A Level Exam Structures: Creating Arguments.

In this task you will learn to create arguments to use in part b)’s using the AO1 criteria and
the statement in question in part b). You can use these techniques in Philosophy AND Ethics.

The following is to be done in groups:

(1). Go through as a class “explain what you mean by explain” p90.

(2). Pick a topic from the specification and plan out the key ideas of that area.

You can choose:

 Plato’s theories

 Aristotle’s theories

 Christian understanding of God as creator and the Genesis stories

 One of the Traditional Arguments

 The Problem of Evil and its key issue regarding whether God is responsible.

 Religion and Science.

Plan as though it is a part a) question. So you need to point out the key theorists and ideas etc [i.e.
the AO1 criteria]. While you are doing this, pay special attention to the ideas you form yourself,
note these down without showing others.

(3). Once you have the key ideas in the form of a list or spider diagram, then bring in YOUR opinions
and feedback to the group. These will act as your potential arguments in a part b).

To do this each group member needs to comment on whether they think a certain point is strong or
weak. For an example see p85 of the textbook.

(4). Once done the above tasks, do the “you are the judge” task in your groups using the information
you have gathered above.

Remember that when you are making a argument it should be stated in the beginning of the part b)
therefore you need to have an idea of the things you could argue beforehand. You can start of a
argument with “I think that” but that’s old school! rather you should say “it can be seen that” this is
more academic and official.

Start off the intro and argument as such: “X’s argument has many strengths and weaknesses.
However this essay will argue that [here you put YOUR key idea, and your conclusion and how you
will show your support for either the criticisms or strengths]” below is an example:

‘b) The theodicies show that belief in God and evil can co-exist. Discuss (10marks).’

1. Introduction:
“The theodicies have many strengths and weaknesses. This essay will show that one can find much
proof against the arguments yet there are many modern philosophers who have attempted to uphold
the theodicies, particularly Irenaeus ’ and support the idea that God and evil can co-exist. However
the essay will argue that the theodicies do not help answer the problem of evil or prove God’s
justification for evil and makes the idea of God absurd.

2. Main body:

[Then you present the arguments for and against the statement/theory in question]. Make sure you
refer back to your argument as much as you can during this process as this shows you are using
the strengths and weaknesses to justify your argument[s]. For instance imagine you just gave a
criticism that supports your argument, after stating the weakness it would be a good idea to then say
“this weakness only reinforces the argument that the idea of God is absurd.”

3. Evaluation section1:

Then give a brief comparison and contrast of the weaknesses and strengths you have stated. Again
here you can input your own ideas, strengths and criticisms. Then move unto the conclusion.

4. Conclusion:

[Summarise key points briefly then make you conclusion based on your argument ->].

Therefore2 it can be seen that the theodicies have many key weaknesses and it is difficult to see how
they can help to explain evil or prove that God and evil can co-exist 3. As the argument of the essay
has shown, the weaknesses demonstrate that evil makes the idea of God absurd. Either we have the
idea of God wrong in our limited human understanding or God does not exist 4.

(5). Use the above structure to answer the following Part b) questions [all are 10marks]:

b) “There is too much evil in the world to believe the argument in the theodicies”. Discuss.

b) To what extent is it true to say that the forms teach us nothing about the physical world?

b) Assess the claim that God created humanity for a purpose.

b) Evaluate the claim that God’s existence is not a logical necessity.

b)

1
This is an optional section, it is possible to do this part in your main body, but some like to separate it out, as I
have done here for demonstrative purposes.

2
Words and phrases such as ‘therefore’, ‘overall’, ‘in conclusion’, ‘to infer’ are words to use when making conclusions. Use
them! This will show the examiner a clear indication that you are making your conclusion and finishing your exam essay.

3
Note here that I have re-stated the statement in question, make sure at the end you make a conclusion
based on the statement as I have done here.

4
This is an ending statement, it’s always good to end with something like this.