UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PAST PAPER
QUESTIONS
2011-2014
RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
UNIT 8: SECTION 1
1
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2014 – Question 1
(a) What are democratic processes?
(2)
(b) Do you think the Bible helps people make moral decisions?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
*(c) Explain why human rights are important in the UK.
(8)
(d) “A person’s conscience comes from God.”
In your answer you should refer to Christianity.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
(Total for spelling, punctuation and grammar = 4 marks)
(Total for Question 1 = 24 marks)
2014 – Question 2
(a) What is the Decalogue?
(2)
(b) Do you think everyone should follow the Golden Rule?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
*(c) Explain why some Christians do not agree with genetic engineering.
(8)
(d) “All Christians should use Situation Ethics to make moral decisions.”
In your answer you should refer to Christianity.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you
(3)
(3)
(Total for spelling, punctuation and grammar = 4 marks)
(Total for Question 2 = 24 marks)
2
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2013 – Question 1
(a) What is the Bible?
(2)
(b) Do you think people should be forced to vote?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
*(c) Explain why some Christians agree with genetic engineering.
(8)
(d) “Christians should always follow the teaching of the Church.”
In your answer you should refer to Christianity.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(3)
(Total for spelling, punctuation and grammar = 4 marks)
(Total for Question 1 = 24 marks)
2013 – Question 2
(a) What is meant by Situation Ethics?
(2)
(b) Do you think a person’s conscience comes from God?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
*(c) Explain why some Christians use only the Bible when making moral decisions.
(8)
(d) “Christians should support all human rights.”
In your answer you should refer to Christianity.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you
(3)
(3)
(Total for spelling, punctuation and grammar = 4 marks)
(Total for Question 2 = 24 marks)
3
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2012 – Question 1
(a) What is the Church?
(2)
(b) Do you think genetic engineering is a good idea?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
*(c) Explain why the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats is important for
Christians.
(8)
(d) “Using Situation Ethics is the best way to make a moral decision.”
In your answer you should refer to 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 1 = 20 marks)
2012 – Question 2
(a) What are human rights?
(2)
(b) Do you think you are your ‘brother’s keeper’?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
*(c) Explain why some Christians use only the teachings of the Church to make
moral decisions.
(8)
(d) “Your conscience should always be your guide.”
In your answer you should refer to 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 2 = 20 marks)
4
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2011 – Question 1
(a) What is meant by social change?
(2)
(b) Should everybody’s human rights be protected?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
* (c) Explain why some Christians believe they should follow their conscience
when making moral decisions.
(8)
(d) “No Christian should agree with cloning.”
In your answer you should refer to 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 1 = 20 marks)
2011 – Question 2
(a) What does political party mean?
(2)
(b) Do you think sixteen year olds should be allowed to vote?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
* (c) Explain why human rights are important for Christians.
(8)
(d) “All decisions should be based on situation ethics.”
In your answer you should refer to 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 2 = 20 marks)
5
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
6
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PAST PAPER
ANSWERS
2011-2014
RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
UNIT 8: SECTION 1
7
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2014 – Question 1
(a) What are democratic processes?
(2)
The ways in which all citizens can take part in government (usually through
elections)
• government by the people (usually through elections)
• voting in an election
(b) Do you think the Bible helps people make moral decisions?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
Answers which think the Bible helps people make moral decisions are likely to use
such reasons as:
• it contains the teachings of Jesus
• it contains the Ten Commandments
• it contains advice for Christians
Answers which think the Bible does not help people make moral decisions are likely
to use such reasons as:
• it was written a long time ago
• it does not mention current issues
• it is only useful for Christians
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.
*(c) Explain why human rights are important in the UK.
(8)
The main reasons include:
• they enable people to feel safe in society
• they maintain justice in society
• they allow freedom of speech
• they enable religious people to practise their religion
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.
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UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(d) “A person’s conscience comes from God.”
In your answer you should refer to Christianity.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• Christians believe it is God’s voice
• it tells a person what is right and wrong
• a person feels guilty if they do wrong
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• it can be wrong
• it is not the same for everyone
• it is influenced by upbringing
2014 – Question 2
(a) What is the Decalogue?
(2)
The Ten Commandments / ten rules given by God / the ten laws given to Moses
(b) Do you think everyone should follow the Golden Rule?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
Answers which think everyone should follow the Golden Rule are likely to use
such reasons as:
• it is the teaching of Jesus
• it causes people to act out of love
• it is common to many religions
Answers which think not everyone should follow the Golden Rule are likely to use
such reasons as:
• it may not lead to the most loving outcome
• it may lead to breaking a religious rule
• some people are atheists
9
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*(c) Explain why some Christians do not agree with genetic engineering.
(8)
The main reasons include:
• it is trying to play God
• it is wrong to try to make the earth perfect, only heaven is perfect
• the results are irreversible
• it may contravene the Golden Rule
(d) “All Christians should use Situation Ethics to make moral decisions.”
In your answer you should refer to Christianity.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• it allows Christians to adapt to the situation
• it allows Christians to make judgements about modern dilemmas
• it may follow Jesus’ Golden Rule
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• it may contradict the Bible
• it may break the law
• it may contradict Church teaching
2013 – Question 1
(a) What is the Bible?
(2)
The holy book of Christianity /The word of God / The Old Testament and
the New Testament
(b) Do you think people should be forced to vote?
(4)
Answers which think people should be forced to vote are likely to use such
reasons as:
• political decisions effect everyone
• it would mean more people had their views counted
• it would make everybody think about the important decisions
Answers which think people should not be forced to vote are likely to use such
reasons as:
• it is a matter of free will to decide to vote
• people feel unrepresented by the current parties
• people are disillusioned with the political system
10
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*(c) Explain why some Christians agree with genetic engineering.
(8)
The main reasons include:
• It allows them to follow the Golden Rule
• The example of Jesus healing the sick
• Using embryos is not murder
• It could improve world food supply
• It can produce drugs safely
(d) “Christians should always follow the teaching of the Church.”
In your answer you should refer to Christianity.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• The Church is Christ’s body on earth
• The Church is Jesus’ voice on earth
• The Church is entrusted to interpret the scriptures
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• Their conscience may tell them to act against Church rules
• The Church may be acting against the word of God
• Situation Ethics may encourage Christians to act outside the authority of the
Church
2013 – Question 2
(a) What is meant by Situation Ethics?
The idea that Christians should base moral decisions on what is the most
loving thing to do
• Following the teaching of Jesus to do the most loving thing
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(2)
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(b) Do you think a person’s conscience comes from God?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
Answers which think the conscience comes from God are
likely to use such reasons as:
• God created humans so created their conscience
• It guides people to do the right thing
• It is the voice of God
Answers which think the conscience does not come from
God are likely to use such reasons as:
• The conscience can be wrong
• Moral values are learnt in childhood
• People who do not believe in God still have a conscience
*(c) Explain why some Christians use only the Bible when making moral
decisions.
(8)
The main reasons are:
• it is the word of God
• it contains moral rules
• it contains the example of Jesus
• the Bible never changes
(d) “Christians should support all human rights.”
In your answer you should refer to Christianity.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
• “Love thy neighbour”
• Following the Golden Rule
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• The right to freedom of expression may break the Commandment, “Do not
take the name of God in vain”.
• They may contradict Christian teachings
• Supporting human rights is not a religious duty
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(4)
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2012 – Question 1
(a) What is the Church?
(2)
The community of Christians / God’s representatives on earth
• The Body of Christ
(b) Do you think genetic engineering is a good idea?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
Answers which think genetic engineering is a good idea are likely to
use such reasons as:
• It may provide cures for diseases/disorders
• It could increase food supply
• It can produce drugs safely
Answers which do not think genetic engineering is a good idea are
likely to use such reasons as:
• It is playing God
• The long-term effects are unknown
• It is irreversible
*(c) Explain why the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats is important for
Christians.
(8)
The main reasons are:
•
•
•
•
it shows Christians how to treat other people
it is a direct teaching of Jesus
the way Christians follow it leads to heaven/hell
in helping others, Christians are helping Jesus
13
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(d) “Using Situation Ethics is the best way to make a moral decision.”
In your answer you should refer to Christianity.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• it allows Christians to adapt to the situation
• it allows Christians to make judgments about modern
dilemmas
• it follows Jesus’ Golden Rule
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• it may contradict the Bible
• it may break the law
• it may contradict Church teaching
2012 – Question 2
(a) What are human rights?
(2)
The rights and freedoms to which everyone is entitled
• the rights everybody should have
(b) Do you think you are your ‘brother’s keeper’?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
Answers which think you are your ‘brother’s keeper’ are likely to use
such reasons as:
• it is commanded in the bible
• people have a responsibility to care for those weaker than them
• Jesus told people to love one another
Answers which do not think you are your ‘brother’s keeper’ are likely to
use such reasons as:
• People have to look after themselves
• People cannot be responsible for everybody
• There are laws to look after people
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(4)
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*(c) Explain why some Christians use only the teachings of the Church to
make moral decisions.
(8)
The main reasons are:
• The Church speaks for God on earth
• Church leaders follow in the footsteps of the apostles
• It removes responsibility from individual Christians
• It provides clear guidelines for Christians to follow
• Other sources of authority are seen as unreliable
(d) “Your conscience should always be your guide.”
In your answer you should refer to Christianity.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• Some Christians think it is the voice of God
• It teaches the difference between right and wrong
• It can be used in any situation
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• A conscience can be wrong
• There are other, more reliable guides
• Conscience is influenced by upbringing/culture
15
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2011 – Question 1
(a) What is meant by social change?
(2)
The way in which society has changed (is changing) / The way in which society
may change in the future / The way things move on in a country
(b) Should everybody’s human rights be protected?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
Answers which think everybody deserves human rights protection are likely to
use such reasons as:
• God created everyone so all deserve equal rights
• It could lead to discrimination
• it could lead to unsafe confessions and convictions
Answers which think some people do not deserve human
rights protection are likely to use such reasons as:
• by doing evil things they give up their rights
• treating one person badly may save hundreds of lives
• Thomas Aquinas said the protection of the society was more
important than the rights of the individual
* (c) Explain why some Christians believe they should follow their conscience
when making moral decisions.
(8)
The main reasons include:
• the conscience is God’s voice
• the conscience speaks directly to the individual
• the Church teaches that Christians should use their conscience
• conscience tells you what is right and wrong
• conscience is always with you
• conscience deals with every situation
16
UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(d) “No Christian should agree with cloning.”
In your answer you should refer to Christianity.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• it is playing God
• it leads to the destruction of embryos
• no one can anticipate the long term effects
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• it could cure genetic disorders
• it could be the most loving thing to do
• God gave us the intellectual ability
2011 – Question 2
(a) What does political party mean?
(2)
a group(party) which tries to be elected into power on the basis of its policies
• a group(party) you can vote for
(b) Do you think sixteen year olds should be allowed to vote?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4)
Answers which think 16 year olds should be allowed to vote are likely to use
such reasons as:
• sixteen year olds have other legal rights
• political decisions affect their lives
• young peoples views should be taken into account
Answers which do not think 16 year olds should be allowed to vote are likely to
use such reasons as:
• they are not mature enough to make adult decisions
• they do not contribute to the economy
• they could be easily influenced by their peers
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UNIT 8 RELIGION: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* (c) Explain why human rights are important for Christians.
(8)
The main reasons why human rights are important to Christians are:
• all humans were uniquely created by God
• the sanctity of life means only god should end a life
• the parable of the Sheep and Goats teaches Christians they should treat all
people as though they are Jesus himself
• the Golden Rule teaches that we should treat people as we would like to be
treated
• the link between Biblical rules and human rights
(d) “All decisions should be based on situation ethics.”
In your answer you should refer to Christianity.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• It follows the Golden Rule
• It adapts to the situation
• It shows love for your neighbour
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• The moral authority of a religion comes from the scriptures which do not
change
• It may cause a person to sin
• It may contradict Church teaching.
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