HOW TO ANSWER GCSE QUESTIONS

• Understanding how to tackle different styles of questions:

• There are five questions - a,b,c,d and e• The total = 24 marks

Questions a), b) c) and d)

Assessment Objective One (AO1) requires you to describe explain and analyse, demonstrating knowledgeand understanding.

Question e)

Assessment Objective Two (AO2) – requires you to use evidence and reasoned argument to express and evaluate personal responses, informed insights,and differing viewpoints.

Part A) is a very short question based on explaining a key word/term. Your answer willbe short – it is only worth one mark so don’tspend a long time on it!!

Examples:

• What is a marriage?• What is purgatory?• What is abortion?• What is meant by redemption?

PART a) – 1 MARK

The (b) question will often ask you to add detail to the answer in part (a). It is a temptation to use bullet pointsbut try not to: good exam style says that your answers shouldbe given in full sentences.

As you can see, there are two marks available so you’ll need to give two reasons to get top marks

Examples:

• Give two forms of artificial contraception• Give two features of a marriage ceremony• Give two features of a Christian funeral service

PART b) - 2 MARKS

The ( c ) question will ask a more open question.The previous two parts were quite narrow but this offers more scope. You’ll need to show that there is more than one opinion.

Try to use a specific Christian/biblical teaching in support

Examples:

• What does Christianity teach about divorce?• Why do Christians oppose fertility treatment?

PART c) - 3 MARKS

The (d) question is an ‘explain’ question.

You will be asked to explain how Christians’ beliefs influence their decision-making or attitudes.

Often there will be different sides to the argument so you’ll need to stick to the P.E.E. formula (see later) in your answers.

You will need to provide arguments and explanations to support the different reasons for Christian action/faith and how behaviour is affected by faith in God

PART d) - 6 MARKS

• Explain how gender roles have changed within a Christian family?

• What do Christians feel about civil partnerships?

• Explain why Christians believe in God

•Explain some Christians attitudes towards abortion

Examples: D Questions

The most important question because it is 50% ofthe marks. The (e) question always follows the same format – you will have to discuss a statement ensuring that you include;

•An outline of the issues that arise from the statement•Your opinion with explanation and reasons•Christianity (that is what you are examined on)•Differing views – for and against •Produce evidence or example to support a belief•Spiritual implications

PART e) - 12 MARKS

Examples:E Questions

‘Leading the church is a man’s job.’Discuss the statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer

‘Marriage is just a piece of paper.’

‘If there was a God we would know it.’

‘Children are a gift not a right’

The statement

Christian opinion is dividedI think….This is because….supportingevidence or an example ….

Other peoplewould disagree …This is because…supporting evidence or anexample

On the one Hand, someChristians would say ….because ….supporting evidence/biblical quotationchurch teaching

On the otherHand, otherChristianswould argue…becausesupportingevidence/biblicalquotation/church teaching

Remember that you areshowing your understandingof the issues and Christianbeliefs behind thestatement. It must be detailedand you must explain your points/ideas fully

Point

Evidence

Explanatio

n

A Christian funeral service reflects belief byEmphasising Jesus’ promise that Christians willJoin him in Heaven.

In the service the words ‘I am the Resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies’ are spoken by the priest

These words remind the congregation about eternallife with God which awaits believers. This would comfort the bereaved by helping them to acceptthat their loved one has left earth but is on hisnext journey to God. The words reinforce the Christian belief of an afterlife and that death isnot the end