Great Britain and one or more other religious traditions. (4 marks)

Explain two religious views about same-sex parents. Refer to sacred writings or another source of religious belief and teaching in your answer. (5 marks)

'Gender discrimination is always wrong.' Evaluate this statement. You should give reasoned arguments in support and against, refer to religious arguments, and reach a justified conclusion. (12 marks + 3 SPaG)

Which one of the following describes the religious belief that humans have authority to rule over the world? A: Abuse, B: Dominion, C: Evolution, D: Misuse (1 mark)

Give two reasons why many religious people use animals for food. (2 marks)

Explain two contrasting religious beliefs in contemporary British society about euthanasia. In your answer you should refer to the main religious tradition of Great Britain and one or more other religious traditions. (4 marks)

Explain two religious beliefs about the use of natural resources. Refer to sacred writings or another source of religious belief and teaching in your answer. (5 marks)

'It is possible to believe in both the Big Bang theory and religious teachings about the origins of the universe.' Evaluate this statement. You should give reasoned arguments in support and against, refer to religious arguments, and reach a justified conclusion. (12 marks + 3 SPaG)

Which one of the following describes what is right and fair, as required by the law? A: Forgiveness, B: Greed, C: Justice, D: Selfishness (1 mark)

Give two reasons why most religious people are against terrorism. (2 marks)

Explain two contrasting religious beliefs in contemporary British society about pacifism. In your answer you should refer to the main religious tradition of Great Britain and one or more other religious traditions. (4 marks)

Explain two reasons why some religious people support the just war theory. Refer to sacred writings or another source of religious belief and teaching in your answer. (5 marks)

'It is wrong for any country to have weapons of mass destruction.' Evaluate this statement. You should give reasoned arguments in support and against, refer to religious arguments, and reach a justified conclusion. (12 marks + 3 SPaG)

Which one of the following do religious believers regard as an evil intention? A: Showing forgiveness, B: Going to prison, C: Planning murder, D: Opposing an unjust law (1 mark)

Give two reasons why some religious people may break the law. (2 marks)

Explain two contrasting religious views in contemporary British society about the use of corporal punishment. In your answer you should refer to the main religious tradition of Great Britain and one or more other religious traditions. (4 marks)

Explain two religious beliefs about forgiveness. Refer to sacred writings or another source of religious belief and teaching in your answer. (5 marks)

'Deterring people from committing crime is the best aim of punishment.' Evaluate this statement. You should give reasoned arguments in support and against, refer to religious arguments, and reach a justified conclusion. (12 marks + 3 SPaG)

Model Answer: Religious Teachings about Divorce (2 marks)

Christians believe that marriage is a sacred covenant and divorce breaks promises made before God. The Bible teaches 'God hates divorce' (Malachi 2:16).Specific Christian teaching with scripture reference.

In Islam, divorce is permitted as a last resort but discouraged. The Hadith teaches: 'The throne of Allah shakes due to divorce.'Specific Islamic teaching with Hadith reference.

Model Answer: Sex Before Marriage (4 marks)

Many Christians believe sex before marriage is sinful because sex is a gift from God intended only for marriage. The Catholic Church teaches that sex should be for procreation within the sacrament of marriage, and casual sex devalues its sacred purpose.Christianity identified + developed belief.

However, some Buddhists may accept sex before marriage if it is within a loving, committed relationship and does not cause harm. Buddhism focuses on whether an action causes suffering rather than applying strict rules about marriage.Contrasting belief from another tradition + developed.

Model Answer: Same-Sex Parents (5 marks)

Some Christians believe that same-sex parents go against God's plan, as Genesis states 'God created them male and female' and intended children to be raised by a mother and a father. They argue children need both male and female role models.Traditional view with specific parenting focus.

However, liberal Christians argue that a loving, stable family is what matters most, not the gender of the parents. Jesus' central teaching was to 'love your neighbour as yourself' (Mark 12:31), which supports accepting all families.Liberal view with sacred text reference (source mark).

Model Answer: Gender Discrimination (12 marks)

Many religious believers would agree that gender discrimination is always wrong because humans are all created equal by God. In Christianity, Galatians 3:28 teaches 'There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,' meaning men and women have equal worth before God.Strong religious argument with scripture.

Similarly, in Islam, the Prophet Muhammad taught that all people are equal 'like the teeth of a comb,' regardless of gender. This suggests that treating someone differently because of their gender contradicts the fundamental teaching of equality in Islam.Second religious tradition with specific teaching.

However, some would argue that gender discrimination is not always wrong because different gender roles can be seen as complementary rather than discriminatory. In traditional Catholic teaching, only men can be ordained as priests, but this is seen as reflecting different roles, not unequal value. Women serve the Church in many other important ways.Nuanced counter-argument with religious example.

Furthermore, some Christians point to St Paul's teaching that 'women should be silent in churches' (1 Corinthians 14:34), which some interpret as supporting different roles for men and women. However, many modern Christians see this as a cultural instruction, not a permanent rule.Evaluation of the teaching itself — shows sophistication.

In conclusion, I believe gender discrimination is always wrong when it causes harm or denies someone their basic rights. However, some religious traditions have different roles for men and women which believers do not consider discriminatory. The key difference is between harmful discrimination and complementary roles within a faith tradition.Substantiated judgement with nuance.

Model Answer: Euthanasia (4 marks)

Most Christians oppose euthanasia because of the sanctity of life — the belief that life is sacred and given by God. Only God has the authority to end a life, so euthanasia is seen as 'playing God.' It is also illegal in the UK.Christianity identified + developed with sanctity of life.

However, some Buddhists may take a more compassionate view. If a person is terminally ill and suffering greatly, ending their suffering could be seen as an act of compassion (karuna). Buddhism teaches that clinging to life when death is inevitable causes unnecessary suffering.Contrasting Buddhist view + developed with key concept.

Model Answer: Natural Resources (5 marks)

Christians believe God gave humans dominion over the Earth. Genesis 1:28 says 'fill the earth and subdue it,' meaning humans have authority to use natural resources for their needs.Belief 1 + source mark (Genesis).

However, this dominion comes with the responsibility of stewardship. Genesis 2:15 teaches that God placed humans in the garden 'to tend and keep it,' meaning they must care for creation sustainably and consider future generations.Belief 2 developed with stewardship concept.

Model Answer: Pacifism (4 marks)

Some Christians believe pacifism is right because Jesus taught 'blessed are the peacemakers' (Matthew 5:9) and 'turn the other cheek.' The Quakers are an example of Christians who believe killing can never be justified because God gives life and only God should take it.Christianity + Quakers example + scripture.

However, other Christians believe that war can be justified in certain circumstances, using the Just War theory developed by St Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas. They argue that fighting to stop genocide or defend the innocent is sometimes the lesser of two evils.Contrasting view within Christianity + named authorities.

Model Answer: Just War Theory (5 marks)

Some religious believers support the Just War theory because it provides a moral framework for when fighting is necessary. For example, if a country is invaded and innocent civilians are being killed, fighting back is seen as a duty to protect the vulnerable — the lesser of two evils.Reason 1: Protection of the innocent.

Another reason is that overthrowing an evil dictator can restore justice and human rights. Romans 13 teaches that governing authorities are established by God, so when a ruler abuses their power, removing them can be seen as restoring God's intended order.Reason 2 + source mark (Romans 13).

Model Answer: Corporal Punishment (4 marks)

Some Christians support corporal punishment based on Proverbs 13:24, 'Spare the rod, spoil the child,' arguing that physical discipline teaches right from wrong and deters further wrongdoing. In some Islamic traditions, Sharia law includes physical punishments for certain offences as a form of deterrence.Supporting view with Christianity + Islam.

However, many Christians oppose corporal punishment because Jesus taught forgiveness and mercy. He said 'do to others as you would have them do to you' (Luke 6:31), which suggests inflicting physical pain is wrong. Corporal punishment is also illegal in the UK and seen as degrading.Contrasting view with Jesus' teaching + legal context.

Model Answer: Forgiveness (5 marks)

Christians believe forgiveness is essential. Jesus taught Peter to forgive 'not seven times, but seventy times seven' (Matthew 18:22), meaning forgiveness should be unlimited. On the cross, Jesus prayed 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34), modelling forgiveness even towards those who killed him.Belief 1 + two source references (source mark secured).

However, forgiveness does not mean excusing the crime or forgetting what happened. Religious believers still expect justice to be served. Forgiveness is about the victim letting go of anger and hatred, which benefits their own spiritual wellbeing and allows them to move forward.Belief 2: Distinction between forgiveness and justice.

Official Mark Scheme

Correct Answer: D — Polygamy

A: Cohabitation (living together unmarried). B: Procreation (producing offspring). C: Monogamy (one spouse). D: Polygamy (more than one wife).

Official Mark Scheme

Give two teachings (1 mark each). Only credit the FIRST TWO answers.

• "God hates divorce" (Malachi 2:16)
• "Of all legal things the one Allah hates most is divorce" (Qur'an)
• "The throne of Allah shakes due to divorce" (Hadith)
• Marriage vows: "Until death do us part"
• Permitted as a last resort / if preventing suffering (Buddhism)
• Abuse or adultery as exceptions

Official Mark Scheme

Two contrasting beliefs (2 marks each). Must reference Christianity or capped at 2.

• Against: Traditional views forbid it as a sin (1) + development: risks of pregnancy/STIs, sex is sacred within marriage (1).
• For/Tolerant: Liberal views tolerate it among loving couples (1) + development: some Christians/Buddhists accept it if leading to marriage (1).

REJECT references to adultery — adultery is extramarital sex during marriage, not before.

Official Mark Scheme

Two views (2 marks each) + 1 source mark = 5 marks.

• Against: Heterosexual relationships are God's plan for procreation (1) + children need male and female role models (1).
• For: A loving, stable family is more important than parents' sexual orientation (1) + children thrive in any secure environment (1).
• Source mark: Reference to sacred writing (e.g., Genesis, Leviticus 18:22, Mark 12:31).

Must discuss PARENTING, not just same-sex relationships.

Official Mark Scheme

Level Descriptors (12 marks + 3 SPaG):

Level 1 (1-3): Simple, little reasoning, little/no religion.
Level 2 (4-6): Some reasoning, may be one-sided, some religion.
Level 3 (7-9): Both sides, clear religion, judgement with justification.
Level 4 (10-12): Well-argued, balanced, detailed religion, well-substantiated judgement.

For (always wrong): All created equal by God, Galatians 3:28, "like the teeth of a comb" (Islam), Equality Act 2010.

Against (not always wrong): Complementary gender roles, Paul's teaching on women in church, different roles ≠ discrimination, male-only priesthood as divinely ordained.

No religious content = capped at Level 2.

Official Mark Scheme

Correct Answer: B — Dominion

Official Mark Scheme

Give two reasons (1 mark each). Only credit FIRST TWO.

• Their religion does not forbid it.
• God gave permission to Noah and descendants.
• Meat provides health benefits / good source of protein.
• Cultural or family tradition.
• Animals were created for human use (dominion).

Official Mark Scheme

Two contrasting beliefs (2 marks each). Must reference Christianity or capped at 2.

• Against: Sanctity of life (1) + playing God, against UK law, only God decides when life ends (1).
• More nuanced: Hospice care / natural death with dignity (1) + Buddhist compassion, ending suffering, quality of life (1).

Official Mark Scheme

Two beliefs (2 marks each) + 1 source mark = 5 marks.

• Dominion: God created resources for human use (1) + authority over nature (1).
• Stewardship: Must care for creation sustainably (1) + consider future generations (1).
• Source: Genesis 1:28, Genesis 2:15, Qur'an on khalifah/stewards.

Official Mark Scheme

Level Descriptors (12 marks + 3 SPaG):

Level 1 (1-3) → Level 4 (10-12) as per standard evaluation rubric.

For compatibility: God caused the Big Bang, "six days" = long periods, many scientists are religious, God as First Cause.

Against: No supernatural cause needed, universe by accident, creation stories are myths, faith vs evidence.

Writing about EVOLUTION instead of Big Bang = off-topic. No religious content = capped at Level 2.

Official Mark Scheme

Correct Answer: C — Justice

Official Mark Scheme

Give two reasons (1 mark each). Only credit FIRST TWO.

• Targets innocent civilians / indiscriminate.
• Against the sanctity of life.
• Illegal.
• Driven by hatred (three poisons in Buddhism).
• Against ahimsa (non-violence).

Official Mark Scheme

Two contrasting beliefs (2 marks each). Must reference Christianity or capped at 2.

• For pacifism: Killing never justified, God gives life (1) + Quakers, "turn the other cheek," "blessed are the peacemakers" (1).
• Against pacifism: War sometimes justified — Just War theory (1) + lesser of two evils, defending innocents, OT wars sanctioned by God (1).

Official Mark Scheme

Two reasons (2 marks each) + 1 source mark = 5 marks.

• Defending a country from attack / protecting innocents (1) + lesser of two evils (1).
• Overthrowing a dictator / stopping atrocities (1) + restoring justice and human rights (1).
• Source: St Augustine, St Thomas Aquinas, Romans 13, OT examples.

Simply listing Just War CRITERIA without explaining WHY believers support them = capped at 2 marks.

Official Mark Scheme

Level Descriptors (12 marks + 3 SPaG):

Level 1 (1-3) → Level 4 (10-12) as per standard evaluation rubric.

For ban: Kill thousands, immense suffering, against sanctity of life, expensive, environmental devastation, disproportionate.

Against ban: Deterrent (MAD), kept peace since WWII, can't uninvent them, government duty to protect.

Writing about weapons in general (not specifically WMDs) = off-topic. No religious content = capped at Level 2.

Official Mark Scheme

Correct Answer: C — Planning murder

Official Mark Scheme

Give two reasons (1 mark each). Only credit FIRST TWO.

• Poverty / desperation.
• Mental illness.
• Addiction.
• Opposition to an unjust law.
• Law conflicts with faith or conscience.
• Ignorance of the law.

Official Mark Scheme

Two contrasting views (2 marks each). Must reference Christianity or capped at 2.

• For: Deterrent, teaches a lesson (1) + "spare the rod, spoil the child" (Proverbs), Sharia law (1).
• Against: Degrading, against UK law, causes harm (1) + Jesus taught forgiveness, "do to others as you would have them do to you" (1).

Do NOT confuse corporal (physical) with capital (death) punishment.

Official Mark Scheme

Two beliefs (2 marks each) + 1 source mark = 5 marks.

• Forgiveness is essential, enables people to move on (1) + letting go of desire for punishment (1).
• Forgiveness does not mean excusing or forgetting (1) + justice must still be served (1).
• Source: Lord's Prayer, Jesus forgiving 70×7 (Matthew 18:22), Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:34), Qur'an on Allah's mercy.

Official Mark Scheme

Level Descriptors (12 marks + 3 SPaG):

Level 1 (1-3) → Level 4 (10-12) as per standard evaluation rubric.

For deterrence: Prevents crime, protects society, fear of punishment stops offending.

Against: Reformation more important (Christianity), retribution sometimes needed for justice, restorative justice allows amends, protection achievable without deterrence focus.

No religious content = capped at Level 2.