Religious Studies A GCSE (9–1)

Paper 3: Area of Study 3 – Philosophy and Ethics

Option 3A – Catholic Christianity
Time: 50 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 51. 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 ways in which Catholics believe God has revealed His greatness. (3)

(b) Explain two ways in which Catholics may respond to Christians not being healed. (4)

20 GCSE Religious Studies

 (c) Explain two ways in which it can be argued that science has proven the Bible to be false.

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

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

*(d) “Near-death experiences help to prove God’s existence.”

Evaluate this statement. You must refer to both Catholic and non-religious viewpoints
in your answer.

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

(Total for Question 1 = 27 marks)

Question 2

(a) Outline three purposes of marriage for Catholics. (3)

(b) Explain two reasons why Catholics believe that divorce is wrong. (4)

(c) Explain two ways in which the Catholic Church could be seen not to promote equality.

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

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

(d) “A marriage does not need a contract to be signed as the promises have been made in the
presence of God.”

Evaluate this statement. You must refer to both Catholic and non-religious viewpoints
in your answer.

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

(Total for Question 2 = 24 marks)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 21

 Religious Studies A GCSE (9–1)
Paper 3: Area of Study 3 – Philosophy and Ethics
Option 3B – Christianity
Time: 50 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 51. 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 ways in which Christians believe God has revealed His greatness. (3)

(b) Explain two ways in which Christians may respond to Christians not being healed. (4)

22 GCSE Religious Studies

 (c) Explain two ways in which it can be argued that science has proven the Bible to be false.

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

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

*(d) “Near-death experiences help to prove God’s existence.”

Evaluate this statement. You must refer to both Christian and non-religious viewpoints
in your answer.

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

(Total for Question 1 = 27 marks)

Question 2

(a) Outline three purposes of marriage for Christians. (3)

(b) Explain two reasons why Christians may accept divorce. (4)

(c) Explain two ways in which Christianity could be seen not to promote equality.

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

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

(d) “A marriage does not need a contract to be signed as the promises have been made in the
presence of God.”

Evaluate this statement. You must refer to both Christian and non-religious viewpoints
in your answer.

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

(Total for Question 2 = 24 marks)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 23

 Religious Studies A GCSE (9–1)
Paper 3: Area of Study 3 – Philosophy and Ethics
Option 3C – Islam
Time: 50 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 51. 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 ways in which Muslims believe Allah has revealed His greatness. (3)

(b) Explain two ways in which Muslims may respond to Muslims not being healed. (4)

24 GCSE Religious Studies

 (c) Explain two ways in which some believe science has proven the Qur’an to be false.

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

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

*(d) “Near-death experiences help to prove Allah’s existence.”

Evaluate this statement. You must refer to both Muslim and non-religious viewpoints
in your answer.

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

(Total for Question 1 = 27 marks)

Question 2

(a) Outline three purposes of marriage for Muslims. (3)

(b) Explain two reasons why some Muslims believe that divorce is wrong. (4)

(c) Explain two ways in which Islam could be seen not to promote equality.

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

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

(d) “A marriage does not need a contract to be signed as the promises have been made in the
presence of Allah.”

Evaluate this statement. You must refer to both Muslim and non-religious viewpoints
in your answer.

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

(Total for Question 2 = 24 marks)

Practice Exam Paper: Specification A 25

 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 3: Area of Study 3 – Philosophy and Ethics
Option 3A – Catholic Christianity
Page 20 – Question 1
(a) The creation of the universe; the death and resurrection of
Christ; historical and biblical miracles; modern day miracles.
(b) They can redouble their efforts in prayer – maybe including
others or their priest; ask why the healing has not taken
place; trust that God has a plan for the healing.
(c) Science is now able to explain many things not known when
the Bible was written; advances in technology have allowed
scientists much greater insights; they can now see further
into space and more closely at cellular level; this has, for
some, raised questions about the accuracy of the Genesis
creation story.
(d) Many near-death experiences share similarities, supporting
their authenticity; a tunnel, a bright light, seeing their
bodies below them, watching key events from their lives;
sometimes visiting heaven and hell – whilst hearing the voice
of God without seeing Him; these experiences can never
be verified; they are always going to be personal only; in
terms of evidence, they are often only seen as proof by those
who already believe in God; Catholics could argue that the
supernatural shows that there is something beyond this life;
as medical thinking cannot explain near-death experiences, it
strengthens the argument that God is responsible for them.
Page 21 – Question 2
(a) To express love; to declare a commitment; to have sex; to
have children.
(b) Marriage vows are made in church before God; the couple
vow to be together for life; the marriage contract is a legally
binding document; Matthew 19:7–9
(c) Many could argue that equality does not mean parity or
equity; equity would allow both men and women to hold the
same roles; Catholic tradition follows Peter as the first leader
of the Church and males have been the leaders since then;
women have been allowed into many roles in the Church but
leadership has not been one of them; this could be seen as
elevating men above women.
(d) In the UK, a contract is required by law; a registrar or
registered priest has to be present to countersign; the
marriage is not recognised by law without the contract;
a Catholic could argue that promises to God are more
important; the whole service is performed in front of and in
the presence of God; a legal contract can be broken but being
in God’s presence cannot be avoided; the marriage should be
a lifelong commitment and a piece of paper cannot change
this; with the couple being Catholics, they should both value
the vows that they are making; by law, they could remarry
following a divorce but the Catholic Church would not
allow them to remarry; if a non-believer, then the statement
becomes meaningless; to benefit legally from a marriage,
formal documents must be signed.
Paper 3: Area of Study 3 – Philosophy and Ethics
Option 3B – Christianity
Page 22 – Question 1
(a) The creation of the universe; the death and resurrection of
Christ; historical and biblical miracles; modern day miracles.
(b) They can redouble their efforts in prayer – maybe including
others or their priest; they can ask why the healing has not
taken place; trust that God has a plan for the healing.
(c) Science is now able to explain many things not known when
the Bible was written; advances in technology have allowed
scientists much greater insights; they can now see further into
space and more closely at cellular level; this has, for some,
raised questions about the accuracy of the Genesis creation
story.
(d) Many near-death experiences share similarities, supporting
their authenticity; a tunnel, a bright light, seeing their
bodies below them, watching key events from their lives;
sometimes visiting heaven and hell – whilst hearing the voice
of God without seeing Him; these experiences can never
be verified; they are always going to be personal only; in
terms of evidence, they are often only seen as proof by those
who already believe in God; Christians could argue that the
supernatural shows that there is something beyond this life;
as medical thinking cannot explain near-death experiences, it
strengthens the argument that God is responsible for them.
Page 23 – Question 2
(a) To express love; to declare a commitment; to have sex; to
have children.
(b) In a case of abuse; the couple could fall out of love with each
other; they may find that they cannot have children; adultery
(Matthew 19: 7–9).
(c) Many could argue that equality does not mean parity or
equity; equity would allow both men and women to hold
the same roles; Catholic tradition follows Peter as the first
leader of the Church and males have been the leaders since
then; there is much concern with regard to attitudes towards
sexuality in Christianity.
(d) In the UK, a contract is required by law; a registrar or
registered priest has to be present to countersign; the
marriage is not recognised by law without the contract;
a Christian could argue that promises to God are more
important; the whole service is performed in front of and in
the presence of God; a legal contract can be broken but being
in God’s presence cannot be avoided; the marriage should be
a lifelong commitment and a piece of paper cannot change
this; with the couple being Christians, they should both value
the vows that they are making; by law, they could remarry
following a divorce but the Catholic Church would not
allow them to remarry; if a non-believer, then the statement
becomes meaningless; to benefit legally from a marriage,
formal documents must be signed.
Paper 3: Area of Study 3 – Philosophy and Ethics
Option 3C – Islam
Page 24 – Question 1
(a) The creation of the universe; the revelation of the Qur’an to
Muhammad; historical and Qur’anic miracles; modern day
miracles.
(b) They can redouble their efforts in prayer – maybe including
others or their imam; they can ask why the healing has not
taken place; they can trust that Allah has a plan for the
healing.
(c) Science is now able to explain many things not known when
the Qur’an was written; advances in technology have allowed
scientists much greater insights; they can now see further into
space and more closely at cellular level; this has, for some,
raised questions about the accuracy of the Islamic creation
story.
Answers
 Answers

(d) Many near – death experiences share similarities, supporting

their authenticity; a tunnel, a bright light, seeing their
bodies below them, watching key events from their lives;
sometimes visiting heaven and hell – whilst hearing the voice
of Allah without seeing Him; these experiences can never
be verified; they are always going to be personal only; in
terms of evidence, they are often only seen as proof by those
who already believe in Allah; Muslims could argue that the
supernatural shows that there is something beyond this life;
as medical thinking cannot explain near-death experiences, it
strengthens the argument that Allah is responsible for them.

Page 25 – Question 2
(a) To express love; to declare a commitment; to have sex; to
have children.
(b) Marriage vows are made before Allah; the couple vow to be
together for life; the marriage contract is a legally binding
document; divorce is makruh (‘among lawful things, divorce is
most hated by Allah’).
(c) Many could argue that equality does not mean parity or
equity; equity would allow both men and women to hold the
same roles; Muhammad was the first leader of Islam and men
have been the leaders since then in line with this tradition;
women have been allowed into many roles in Islam but
leadership has not been one of them; this could be seen as
elevating men above women.
(d) A contract is required by law; a registrar or registered
imam has to be present to countersign; the marriage is not
recognised by law without the contract; a Muslim could argue
that promises to Allah are more important; the whole service
is performed in front of and in the presence of Allah; a legal
contract can be broken but being in Allah’s presence cannot
be avoided; the marriage should be a lifelong commitment
and a piece of paper cannot change this; with the couple
being Muslims, they should both value the vows that they are
making; some mosques may be unwilling to remarry either of
a divorced couple.

GCSE Religious Studies