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)

2 GCSE Religious Studies

 (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)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 3

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)

4 GCSE Religious Studies

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)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 5

 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)

6 GCSE Religious Studies

 (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)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 7

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)

8 GCSE Religious Studies

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)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 9

 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)

10 GCSE Religious Studies

 (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)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 11

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)

12 GCSE Religious Studies

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)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 13

 Answers

PRACTICE EXAM PAPERS SPaG

For questions worth 15 marks, use the following mark scheme to 0 marks for:
assess your answers:
• 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 • errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar that severely
grammar and use of specialist terminology (SPaG). hinder meaning.

1–3 marks for: 1 mark for:

• identifying information/issues and making superficial
connections among a limited range of elements in the
question, underpinned by isolated elements of understanding
of religion and belief.
• judgements that are supported by generic arguments to
produce a conclusion that is not fully justified.
4–6 marks for:
• making superficial connections among many, but not all,
of the elements in the question, underpinned by a limited
understanding of religion and belief.
• spelling and punctuating with reasonable accuracy.
• using rules of grammar with some control of meaning and
any errors do not significantly hinder meaning overall.
• a limited range of specialist terms used as appropriate.
2 marks for:
• spelling and punctuating with considerable accuracy.
• using rules of grammar with general control of meaning overall.
• using a good range of specialist terms as appropriate.

• making judgements of a limited range of elements in the 3 marks for:

question. Judgements are supported by an attempt to
appraise evidence, much of which may be superficial, leading
• spelling and punctuating with consistent accuracy.
to a conclusion that is not fully justified. • using rules of grammar with effective control of meaning
overall.
7–9 marks for:
• using a wide range of specialist terms as appropriate.
• deconstructing religious information/issues, leading to
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.

GCSE Religious Studies

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