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GCSE Religious Studies Exam Preparation Guide

May 13, 2025

GCSE Religious Studies Exam Practice: Christian Beliefs, Teachings, and Practices

Objectives

  • Strengthen knowledge of Christianity.
  • Develop grade nine exam technique for the AQA 2025 exam.

Exam Structure

  • Section on Christian beliefs and teachings: 5 questions totaling 24 marks.

Key Topics to Revise

  • The Trinity
  • Nature of God
  • Creation
  • Life after death
  • Jesus (incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension)
  • Sin
  • Salvation

Preparation Steps

  1. Key Words: Memorize AQA definitions.
  2. Two Facts: Know two facts about every belief for bullet points in question 2.
  3. Influences: Explain two influences for each belief (impact on actions and feelings).
  4. Key Quotes: Know a key scriptural or authoritative quote for every belief.
  5. Evaluation Points: Prepare agree/disagree arguments for potential 12 mark questions.

Question Breakdown

Question 1: Identifying Keywords (1 mark)

  • Identify the correct keyword from four choices.
  • Example: "Which one of the following means omni benevolent?"
  • Preparation: Revise keywords and memorize definitions.

Question 2: Bullet Point Facts (2 marks)

  • Command: "Give"
  • Bullet point two facts about a belief or teaching, e.g., Jesus’s resurrection.
  • Preparation: Know two bullet points for each belief.

Question 3: Explaining Influences (4 marks)

  • Command: "Explain"
  • Explain two ways in which a belief influences Christians.
  • Example: Life after death influences Christian actions and feelings about heaven and hell.
  • Use "this is because" to elaborate.

Question 4: Explaining Beliefs with Scripture (5 marks)

  • Command: "Explain"
  • Explain two beliefs about a topic and refer to scripture for one.
  • Example: Christian beliefs about salvation.
  • Use "this is because" or "this means that."
  • Make clear reference to scripture or another source of authority.

Question 5: Evaluating a Statement (12 marks)

  • Command: "Evaluate"
  • Explain two arguments for and against the statement; reach a justified conclusion.
  • Include explanation, evidence, and evaluation in each paragraph.
  • Example: Evaluating if the incarnation is the most important Christian belief.

Christian Practices Section

  • Topics: Worship, prayer, baptism, Eucharist, pilgrimage, celebrations, mission, evangelism, church growth, worldwide church.

Key Focus Areas

  1. Key Words: Know definitions for practices like Christmas and Easter.
  2. Two Facts: Memorize two facts about each practice.
  3. Contrasting Practices: Compare practices across denominations, e.g., Catholic vs. Baptist views on baptism and Eucharist.
  4. Key Quotes: Know scriptural foundations for practices (e.g., Jesus’s instructions for Eucharist).
  5. Evaluation Points: Prepare arguments comparing different practices.

Sample Questions

  • Question 1: Identify non-factors in a celebration. Requires knowledge of events and practices.
  • Question 2: Bullet point reasons for pilgrimage importance.
  • Question 3: Explain contrasting practices, e.g., baptism in Catholic vs. Baptist churches.
  • Question 4: Explain importance of a practice with a scriptural reference, e.g., evangelism.
  • Question 5: Evaluate statement about practices, e.g., comparing types of worship.

Exam Technique Tips

  • Use phrases like "this is because" to elaborate.
  • For evaluation, make judgments about the strength of arguments.
  • Always refer to scripture or authoritative sources where required.
  • Pay attention to question wording, especially for comparisons or negations.

Conclusion

  • Successful exam preparation involves knowing key terms, understanding influences, and being able to evaluate beliefs and practices with evidence and reasoning.

Full transcript