Religious Studies A GCSE (9–1)

Paper 1: Area of Study 1 – Study of Religion

Option 1A – Catholic Christianity
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Answer all questions.
• Answer the questions in the space provided. Use a separate sheet of paper where instructed.
• Read each question carefully before you start to answer it.
• Try to answer every question. Check your answers if you have time at the end.

Information
• The total mark for this paper is 102. The marks for each question are shown in brackets – use this as a
guide as to how much time to spend on each question.
• Questions labelled with an asterisk (*) are ones where the quality of your written communication will be
assessed. You should take particular care on these questions with your spelling, punctuation and
grammar, as well as the use of specialist terminology.

Question 1

(a) Outline three miracles that Jesus performed. (3)

(b) Explain two reasons why Jesus’ crucifixion is important to Catholics. (4)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 1

 (c) Explain how Catholics’ understanding of the Trinity aids their everyday lives.

In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (5)

*(d) “Catholics should never forget the importance of Jesus’ crucifixion.”

Evaluate this statement, considering more than one viewpoint. In your

answer you must refer to Catholic Christianity.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (15)

(Total for Question 1 = 27 marks)

Question 2

(a) Outline three features of the sacrament of Holy Communion. (3)

(b) Explain two ways in which Catholics might help others to become Christians. (4)

(c) Explain two reasons why Catholics may go to war.

In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (5)

(d) “Worship should be central to the life of every Catholic.”

Evaluate this statement, considering more than one viewpoint. In your

answer you must refer to Catholic Christianity.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (12)

(Total for Question 2 = 24 marks)

2 GCSE Religious Studies

Question 3

(a) Describe three features of the Bible. (3)

(b) Explain two reasons why the Catholic Church is always looking to grow. (4)

(c) Explain two ways by which Catholics may come to make important decisions. (5)

In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

*(d) “Each and every Catholic should follow the direction of their church leaders.”

Evaluate this statement, considering more than one viewpoint. In your answer you must
refer to Catholic Christianity.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (15)

(Total for Question 3 = 27 marks)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 3

 Question 4

(a) State three items that a Catholic may own as part of their faith. (3)

(b) Explain two ways in which rosary beads are used by Catholics. (4)

(c) Explain the importance of prayer and singing in worship for a Catholic. (5)

In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

(d) “The use of artefacts can help a Catholic draw nearer to God.”

Evaluate this statement, considering more than one viewpoint. In your answer you must
refer to Catholic Christianity.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (12)

(Total for Question 4 = 24 marks)

4 GCSE Religious Studies

 Religious Studies A GCSE (9–1)
Paper 1: Area of Study 1 – Study of Religion
Option 1B – Christianity
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Answer all questions.
• Answer the questions in the space provided. Use a separate sheet of paper where instructed.
• Read each question carefully before you start to answer it.
• Try to answer every question. Check your answers if you have time at the end.

Information
• The total mark for this paper is 102. The marks for each question are shown in brackets – use this as a
guide as to how much time to spend on each question.
• Questions labelled with an asterisk (*) are ones where the quality of your written communication will be
assessed. You should take particular care on these questions with your spelling, punctuation and
grammar, as well as the use of specialist terminology.

Question 1

(a) Outline three events from the biblical account of the giving of the Ten Commandments. (3)

(b) Explain two reasons why forgiveness is important for Christians. (4)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 5

 (c) Explain two ways in which Christians might account for the millions who die each
year from poverty.

In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (5)

*(d) “Christians should never judge others, as only God has the right to judge.”

Evaluate this statement, considering more than one viewpoint. In your

answer you must refer to Christianity.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (15)

(Total for Question 1 = 27 marks)

Question 2

(a) Outline three ways one Christian charity works to help the poor. (3)

(b) Explain two features of marriage. (4)

(c) Explain two ways in which it could be argued that a church should focus on the
community inside of its building rather than the community outside of it.

In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (5)

(d) “All Christians should spend time each day in personal devotion.”

Evaluate this statement, considering more than one viewpoint. In your

answer you must refer to Christianity.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (12)

(Total for Question 2 = 24 marks)

6 GCSE Religious Studies

Question 3

(a) Outline three roles of a bishop in the Church. (3)

(b) Explain two reasons why women are not accepted as leaders in some churches. (4)

(c) Explain two ways in which Christians may rely on their own relationship with God to
make decisions. (5)

In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

*(d) “It is very difficult to commit to Christianity without being committed to regular
church attendance.”

Evaluate this statement, considering more than one viewpoint. In your answer you must
refer to Christianity.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (15)

(Total for Question 3 = 27 marks)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 7

 Question 4

(a) Outline three of the events that Easter celebrates. (3)

(b) Explain two key features of Christmas for Christians. (4)

(c) Explain two reasons why churches should focus on modern songs during worship.

(5) In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

(d) “Being part of a pilgrimage should be a focus for each Christian during their lifetime.”

Evaluate this statement, considering more than one viewpoint. In your answer you must
refer to Christianity.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (12)

(Total for Question 4 = 24 marks)

8 GCSE Religious Studies

 Religious Studies A GCSE (9–1)
Paper 1: Area of Study 1 – Study of Religion
Option 1C – Islam
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Answer all questions.
• Answer the questions in the space provided. Use a separate sheet of paper where instructed.
• Read each question carefully before you start to answer it.
• Try to answer every question. Check your answers if you have time at the end.

Information
• The total mark for this paper is 102. The marks for each question are shown in brackets – use this as a
guide as to how much time to spend on each question.
• Questions labelled with an asterisk (*) are ones where the quality of your written communication will be
assessed. You should take particular care on these questions with your spelling, punctuation and
grammar, as well as the use of specialist terminology.

Question 1

(a) Outline three Muslim beliefs about paradise. (3)

(b) Explain two reasons why the Qur’an is important to Muslims. (4)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 9

 (c) Explain two reasons why belief in all Muslim prophets is important for a Muslim’s faith.

In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (5)

*(d) “It would be heretical for any Muslim to believe that Muhammad is not the
most important prophet.”

Evaluate this statement, considering more than one viewpoint. In your answer you must
refer to Islam.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (15)

(Total for Question 1 = 27 marks)

Question 2

(a) Outline three specific rituals that occur only during the 30 days of Ramadan. (3)

(b) Explain two reasons why the Hajj is important for Muslims. (4)

(c) Explain two reasons why every Muslim should give Zakah.

In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (5)

(d) “Focusing on Jumu’ah (Friday prayers) is more important than praying with the family.”

Evaluate this statement, considering more than one viewpoint. In your answer you must refer to

Islam. Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (12)

(Total for Question 2 = 24 marks)

10 GCSE Religious Studies

Question 3

(a) Outline three ways in which Muslims prepare to pray. (3)

(b) Explain two reasons why parents choose to name their sons after Muhammad. (4)

(c) Explain two reasons why some may argue that Muslims should only live in countries
that enforce Sharia law. (5)

In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

*(d) “All Muslims should learn Arabic, so that they can read the Qur’an in its original text.”

Evaluate this statement, considering more than one viewpoint. In your answer you
must refer to Islam.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (15)

(Total for Question 3 = 27 marks)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 11

 Question 4

(a) Outline three reasons why images of Allah are forbidden in Islam. (3)

(b) Explain two ways in which a Muslim might show their belief in Allah. (4)

(c) Explain two ways in which the different features of a mosque can help a Muslim
to worship. (5)

In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

(d) “To increase the nation of Islam, divisions between Sunnis and Shi’as should be overcome.”

Evaluate this statement, considering more than one viewpoint. In your answer you must
refer to Islam.

Write your answer on a separate piece of paper. (12)

(Total for Question 4 = 24 marks)

12 GCSE Religious Studies

 Answers

PRACTICE EXAM PAPERS SPaG

For questions worth 15 marks, use the following mark scheme to
assess your answers: 0 marks for:
• writing nothing.
• 12 of the marks are for the quality of your evaluation
• a response that does not relate to the question.
• 3 of the marks are for your spelling, punctuation and
grammar and use of specialist terminology (SPaG). • errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar that
severely hinder meaning.
1–3 marks for:
1 mark for:
• identifying information/issues and making superficial
connections among a limited range of elements in the • spelling and punctuating with reasonable accuracy.
question, underpinned by isolated elements of • using rules of grammar with some control of meaning and
understanding of religion and belief. any errors do not significantly hinder meaning overall.
• judgements that are supported by generic arguments • a limited range of specialist terms used as appropriate.
to produce a conclusion that is not fully justified.
2 marks for:
4–6 marks for:
• spelling and punctuating with considerable accuracy.
• making superficial connections among many, but not all,
of the elements in the question, underpinned by a • using rules of grammar with general control of meaning overall.
limited understanding of religion and belief. • using a good range of specialist terms as appropriate.
• making judgements of a limited range of elements in the
question. Judgements are supported by an attempt to 3 marks for:
appraise evidence, much of which may be superficial, • spelling and punctuating with consistent accuracy.
leading to a conclusion that is not fully justified.
• using rules of grammar with effective control of
7–9 marks for: meaning overall.

• deconstructing religious information/issues, leading to • using a wide range of specialist terms as appropriate.
coherent and logical chains of reasoning that consider
These answers list sample points that you might include in your
different viewpoints. These are underpinned by an accurate
responses. You may be able to provide other credit-worthy points
understanding of religion and belief. Connections are
not listed here.
made among many, but not all, of the elements in the
question.
• constructing coherent and reasoned judgements of many,
but not all, of the elements in the question. Judgements
are supported by the appraisal of evidence, some of
which may be superficial, leading to a partially justified
conclusion.

10–12 marks for:

• critically deconstructing religious information/issues, leading to
coherent and logical chains of reasoning that consider different
viewpoints. These are underpinned by a sustained, accurate and
thorough understanding of religion and belief. Connections are
made among the full range of elements in the question.
• constructing coherent and reasoned judgements of the
full range of elements in the question. Judgements are
fully supported by the comprehensive appraisal of
evidence, leading to a fully justified conclusion.

Answers
PRACTICE EXAM PAPERS: SPECIFICATION A teachings from the root of the Bible; the Church promotes
the value of the priest through confession and his ability
Paper 1: Area of Study 1 – Study of Religion to

Option 1A – Catholic Christianity

Page 2 – Question 1
(a) Feeding of the 5000; healing of the paralysed man;
healing of Jairus’ daughter.
(b) Prophesied in the Bible that it would happen; showed that
Jesus was human; showed that God came to Earth; revealed
the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity; salvation; sin
no longer needs to separate man and God – the punishment
has been taken by Jesus
(c) 1 mark each for the following: explaining what the Trinity
is; describing the nature of God; knowing God can aid their
prayer and worship. [A further mark for explanation of each
point, and any other valid points can earn a mark.]
(d) Allows Catholics to feel assured about what will happen
to them in the afterlife; it sets Jesus apart from the rest
of creation; the crucifixion precedes the importance of
the resurrection; reveals the sacrifice of Christ; allows
passage into heaven; sins can be forgiven; can be seen
in belief
statements such as the Nicene Creed; the role and importance
of confession is elevated; the Gospel doesn’t just focus on the
crucifixion or end at this pont; the Great Commission [To move
beyond 3 marks, points must be explained and evaluated.]

Page 3 – Question 2
(a) Remember Jesus’ sacrifice; confess sins; focus on the
forgiveness of His resurrection; the wine and
bread representing the body and blood of Christ.
(b) Attend church – sets an example – can help them to grow
in faith and strength; work with missions – either locally,
nationally or internationally to share their faith; share
with them their own experiences of God; speak with them
about Christianity; pray with them.
(c) To defend their faith; can follow the Just War Theory;
might help to support those weaker than themselves; war
can stop greater suffering.
(d) Following the liturgy can bring a sense of peace; examples
of worship can be seen throughout the Bible; helping others
may be of greater importance; following Biblical principles;
Jesus prayed; allows closeness with God; creates a sense of
community and fellowship; can share the sacrament of Holy
Communion; songs allow for praise and thankfulness to be
expressed; some people only focus on the experience of
worship instead of serving others. [To move beyond 3 marks,
points must be explained and evaluated.]

Page 4 – Question 3
(a) The inspired ‘Word of God’; authorised through the canon;
records the history of Christianity; charts the life and works
of Jesus.
(b) Matthew 28 – the Great Commission from Jesus to lead
the world to discipleship; the desire to share the love of
the Gospel and to save humanity from sin and hell.
(c) Read the Bible – look for guidance from the past
experiences of others, study verses about similar situations,
ask God
to speak to them through His Word; Pray to God – ask for
answers and guidance; Speak to other Catholics – ask them
to study scripture and to pray on their behalf; Worship in
church – allowing quiet meditation for God to speak to
them; Consult their priest – ask for his advice and guidance.
(d) Catholics recognise the role of leadership from biblical
times; they follow the model of Peter being essentially the
first Pope; each church has a hierarchy that then feeds into
the larger Church; the Pope leads the entire Church from
the Vatican, and guides the hierarchy that exists there; his
role
is to provide guidance in the modern world and help shape

GCSE Religious Studies

 intercede for the Catholic; the role of saints is emphasised
with their historical leadership valued and promoted;
Revelation can be used to argue that only the Bible should be
used and ‘not word should be added to it’; church leaders
have shown themselves to be infallible. [To move beyond 3
marks, points must be explained and evaluated.]

Page 5 – Question 4
(a) A Bible; a set of rosary beads; a copy of the Catechism; a crucifix.
(b) To guide prayer – allows focus outside of themselves; as a
connection to the past of Catholicism, remembering those
who have gone before; a connection to Mary and her
commitment to God.
(c) Prayer allows conversation with God; sins can be confessed;
praise can be given to God; God can be thanked for His
blessings; the congregation can join in prayer together;
singing allows for a sense of fellowship; God can speak
to the individual or the congregation through the words;
thanksgiving; worship and praise can be given through singing.
(d) Many artefacts might have historical significance; holding or
visiting an artefact can connect with the past; artefacts can
have their own intrinsic value; allows focus during worship;
can provide stimulus for prayer; creates a connection with
saints and with the history of the faith; provides Catholics the
opportunity to create art that glorifies God; this art can then
help to guide a non-believer through an introduction to
Catholicism; stained glass windows, for example, can tell the
story of Christ without the need for words; the artefacts may
become the focus instead of God; the artefact may lead a
follower to be misinformed about the nature of God, e.g.
believe a picture is a literal image of Jesus. [To move beyond 3
marks, points must be explained and evaluated.]

Paper 1: Area of Study 1 – Study of Religion

Option 1B – Christianity
Page 6 – Question 1
(a) God saw the need for law; the Jewish nation was rejecting
God whilst in the wilderness; He led Moses up Mount Sinai to
receive the laws on tablets of stone.
(b) Christ forgave whilst on the cross; Stephen followed this
example as he was martyred; forgiveness of sins allows for
redemption from sins.
(c) Theodicy – the problem of evil; questions how an all-loving God
can allow so many to suffer and to die; poverty is often caused
by the greed of others; humanity was created perfect, without
the need for material possessions; poverty is a human invention
and should be solved by humanity.
(d) Judging others on our own understanding is very limited;
Matthew 7:3–5 shows the foolishness of judging others; many
would argue this life is often a test, to see how we perform in
each situation; life ends with judgement, based on how we
have lived in this life; heaven is reserved for those who have
lived as Christ would like them to; hell is for those who have
either rejected Christ or not lived as they should; the Bible
teaches the importance of a just and merciful God judging
creation; if there was no judgement it
would not be just – there have to be consequences to human
action; this is why Christ had to die and be raised from the dead.
[To move beyond 3 marks, points must be explained and
evaluated.]

Answers
 Answers

Page 7 – Question 2
Paper 1: Area of Study 1 – Study of Religion
(a) Raise awareness; collect items to give away; sell donated
items; provide shelter and food. Option 1C – Islam
(b) Vows are made and rings are exchanged to show an eternal
commitment; the contract is signed to make the union Page 10 – Question 1
legally binding. (a) Allah judges who can enter after death; it is an eternal place
(c) Those inside might need the most help; they may be the where Allah lives; it is a reward for living for Allah on Earth.
most willing to come to Christ; they may only have the (b) It is the spoken word of Allah given to Muhammad for all
church as Muslims; the Qur’an allows Muslims to find closeness and
a safe place to go, whilst those outside may not need the a connection with Allah.
support of the church or may have already rejected it. (c) Muhammad was the chosen prophet of Allah; however,
(d) Jesus set the example throughout His life; Mark 1:35: Jesus Muslims believe that other prophets also brought important
went out early in the morning to be alone with God; time teachings from Allah; Isa, for example, was seen as being
can be spent studying scripture and learning from it; allows a key prophet but not a god; if a Muslim rejects the lesser
a closeness with God, can stop distraction from those prophets then they will be rejecting teachings from Allah; a
around; there is no need to travel, makes the most of the Muslim needs to embrace all the teachings of Allah, not just
time available and can become part of a healthy, spiritual those revealed to Muhammad.
routine; questions of God can be posed and time given for (d) Muhammad is second only to Allah; Muslims believe that
them to be answered; it follows the example of Christ, most Allah chose Muhammad above all others; Muhammad was
notably in the Garden of Gethsemane. [To move beyond 3 chosen to receive the Qur’an; however, Muhammad is lesser
marks, points must be explained and evaluated.] than Allah and should never be seen as being equal; Muslims
believe that he was the last of the prophets and that he
Page 8 – Question 3 brought the greatest revelations from Allah; Muslims believe
(a) Ordain new priests; lead services in cathedrals and churches; that Allah spoke directly to Muhammad and also through the
provide guidance for their congregation; be involved in Angel Jibril; through the power of his teaching, Muhammad
decision-making in the Church. gained many followers; the speed at which he amassed his
(b) Jesus only called male disciples, which suggests a model of followers allowed him to create a strong army; Muhammad’s
male leadership; today’s society is still largely male led and army was then blessed by Allah and defeated Mecca to found
some churches continue to follow this principle. the nation of Islam. [To move beyond 3 marks, points must be
(c) Personal devotion can guide them to the right outcome; explained and evaluated.]
time spent in worship, Bible study and prayer can lead a
Christian to the right decision. Page 11 – Question 2
(d) Being in church supports the work being done there; (a) Muslims will only eat before sunrise and after sunset; they
attending allows a Christian to give financially; regular will only eat simple foods during these times; extra time is
attendance helps to form community; attending church is given over to prayer and serving others.
not enough; you can attend without taking part and can (b) Hajj allows a Muslim to join with many other Muslims
become religious about the process without being part of and share in religious rituals with them; the pilgrimage
what is being said or sung; fellowship together can bring also allows them to follow in the footsteps and
closeness with God and with other believers; all believers experiences of Muhammad; it is one of the Five Pillars of
have different skills that can be used both inside the church Islam.
and outside of it; these skills can make the church’s work (c) Zakah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam; giving 2.5% of
more effective and help it to reach more people; it follows income to Muslims who are less well-off can make a
the New Testament concept of the Body of Christ. [To move significant difference; some Muslims may feel called to give
beyond 3 marks, points must be explained and evaluated.] more away; others may feel the need to give money to those
who are
Page 9 – Question 4 not Muslims in addition to the 2.5%; the majority of Muslims
(a) Palm Sunday; the Last Supper; the crucifixion of Christ; His could share 2.5% of their income.
resurrection. (d) Only praying individually may hinder others becoming
(b) Jesus’ birth – the gift of Christ to save humanity from sin Muslims; Allah may respond to individuals more readily
and from hell; the devotion and obedience of those than corporate requests; prayer should happen throughout
involved: Mary and Joseph, the wise men, etc. the week at home; children should be taught by their
(c) Modern songs allow for new creativity; they can be more parents how to pray; during Ramadan, extra time can be
relevant to the culture of the day; different styles and pace spent together to pray; many Muslims may only pray at
of music can create a different atmosphere; they also allow the mosque on a Friday; all Muslims should attend prayer
for a different focus, praise, worship or meditation. on a Friday; many Muslims would argue that all prayer is
(d) The New Testament does not call Christians to attend a equally important. [To move beyond 3 marks, points must be
pilgrimage; Jesus did not complete a pilgrimage to the explained and evaluated.]
significant places of the Old Testament; pilgrimage can
connect with the past, allows for a real sense of past events Page 12 – Question 3
in the Bible and of saints; can walk in Jesus’ footsteps – (a) Muslims will remove their shoes; they will complete the
literally; many find healing and spiritual enlightenment by washing ritual of wudu; they will ensure that they are
visiting places such as Lourdes; others may argue that the facing Mecca; a prayer mat will be used if they cannot be
money could be better spent helping others; pilgrimages certain that the floor is clean.
could be seen as (b) It can be used as a way of reminding the child that they
being selfish with the money better being given to others, the are being brought up in Islam; it can help to act as a
poor for example. [To move beyond 3 marks, points must be witness to non-Muslims; the name of Muhammad is also
explained and evaluated.] traditionally used.

GCSE Religious Studies

(c) The majority of Muslims follow Sharia law; the laws are
often found in the Qur’an; some have been changed and
adapted due to culture and custom; many misinterpret
Sharia law as being barbaric; it is in fact focused on purity;
many laws in many countries are similar to Sharia law.
(d) Allah revealed the words of the scripture in Arabic; in
England, for example, children will attend their mosque
after school;
at this time, they will learn how to read Arabic; this process
allows them to spend time with other Muslim children; as
the Qur’an was originally written in Arabic, they can then
more closely follow what Allah revealed to Muhammad;
studying Arabic shows commitment to Islam; learning Arabic
can allow a Muslim to find greater personal truth in the
Qur’an; it also allows those converting to Islam in later life
to feel part of the faith by studying the language. [To move
beyond 3 marks, points must be explained and
evaluated.]

Page 13 – Question 4
(a) The Qur’an forbids any images or pictures to be made of
Allah; if they were, they could become the focus of worship
in
themselves; any image could never truly reflect the glory of Allah.
(b) Attend the mosque every Friday to take part in prayers;
study the Qur’an in Arabic and elevate it above any other
book; follow the ritual of wudu before praying; follow the
Five Pillars of Islam; eat halal.
(c) On entering a mosque, a Muslim will know to remove their
shoes; finding an area to wash allows them to complete
the ritual of wudu; being separated by both age and
gender allows for greater focus during prayer; the minaret
provides the perfect location from which the Adhan can be
declared; a mihrab shows a Muslim which way is Mecca;
the zulla provides the designated area where Muslim men
can focus their prayers to Allah.
(d) All Muslims are called to grow the nation of Islam – they
are encouraged to enlarge Islam in any way possible;
both
groups hold similar fundamental views; they both also follow
the teachings of the Qur’an; their primary differences come
from human interactions, such as political views and historical
events; both groups also have a different ethnic makeup;
many of their differences can be seen in who should lead
Islam today; because most differences are based on human
rather than religious views, it could be argued that they could
at least become closer. [To move beyond 3 marks, points
must be explained and evaluated.]

Answers