Year 7 Core Assessment Task 1
Unit/Topic: What is Truth: Cosmological Argument and Logic
Core Assessment Strand: AO1/AO3
Assessment Type: Take home typed essay (450 words <)
Introduction:
In this unit you have studied the cosmological argument for the existence of God and the basics of logical
argument.
In this CAT you are required to explain the cosmological argument and then determine if you think it is a
sound argument by examining if the premises are true or probable and the conclusions are valid.
Question:
“The cosmological argument is a sound argument.” Do you agree? Give reasons for and against your view (AO3).
Text Type:
This assessment requires you to use an AO3 persuasive text type like that found on the last page of the
booklet. Using full paragraphs, you could set out your answers using sentence starters like the following.

“The cosmological argument could be briefly summarised in the following manner. Firstly,..[in 50 words or so]”

“I agree with the statement that the cosmological argument is a sound argument. This is because, firstly, many
of the premises are clearly true or probable [premise 1]. For example, premise 1 is …. Another example is
premise 2 where…[reason 2]. I also think the conclusion is valid because…[reason 2].

A person who would disagree with me would suggest that the argument is not sound because,
firstly,....Secondly, they would also disagree that…

In conclusion, I agree with the statement because….
Note that the above is just an example for those who agree with the statement. Modify accordingly if you
disagree with the statement or suspend judgement (that is you are not sure). Students who attempt to use
logical terms in their answer may be rewarded with higher levels.
Assessment:
The assessment strands for this CAT are AO1 & AO3 and SPaG. These can be found below and in the back of
your booklet. Your target is at least Level 6.
Word Limit and Presentation:
Your essay should be typed in size 10 or 11 in a normal font and be NO MORE than 450 words on one page
with standard margins and is left aligned. The emphasis should be quality and not quantity and this means you will
have to plan your essay carefully before writing it.
Level
6
AO1: Knowledge & Understanding of
Another’s Point of View
1.
Student can describe an idea,
point of view or conclusion with
some thoroughness.
2.
Explanations of some of the
reasons for the POV/conclusion
are usually developed (and not
merely asserted) and relevant,
although there are lapses in detail,
accuracy and relevancy.
3.
Some use of specialist terms,
usually appropriately.
4.
Basic comparisons are made
between this POV and others yet
not always successful
5.
Some engagement with the
question but little/no awareness the
underlying issue/problem and/or the
logical structure of the argument
AO3: Development of Personal POV
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Student can assert a personal
POV/conclusion
Explanations of the reasons for
this view are usually developed
and relevant although there are
assertions, lapses in detail,
accuracy and relevancy.
Some use of specialist terms,
usually appropriately.
Attempts to incorporate
criticisms of their view by other
points of view and their reasons
are basic
Attempts to explain the logical
strengths of their argument
although basic, ineffective and
has some fallacies
SPaG: Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar
Level 6 responses may have some minor
errors concerning:
1.
Spelling
2.
Grammar
3.
Punctuation
4.
PEECE paragraphing
5.
Presentation