Studies of Religion
HSC preparation seminar
Session 1
Extended Response
Extended response
SOR 1 and 2


The extended response section of
the 1 and 2 unit paper acts as a
discriminator.
For SOR 2- The Religion and
Peace essay also acts as a
discriminator.
Extended response
SOR 1 and 2
 It
is this section in which
students aiming for higher
bands have the chance to
excel.
WHY is the extended
response the “discriminator”
question?


The average mark for the multiple
choice is 7/10
The average mark for Question 11
is 3.5 out of 5
WHY is the extended
response the
“discriminator” question?
The average mark for the short
answer response is 11/15
 THEREFORE, students wanting
BAND 5 or 6 have to aim for
18/20 for the extended response
question.

Extended Response


An example of how to write an answer
to section 3 – extended response
using:
Christian Ethics
Explain


Explain the meaning of the topic.
For example:
What are Christian Ethics?
Example


Give an example of a Christian ethic.
Make sure you have a statement prepared
on the basis of Christian Ethics and use this
to link the Scriptures and the beliefs and
values which come from the scriptures with
their application in moral and ethical issues.
Example of a statement

The Christian ethical system is based
on the Christian’s understanding of
their relationship with God. For a
Christian, their God calls them to
follow the teachings of Jesus Christ
which are found in the sacred
scriptures especially the Ten
Commandments, the Beatitudes, as
well as the Golden Rule.
Sources

It is not sufficient to just use Scripture
as your basis for Christian ethics.

You need to refer to other sources that
discuss your ethical issue such as:
– Vatican Documents
– Catechism of the Catholic Church
– Statements from other Christian variants
Variants


You will also need to use variants in
your answers.
Note any possible similarities or
differences that the variants hold on
your chosen ethical issue.
Remember
 NO
BAND 5 OR 6
WITHOUT REFERRING TO
VARIANTS IN YOUR
ANSWER

In particular make the clear distinction
between a Catholic “Natural Law”
approach to ethical reasoning and the
more scripturally based protestant
response.
Specimen question
Christianity (20 marks)
Describe Christian ethical teachings on
ONE of the following:
– Bioethics
– Environmental ethics
– Sexual ethics
Scaffold


Prepare a general statement on Christian
ethics
The Christian ethical system is based on the
Christian’s understanding of their
relationship with God. For a Christian their
God calls them to do “good” and to follow
the moral teachings of their faith. These
teachings are based on…
Define Environmental
ethics

Environmental ethics refers to…
……. relationship between human beings and
the environment in which they live. It exerts
influence on a large range of disciplines
including law, sociology, theology, economics
and geography. There are many ethical
decisions that human beings make with
respect to the environment.
or
…the
search for moral values and ethical principles in
human relations with the natural world.
Explain the Christian
Churches’ teachings on one
ethical issue

Explain the moral issues involved and
the source of the teaching – use
quotes.
… Give one example e.g. pollution
Explain the Christian
teaching on a second issue –
in the same way

Deforestation is another environmental
issue…

Global warming is another
environmental issue……
include in your discussion whether
there is agreement or differences in
the response of Christian variants on
either issue and why these differences
occur.
…….okay, so HSC Studies of Religion is serious stuff
…but Religion can have its lighter moments
Natural Law: that law implanted in nature by the
Creator that human beings can discern by the light
of their natural reasoning.
Because of humankind’s sinful nature it is often hard
to discern and obey the natural law, making it
difficult to reach moral certainty on specific issues
(e.g. nuclear warfare, genetic engineering, birth
control).
According to some Christian churches natural law
can also be discerned through tradition. Because
Jesus established his church and gave it authority,
the church was able to formulate church moral law.
Church moral laws are based on the natural law,
scripture, the person, life and teachings of Jesus
Christ and on tradition.
Christian Ethical System
The role of Christian ethics is to provide a guide for
Christians, so that their daily living supports the
purpose and value of this world and, in particular, so
that the way they live helps bring about God’s reign.
The sources for Christian ethics are found in
The Scriptures
The Natural Law
Human Experience
Catholic Ethics: drawn from basic principles of ethics
from the natural law. Catholics are taught a way of
arriving at moral truths that are not simply personal
opinions or subjective impressions.
Protestant Ethics: The Protestant reformers saw the
Bible (revealed law) as the sole authority for Christian
living. Emphasis is placed on Jesus’ command of love.