EXAM PREPARATION
Analyse the Structure of a GCSE question
Eye on the
Exam
•
•
•
For each Unit studied – BIG; MLD; M&F; CC –
there will be TWO questions to choose from.
You will have to answer only ONE per Unit –
Four Questions in total
Each question has FOUR parts – Total 20 marks
a.
b.
c.
d.
•
Definition – 2 marks
Opinion – 4 marks
Explanation – 8 marks
Evaluation – 6 marks
Read the question carefully and choose the one
which will give you the greatest chance for marks
–
i.e. look at question c) & d) when deciding!
Eye on the
Exam
a. Definition
– This is a straight forward definition of one of the
KEY WORDS from the section.
– Use full sentences and be very clear.
– Begin with the key word itself – for example
•
•
Atheism is . . .
The numinous is . . . .
– There are only 2 marks available
– Keep it simple!!
Eye on the
Exam
b. Opinion
– This is asking to outline with two reasons
your viewpoint on a given topic.
– Use keywords and definitions to support your
answer. For example:
•
•
If looking at an Atheists viewpoint, state what an
Atheist is
Define what is Prayer
– 2 marks for each reason!
Eye on the
Exam
c. Explanation
– This is asking to Explain Why / How
something happens.
– Looking for 4 good reasons (2 marks each)
– Use Keywords to support your answer
– For example
•
•
How does being raised by Christians actually
make someone believe
How do Christians RESPOND TO – i.e. what do
they DO to deal with – the issue of Evil
Eye on the
Exam
d. Evaluation
– This is asking you to look at TWO different
viewpoints on any given statement.
– One Viewpoint is YOUR OPINION
– You must include a “RELIGIOUS” viewpoint
– Opinions must be detailed & include reasons.
•
•
Some Christians might agree with this statement
because . . .
Others might disagree with this because .. .
Unit 1 - Believing in God
a)
What is agnosticism?
(2)
b)
Do you think scientific explanations of the origins of the world
prove that God does not exist?
Give two reasons for your point of view
(4)
c)
*Explain how religious experiences can lead to belief in God.
(8)
d)
‘No one should believe in God when there is so much evil
and suffering in the world.’
i. Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion
ii. Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Total marks = 20
Unit 1 - Believing in God
a)
What is atheism?
(2)
b)
Do you think prayer is a waste of time?
Give two reasons for your point of view
(4)
c)
* Explain how one religion responds to the problem of evil and
suffering.
(8)
d)
‘A religious upbringing forces children to believe in God.’
i. Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion
ii. Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Total marks = 20
Unit 2 – Matters of Life and Death
a)
What is Euthanasia
(2)
b)
Do you agree with abortion?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
c)
*Choose one religion other than Christianity and explain why
most of the followers of that religion are against euthanasia.
(8)
d)
“The paranormal proves that there is life after death”.
i.
ii.
Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion
Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Total marks = 20
Unit 2 – Matters of Life and Death
a)
What is assisted suicide?
(2)
b)
Do you think that euthanasia is always wrong?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
c)
*Explain why Christians believe in life after death.
(8)
“No religious person should ever have an abortion.”
d)
i.
ii.
Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion
Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Total marks = 20
Unit 3 – Marriage & The Family
a)
What is procreation?
(2)
b)
Do you agree with sex outside marriage?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
c)
*Explain why some followers of one religion other than Christianity
do not accept homosexuality.
(8)
d)
“All married couples should be faithful.”
i. Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion
ii. Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Total marks = 20
Unit 3 – Marriage & The Family
a)
What is co-habitation?
(2)
b)
Do you think marriage is outdated?
Give two reasons for your point of view
(4)
c)
*Explain why most Christians are against sex outside marriage
(8)
d)
‘Living together is no different to being married.’
i. Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion
ii. Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Total marks = 20