Ethics 1 Past Questions
Human Relationships
Summer 2010
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What does contraception mean?
Name two forms of contraception that might be acceptable to some Christians.
Describe the attitude of some Christians towards sex before marriage.
Explain the beliefs of Christians about the value of sexual relationships.
‘It is the religious duty of religious people to encourage contraception and to avoid the world becoming
overpopulated.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a
personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Winter 2011
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
State what is meant by a civil partnership.
Give two reasons why Christians might decide to get married.
Describe how a Christian might respond to a couple who want a civil partnership.
Explain how a Christian marriage ceremony might reflect Christian beliefs about marriage.
‘A couple should be married before they have children.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2011
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
State one thing which takes place during a Christian marriage ceremony.
Give two reasons why marriage might be important to a Christian.
Describe one belief that is reflected in a Christian marriage ceremony.
Explain how some Christians might respond to a couple who are considering divorce.
‘The man should be the dominant partner in a marriage.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Winter 2012
a) Give one role of a man in a Christian family.
b) State one role which a:
i.
Man might perform in a Church
ii.
Woman might perform in a Church
c) State three things that are said or done in a Christian marriage ceremony.
d) Explain the attitudes of some Christians towards civil partnerships.
e) ‘Men and women are meant to have different roles.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2012
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘marriage’?
State two reasons which a Christian couple might give for not having sex before marriage.
Describe how some Christians might respond to a person getting married after divorce.
Explain Christian attitudes towards contraception.
‘Divorce is sometimes necessary.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of
view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Winter 2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Give one example of contraception which might be acceptable to Christians.
State two reasons which a couple might give for seeking a divorce.
Describe what some Christians believe about sex before marriage.
Explain Christian attitudes towards re-marriage.
‘Marriage is outdated.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a
personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘re-marriage’?
Give two beliefs which Christians have about contraception.
Describe one Christian attitude towards divorce.
Explain what Christians might believe about the importance of marriage.
‘A sexual relationship is the most important part of a marriage.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Medical Ethics
Summer 2010
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What does euthanasia mean?
Give two reasons which might lead a person to commit suicide.
Describe the attitude of some Christians towards suicide.
Explain the attitude of some Christians to helping a terminally ill person to die.
‘Only God has the right to take life.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points
of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Winter 2011
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
State one way in which animals are used for medical research.
State two reasons why a Christian might be against euthanasia.
Describe how a Christian might respond to the issue of cloning.
Explain why Christians might have different attitudes towards a woman seeking fertility treatment.
‘We should be able to treat animals in any way we wish.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2011
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘abortion’?
State two reasons which might be given for seeking a legal abortion in the UK.
Describe one Christian attitude towards fertility treatment.
Explain why Christians differ in their attitudes towards abortion.
‘Religious people should keep their views about Medical Ethics to themselves.’ Discuss this statement. You
should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity
in your answer.
Winter 2012
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is the meaning of the term ‘fertility treatment’?
State two reasons why Christians might support cloning.
What do Christians believe about the use of animals in medical research?
Explain Christian attitudes towards suicide.
‘Only the mother has the right to choose an abortion.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2012
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘suicide’?
State two reasons why Christians might be against suicide.
Describe one reason why Christians might oppose abortion.
Explain why Christians have different attitudes to euthanasia.
‘The use of animals in medical research is always wrong.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Winter 2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Give the word which means ‘making an exact copy of a living creature’.
State two views which Christians might hold about the use of animals in medical research.
Describe one attitude which Christians might have towards euthanasia.
Explain why Christians have different attitudes towards suicide.
‘It is always wrong to take a human life.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported
points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What word means ‘easy death’?
Give two reasons why Christians might be against fertility treatment.
Describe one Christian response to the issues raised by cloning.
Explain different Christian attitudes towards the use of animals in medical research.
‘Every unborn child has the right to life.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported
points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Ethics 2 Past Questions
Religion, Peace and Justice
Summer 2010
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is capital punishment?
Give two aims of punishment.
Describe what the attitude of Christians might be towards capital punishment.
Explain what Christians might believe about the treatment of criminals.
‘Putting people into prison is a waste of money.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2011
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘social justice’?
Give two reasons why Christians might be pacifists.
Give three ways in which Christians might respond to social injustice.
Explain what Christians might believe about Just War.
‘You should always stand up to unjust governments.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Winter 2012
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘social injustice’?
Give two ways in which criminals might be punished.
State three reasons why Christians might work for social justice.
Explain why Christians might take part in a war.
‘Justice is more important than peace.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported
points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2012
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘criminal’?
State two ways in which Christians might work for social justice.
Describe one attitude Christians might have towards war.
Explain why Christians might be against capital punishment.
‘Christians should not want to punish people.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Winter 2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘Just War’?
Give two examples of social injustice.
What do Christians believe about pacifism?
Explain why working towards social justice is important to Christians.
‘Capital punishment can never be justified.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported
points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2013
a) What is meant by the term ‘pacifism’?
b)
i.
Name one of the aims of punishment.
ii.
State what this means.
c) Describe one way Christians might put the concept of justice into practice.
d) Explain why some Christians believe they should not use violence.
e) ‘Punishment is not the best way to deal with criminals.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Religion and Equality
Summer 2010
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What does the word ‘racism’ mean?
Give two examples of prejudice.
Suggest how Christians might work to stop racism.
Explain Christian teachings about equality.
‘Religious people should treat everyone equally.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2011
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘sexism’?
Give two examples of sexism.
Describe Christian attitudes towards the role of women in society.
Explain Christian beliefs about forgiveness.
‘If Christianity is right, all other religions must be wrong.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Winter 2012
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is forgiveness?
State two reasons why Christians might forgive someone who has hurt them.
Give three reasons why Christians might believe racism is wrong.
Explain Christian attitudes towards other religions.
‘It is always right to forgive.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view
and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2012
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘prejudice’?
Give two examples of racism.
State three ways in which Christians might challenge inequality.
Explain why Christians might have different beliefs about the role of women.
‘Religious people have a duty to convert others.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Winter 2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘equality’?
Give two examples of inequality.
Describe what Christians might believe about reconciliation.
Explain Christian beliefs about racism.
‘Women have the most important role in Christian society.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘reconciliation’?
State two reasons why Christians might believe equality is important.
Describe one belief Christians might have about other religions.
Explain how beliefs about forgiveness might affect the life of a Christian.
‘Fighting racism is the most important thing a Christian can do.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Philosophy 1 Past Questions
Beliefs about Deity
Summer 2010
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is a miracle?
State two Christian beliefs about the nature of God.
What do Christians believe about Jesus?
Explain Christian beliefs about miracles.
‘There is a lot of evidence to prove there is a God.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2011
a) What does monotheism mean?
b)
i.
Give one word that describes the nature of God.
ii.
State what it means.
c) Describe how the Holy Spirit affects Christians.
d) Explain why Christians believe God exists.
e) ‘It is important for Christians to believe in miracles.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2012
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘deity’?
Give two examples of Christian miracles.
Describe one reason a Christian might give for believing in God.
Explain why there are different beliefs about miracles within Christianity.
‘God cannot be described.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view
and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘belief’?
Give two examples of how God intervenes in the world.
Describe why some Christians believe that God chooses to intervene in the world.
Explain what Christians believe about the nature of God.
‘Belief in God is not reasonable.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of
view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Religious and Spiritual Experience
Summer 2010
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is fasting?
List two symbols used in worship by Christians.
State three ways Christians might worship in the home.
Explain how prayer deepens the faith of a believer.
‘Art helps people to worship.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of
view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2011
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Name a public place of worship for Christians.
State two ways Christians show respect to Jesus when worshipping.
Describe the use of food in festivals.
Explain why Christians worship God.
‘It doesn’t matter where you worship.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported
points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2012
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘symbol’?
Give two names for the service that remembers Jesus’s Last Supper.
Describe one way music is used in Christian worship.
Explain how fasting could deepen the faith of a believer.
‘Prayer is the best way to worship.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points
of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘meditation’?
Give two symbols that might be found in a church.
Describe the purpose of prayer for Christians.
Explain why Christians worship in different ways.
‘Fasting strengthens faith.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view
and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
The End of Life
Summer 2010
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is the meaning of ‘rites’?
Give two examples of Christian funeral rites.
Describe the relationship between the body and the soul for a Christian.
Explain how beliefs about life after death could affect a Christian’s moral behaviour.
‘We only have one life and it is on earth.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported
points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2011
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is ‘purgatory’?
State two things that happen in a Christian funeral.
Describe one Christian belief about the soul.
Explain how Christian funerals might support the bereaved.
‘It’s my life so I can do what I want.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points
of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2012
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What word means ‘rising to life again’?
Name two places Christians might go to in the afterlife.
Describe one Christian belief about redemption.
Explain the importance of the soul to Christians.
‘Heaven can be reached by everyone.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported
points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘redemption’?
Give two examples of how Christians can behave morally.
Describe one Christian belief reflected in a Christian funeral.
Explain the link between salvation and heaven for a Christian.
‘There is no difference between the body and the soul.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Philosophy 2 Past Questions
Good and Evil
Summer 2010
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by conscience?
Suggest two causes of evil in the world.
Give three ways in which Christians might try to behave morally.
Explain why a Christian might say that suffering is a necessary part of human life.
‘You should only help people if you will get something in return.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2011
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What does ‘immoral’ mean?
Describe one way in which Christians might try to cope suffering.
How does the idea of free will explain why there is evil in the world?
Explain why Christians might feel it is important to behave morally.
‘There is no such thing as evil.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of
view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2012
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘evil’?
Give two examples of actions a Christian might consider evil.
State three things which might guide Christians in their moral behaviour.
Explain how the suffering of Christ might help Christians to cope with suffering.
‘Doing the right thing will never cause suffering.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘original sin’?
Give two examples of natural evil.
Describe how Christians might use the Bible to make moral decisions.
Explain how the devil might be linked with human suffering.
‘Good things always come out of suffering.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported
points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Religion and Science
Summer 2010
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by ‘the origins of humanity’?
State two uses of animals that some Christians might find unacceptable.
Give three reasons why some Christians believe we should care for our environment.
Explain what Christians believe about how the world began.
‘Scientific theories and Christians teachings have nothing in common.’ Discuss this statement. You should
include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your
answer.
Summer 2011
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by ‘environmental problems’?
Give two reasons that Christians could use to support medical testing on animals.
Why might Christians reject the theory that human beings evolved from apes?
Explain what Christians believe about the role of humanity in the world.
‘If humanity is here by chance then my life has no purpose.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2012
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘stewardship’?
State two ways in which human beings are damaging the environment.
Give three reasons that Christians might use to support being eco-friendly.
Explain Christian attitudes towards the treatment of animals.
‘The human race is more important than the environment.’ Discuss this statement. You should include
different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Summer 2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What is meant by the term ‘scientific theory’?
Give two uses of animals which Christians might find acceptable.
Describe one Christian belief about the origins of the world.
Explain different attitudes Christians might have towards environmental issues.
‘God wants people to make scientific discoveries.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.