UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
PAST PAPER
QUESTIONS
2011-2014
RELIGION AND
COMMUNITY
COHESION
UNIT 1 : SECTION 4
1
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
2014 – Question 7
(a) What is meant by racial harmony?
(2)
(b) Do you think problems are caused because society is multi-ethnic?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
* (c) Explain the benefits of living in a multi-faith society.
(8)
(d) “Men and women are treated equally in the UK today.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
(Total for Question 7 = 20 marks)
2014 Question 8
(a) What is meant by religious pluralism?
(2)
(b) Do you think women should have different religious rights to men in
Christianity?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
* (c) Choose one religion other than Christianity and explain why its followers
should encourage racial harmony.
(8)
(d) “Government laws lead to community cohesion.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
(Total for Question 8 = 20 marks)
2
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
2013 – Question 7
(a) What is meant by sexism?
(2)
(b) Do you think multi-faith societies cause problems for religious families?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
* (c) Explain how religions work to promote community cohesion.
(8)
(d) “Racial harmony is possible in the UK.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
(Total for Question 7 = 20 marks)
2013 – Question 8
(a) What is meant by interfaith marriages?
(2)
(b) Do you think religious people should try to convert other people to their
religion?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
* (c) Choose one religion other than Christianity, and explain why some of its
followers support equal rights for women in religion.
(8)
(d) “Religious people can achieve community cohesion.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
(Total for Question 8 = 20 marks)
3
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
2012 – Question 7
(a) What is meant by community cohesion?
(2)
(b) Do you think that living in a multi-ethnic society helps to reduce racism?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
*(c) Explain why some Christians allow women equal rights in religion.
(8)
(d) “Everyone should accept interfaith marriages.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion other than
Christianity.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
(Total for Question 7 = 20 marks)
2012 – Question 8
(a) What is meant by prejudice?
(2)
(b) Do you think attitudes to the roles of men and women have changed in the
UK?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
*(c) Explain how an issue arising from this section (religion and community
cohesion) was presented in one form of the media.
(8)
(d) “Multi-faith societies cause problems for religious families.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
(Total for Question 8 = 20 marks)
4
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
2011 – Question 7
(a) What is meant by discrimination?
(2)
(b) Do you think that women should have the same religious rights as men?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
*(c) Explain why the government encourages community cohesion.
(8)
(d) “All religious people should try to convert others to their religion.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(3)
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(Total for Question 7 = 20 marks)
2011 – Question 8
(a) What is religious freedom?
(2)
(b) Do you think living in a multi-faith society causes problems for religious
people? Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
*(c) Explain why Christians should promote racial harmony.
(8)
(d) “Men and women are still not treated equally in the UK.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(3)
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(Total for Question 8 = 20 marks)
5
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
6
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
PAST PAPER
ANSWERS
2011-2014
RELIGON AND
COMMUNITY
COHESION
UNIT 1 : SECTION 4
7
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
2014 – Question 7
(a) What is meant by racial harmony?
(2)
Different races/ colours living together happily
• people of many nationalities living together peacefully
• when people of different races live in a harmonious way
(b) Do you think problems are caused because society is multi-ethnic?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
Answers which think problems are caused because society is multi-ethnic are
likely to use such reasons as:
• there may be intolerance
• people might not understand the cultures and ways of different races
• people might feel alienated by different ethnic groups
Answers which do not think problems are caused because society is multi-ethnic
are likely to use such reasons as:
• it creates greater tolerance
• it helps people learn about different ethnic groups
• it can bring different ideas and lifestyles into society
* (c) Explain the benefits of living in a multi-faith society.
The main benefits include:
•
•
•
•
•
it can increase tolerance of different faiths
people can enjoy the religious celebrations of others
it can help a person decide what faith they want to be
it can make a person view their own religion more seriously
it can introduce new ideas into faiths
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(8)
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
(d) “Men and women are treated equally in the UK today.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• legally men and women must be paid equally for the same work
• politically men and women are equal
• men and women can be priests in the Church of England
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• many religions do not allow men and women the same roles within their religion
• many more men hold positions of power
• women are more likely to look after the children than men are
2014 Question 8
(a) What is meant by religious pluralism?
(2)
Accepting all religions as having an equal right to coexist
• the peaceful existence of multiple religions in a society
• numerous religious groups coexisting in one society
• the belief that all religions lead to God
(b) Do you think women should have different religious rights to men in
Christianity?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
Answers which think women should have different religious rights to men in
Christianity are likely to use such reasons as:
• they were created to be different
• Jesus chose only men to be apostles
• St Paul said they should be silent in church
Answers which do not think women should have different religious rights to men
in Christianity are likely to use such reasons as:
• God created both male and female in his image
• St Paul said ‘all are one in Jesus Christ’
• the early Church had female leaders
9
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
* (c) Choose one religion other than Christianity and explain why its
followers should encourage racial harmony.
(8)
Islam
The main Muslim reasons include:
• The Qur’an shows all people were created equal
• Muhammad said all people are ‘from Adam and Eve’
• discrimination for any reason is wrong
• people are equal ‘as teeth on a comb’
Other approaches are possible and must be marked according to the levels. If
you are unsure of the validity of an answer, it must be sent to review.
(d) “Government laws lead to community cohesion.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• everyone must obey laws against discrimination
• everyone should be educated about community cohesion
• the law encourages equality
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• prejudice and discrimination are too strong for laws to overcome
• there are too many faiths and races, it is impossible for them all to get along
• in the past religious people have been persecuted as a result of government
2013 – Question 7
(a) What is meant by sexism?
(2)
Discriminating against people because of their gender (being
male or female)
• treating people badly because of their sex
10
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
(b) Do you think multi-faith societies cause problems for religious families?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
Answers which think multi-faith societies cause problems for
religious families are likely to use such reasons as:
• children may be confused
• the parents might be of different faiths
• the children may wish to convert
Answers which do not think multi-faith societies cause problems
for religious families are likely to use such reasons as:
• all religions are taught as equal
• such societies value religion
• it creates greater tolerance
* (c) Explain how religions work to promote community cohesion.
(8)
The main ways include:
• they set up multi-faith groups
• they hold joint services
• they invite each other to their festivals
• religious charities help all people
• some religions set up centres to help people
(d) “Racial harmony is possible in the UK.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• racism can be overcome by making the law more effective
• schools now have to teach about cohesion
• all religions teach against prejudice
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• people will pass on their prejudices to their children
• prejudice is natural
• the people making the rules in the UK are, on the whole, white and so rules are
prejudiced against minorities
11
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
2013 – Question 8
(a) What is meant by interfaith marriages?
(2)
• marriage where the husband and wife are from different religions
• marriage between partners of different religions
• people marrying when they are different faiths to each other
(b) Do you think religious people should try to convert other people to their
religion?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
Answers which think religious people should try to convert other people to their
religion are likely to use such reasons as:
• they want others to follow the correct faith
• it will help people achieve salvation
• it is part of some religious teaching to try to convert others
Answers which do not think religious people should try to convert other people
to their religion are likely to use such reasons as:
• people should be allowed to believe whatever they want
• it shows a lack of respect towards another’s beliefs
• Christianity allows religious freedom
* (c) Choose one religion other than Christianity, and explain why some of
its followers support equal rights for women in religion.
(8)
Islam
The main Muslim reasons include:
• women have equal rights in society
• the Qur’an shows men and women were created equal
• historically there have been women religious leaders
• the Qur’an says that women should have rights reciprocal to their husbands
12
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
(d) “Religious people can achieve community cohesion.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• all religions teach against prejudice and discrimination
• if everyone showed love for their neighbour then community cohesion could be
achieved
• if all religious followers taught against prejudice then communities would be
joined together
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• prejudice and discrimination are too strong for religion to overcome
• religious people do not hold positions of power to help achieve cohesion
• there are too many faiths, which is divisive
2012 – Question 7
(a) What is meant by community cohesion?
(2)
A common vision and shared sense of belonging for all groups in a society
• The aspect of bonding and togetherness exhibited by races and religions in a
community
• A society where different groups of people get on well with each other
(b) Do you think that living in a multi-ethnic society helps to reduce racism?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
Answers which think that living in a multi-ethnic society helps to reduce racism
are likely to use such reasons as:
• A multi-ethnic society give people the opportunity to become educated about
different cultures
• Mixing with people of other races means people are more likely to understand
each other
• Children raised in a multi ethnic society will not be aware of racial differences
13
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
Answers which do not think that living in a multi-ethnic society helps to reduce
racism are likely to use such reasons as:
• Different races have different cultures which can cause friction
• Different ethnic groups have different expectations which can be difficult to
live with and can lead to racism
• The UK is multi-ethnic and there is still racism
*(c) Explain why some Christians allow women equal rights in religion.
(8)
The main reasons include:
• Some Christians believe that as society has changed, the Church must also
change
• Some Christians teach that biblical evidence shows men and women as equal
• Some Christians believe that women were accepted as equals in the early
Church and so should be today
• Some Christians think that Jesus treated women as equal and so should
Christians today
• Some Christians believe that to treat men and women differently in religion is
discrimination and is wrong
(d) “Everyone should accept interfaith marriages.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion other than
Christianity.
Islam
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• It could reduce conflict
• The partner’s love for each other is more important than faith
• Faith can be enriched by discussing differences with each other
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• Muslims are taught it is their duty to bring up children as good Muslims, this is
easier in a single faith marriage
• It might cause conflict within families
• Different beliefs might result in confusion for the children
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UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
2012 – Question 8
(a) What is meant by prejudice?
(2)
Believing some people are inferior or superior without even knowing them / A
preconceived preference or idea / An opinion formed without full examination
of the facts / Judging someone before you’ve met them
(b) Do you think attitudes to the roles of men and women have changed in
the UK?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
Answers which think attitudes to the roles that men and women
have changed in the UK are likely to use such reasons as:
• Women are encouraged to have careers
• It is more acceptable for men to be house husbands
• Men are no longer seen as the sole provider
Answers which do not think attitudes to the roles that men and
women have changed in the UK are likely to use such reasons as:
• Women are still expected to perform traditionally ‘female’ jobs
• Women are still expected to be the main child carer in families
• Some Christians do not think women should be ministers/priests
*(c) Explain how an issue arising from this section (religion and community
cohesion) was presented in one form of the media.
(8)
Possible ways include:
• A television programme might discuss an issue such as community cohesion
• A film might show the issue of racism by portraying how a community might
not work together
• A radio programme that shows religious characters working for community
cohesion might show that communities can work together
• The national press might show community unrest and make a person think that
community cohesion is not possible
Only one issue can be credited in this question.
Only one form of media eg Film can be credited in this question.
An answer which does not refer to identifiable examples of how the issue is
presented cannot go beyond level 2.
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UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
(d) “Multi-faith societies cause problems for religious families.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• Children will see lots of faiths and might become confused
• Children might think that their family's faith is not as exciting as someone
else's
• Parents might be from different faiths and this will make deciding how to
bring up a child difficult
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• Raising children is done in the home and not affected by society
• A multi-faith society provides opportunities for discussion about faith which
helps raise children
• Some Christians teach all religions are equal ways to God
2011 – Question 7
(a) What is meant by discrimination?
(2)
Treating people less favourably because of their ethnicity/ gender/colour/
sexuality / age / class
• Unfair treatment of a group or person based on prejudice
• Treating one group of people less favourably than others
• Putting prejudice into practice
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UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
(b) Do you think that women should have the same religious rights as men?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
Answers which think that that women should have the same religious rights as
men are likely to use such reasons as:
• Women have equal rights in society
• The Bible shows men and women were created equal
• Early Christian churches had women leaders
Answers which do not think that that women should have the same religious
rights as men are likely to use such reasons as:
• Women are different and should therefore have different rights
• Traditionally men and women have had different religious rights
• Jesus only chose male apostles
*(c) Explain why the government encourages community cohesion.
(8)
The main reasons include:
• The government has the duty to ensure that all people are treated equally
• Without community cohesion there will be division and conflict
• If the government does not act it could cause social discrimination
• The government alone has the power to work with different pressure and
religious groups
• The government is able to introduce laws and policies to promote community
cohesion
17
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
(d) “All religious people should try to convert others to their religion.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• Christians should try and help others achieve salvation
• Some religious people are taught it is their duty to convert others
• Some religious people believe theirs is the only true religion
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• It could cause conflict
• No one should try and force another person to believe in a certain faith
• Faith is a personal matter
2011 – Question 8
(a) What is religious freedom?
(2)
The right to practise your religion and change your religion
• Being able to practise your religion
• Being able to change/choose your religion
• Worshipping freely
(b) Do you think living in a multi-faith society causes problems for religious
people? Give two reasons for your point of view.
Answers which think that living in a multi-faith society causes problems
for religious people are likely to use such reasons as:
• Interfaith marriages can cause problems within religious families
• People might feel confused by all the different faiths
• People might try and convert you to their religion
Answers which do not think that living in multi-faith society causes
problems for religious people are likely to use such reasons as:
• People can learn about other faiths
• A multi-faith society provides opportunities for conversion
• A multi-faith society allows religious freedom
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(4)
UNIT 1 – RELIGION AND COMMUNITY COHESION
*(c) Explain why Christians should promote racial harmony.
(8)
The main reasons include:
• Genesis teaches all people are created equally
• St Paul taught that all people are equal
• Jesus healed the Roman Centurion’s servant
• The parable of the Good Samaritan shows that all people are neighbours to one
another
(d) “Men and women are still not treated equally in the UK.”
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• Many religions do not allow men and women the same positions within religion
• Many more men hold positions of power
• Women are more likely to stay at home to look after children than men are
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• Legally men and women must be paid equally for the same work
• Politically men and women are equal
• Men and women can be priests in the Church of England
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