Nature of Religion and Beliefs:

CSSA Preliminary Past Papers

CHECKPOINTS 
 

Year Question Marks Syllabus Page #

2010 11 Immanent and transcendent worldviews 1

2008 11 Characteristics of religion 3

2014 11 Characteristics of religion - rituals and 7

ceremonies

2012 11 Characteristics interact.. dynamic, living religion 9

2009 11 Contribution of religion 11

2013 11 Nature of the Dreaming 15

2011 11 Importance of the Dreaming 17

2015 11 Importance of land to Dreaming 19

Total /5

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Section I (continued)

Attempt Question 11

Answer the question in the space provided.

Question 11 (5 marks) Marks

Using examples, compare immanent and transcendent religious world views. 5

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 NSW INDEPENDENT TRIAL EXAMS – 2010
STUDIES OF RELIGION I – YR 11 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
MARKING GUIDELINES
Section I
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
D C A B A D B B D C

Question 11
Criteria Marks
• Provides a comprehensive comparison of immanent and transcendent religious worldviews
5
• Uses appropriate examples
• Provides a comparison of immanent and transcendent religious worldviews 3–4
• Provides some information about immanent and transcendent religious worldviews 1–2
Answer may include: For example:
• Immanence refers to the theory of a divine presence or essence manifested in and through all aspects of the
material world. It suggests that the spiritual world permeates the non-spiritual.
• Transcendence refers to a state of being that surpasses physical existence and may be independent of the
physical world. It contrasts with the idea of God existing exclusively in the physical world (immanentism) or
the idea that God or the absolute is inseparable from the physical world (pantheism).

Section II
Buddhism - Question 1(a)
Criteria Marks
• Provides an accurate outline of the practice of puja in the home 3–4
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include: Personal devotion involves making an offering to a sacred object (e.g. a statue or image of
Buddha). The offering may be flowers or fruits. The offering is made while bowing and reciting traditional
chants. This is followed by bowing or prostrating oneself to the triple gems. Kneeling with palms together held
before the heart, one intones chants, paying homage to the Buddha, taking the three Refuges and undertaking the
five Precepts.

Question 1(b)
Criteria Marks
• Provides a comprehensive description of how the sacred texts of Buddhism demonstrate the
principle beliefs of Buddhism 5
• Provides several appropriate examples
• Provides a description of how the sacred texts of Buddhism demonstrate the principle beliefs
of Buddhism 3–4
• Provides some appropriate examples
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include:
• Tibetan Book of the Dead:
o Bardo Thodol
o Death and rebirth
• Lotus of the Good Law:
o Buddha is an eternal entity, who achieved nirvana eons ago, but willingly chose to remain in the cycle of
rebirth
o Skillful means
o The seventh paramita or perfection of a bodhisattva
• Tripitaka
• The Three Jewels
o Buddha
o Dharma
o Sangha
• The Four Noble Truths
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Section I (continued)

Answer Question 11 in the space provided.

Question 11 (5 marks) Marks

Using examples outline the characteristics common to religions. 5

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End of Section I

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 NSW INDEPENDENT TRIAL EXAMS – 2008
STUDIES OF RELIGION I – YR 11 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
MARKING GUIDELINES
Section I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
B B D C A B C D A C

Question 11
Criteria Marks
• Outlines characteristics common to religions: beliefs sacred, texts, ethics and rituals.
5
• Provides an example for each.
• Identifies characteristics – beliefs, sacred texts, ethics and rituals.
3–4
• Provides some example(s).
• Provides some information about characteristics of religions 1–2

Section II
Question 1(a)
Criteria Marks
• Correctly identifies ONE Buddhist ritual – puja.
• Provides an outline of the stages of this personal devotion in the home. 3–4
• Highlights individual variations where appropriate.
• Correctly identifies ONE Buddhist ritual – puja.
1–2
• Provides general or inaccurate details of the devotion.

Question 1(b)
Criteria Marks
• Correctly outlines ONE Buddhist ethical teaching.
• Explains the importance of the teaching in the lives of contemporary Buddhists. 4–5
• Clearly links the ethical teaching to the lives of believers.
• Correctly Identifies ONE Buddhist ethical teaching.
• Outlines the importance of the teaching in the lives of contemporary Buddhists. 2–3
• Makes a general link to the lives of believers.
• Provides some information about the importance of the teaching in the lives of contemporary
1
Buddhists.

Question 1(c)
Criteria Marks
• Clearly identifies the time period and focus of the first TWO councils.
5–6
• Sophisticated explanation of the importance of the councils.
• Identifies the time period and focus of the first TWO councils.
3–4
• General explanation of the importance of the councils.
• General description of ONE of the councils. 1–2

Question 2(a)
Criteria Marks
• Clearly identifies at least TWO examples of personal prayer for Christians.
• Accurately describes the features of these prayer rituals. 3–4
• Highlights individual variations.
• Identifies ONE – TWO examples of personal prayer for Christians.
1–2
• Provides general information about prayers.

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2008 Sample Answers

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Section I (continued)

Attempt Question 11

Answer the question in the space provided. This space provides guidance for the expected
length of response.

Question 11 (5 marks) Marks

Using examples, explain the place of rituals and ceremonies in religion. 5

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 NSW INDEPENDENT TRIAL EXAMS – 2014
STUDIES OF RELIGION I – YR 11 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
MARKING GUIDELINES

Section I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
D B A C D C A D B A

Question 11
Criteria Marks
• Provides a comprehensive explanation of the place of rituals and ceremonies in religion
5
• Provides relevant examples
• Provides an explanation of the place of rituals and ceremonies in religion
3–4
• Provides relevant examples
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include: Rituals and ceremonies can give a religious community an event around which to gather.
They can be celebrations of remembrance of important events within the religion, or celebrations of initiation
into the religion. Rituals and ceremonies galvanise the religious community and bring believers closer. Examples
within Catholicism include Sunday Mass, Good Friday service, Easter Sunday, baptism, confirmation, first
communion.

Section II

Buddhism
Question 1(a)
Criteria Marks
• Provides an outline of the FOUR Noble Truths 4
• Provides an outline of THREE of the Noble Truths 3
• Provides an outline of TWO of the Noble Truths 2
• Provides an outline of ONE of the Noble Truths 1
Answer may include:
• The truth of dukkha (suffering, anxiety, unsatisfactoriness)
• The truth of the origin of dukkha
• The truth of the cessation of dukkha
• The truth of the path leading to the cessation of dukkha

Question 1(b)
Criteria Marks
• Provides a brief and effective description of the core ethical teachings of Buddhism 5
• Provides a brief and limited description of the core ethical teachings of Buddhism 3–4
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include: The Five Precepts; the Vinaya

Question 1(c)
Criteria Marks
• Provides a comprehensive discussion of the importance of Buddhist sacred texts and writings 5–6
• Provides a discussion of the importance of Buddhist sacred texts and writings 3–4
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include:
• Tripitaka
• Lotus of the Good Law
• Tibetan Book of the Dead

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Section I (continued)

Attempt Question 11

Answer the question in the space provided. This space provides guidance for the expected
length of response.

Question 11 (5 marks) Marks

For a religion to be dynamic, the characteristics and traditions must be versatile and relevant
in current society.

Justify this statement. 5

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 NSW INDEPENDENT TRIAL EXAMS – 2012
STUDIES OF RELIGION I – YR 11 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
MARKING GUIDELINES
Section I – Part A

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C A D B D B D C A B

Criteria Marks
• Provides an effective justification of the statement
5
• Refers to several examples from various traditions to illustrate the response
• Provides a justification of the statement
3–4
• Refers to examples
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include: How the characteristics of religion interact to create a dynamic, living religion, e.g.
• Beliefs and believers
• Sacred texts and writings
• Ethics
• Rituals and ceremonies
The relevance of these characteristics, and their interactions, in current society

Section II

Buddhism
Question 1(a)
Criteria Marks
• Provides an accurate outline of the principal beliefs of Buddhism 4
• Provides an outline of some of the principal beliefs of Buddhism 3
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include:
• The Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma, Sangha
• The Four Noble Truths
• The Marks of Existence – Anicca, Duhkka, Anatta
• Karma, Samsara, Nirvana

Question 1(b)
Criteria Marks
• Provides an in-depth description of how puja is celebrated in the home 5
• Provides a description of how puja is celebrated in the home 3–4
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include:
• Bows – gestures of homage and humility
• Offerings – flowers, fruits, chocolate,etc
• Chanting – e.g. paying homage to the Buddha

Question 1(c)
Criteria Marks
• Provides a comprehensive description of how sacred texts demonstrate the principal beliefs of
5–6
Buddhism
• Provides a description of how sacred texts demonstrate the principal beliefs of Buddhism 3–4
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include: Specific reference to: Tripitaka; Lotus of the Good Law; Tibetan Book of the Dead

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Section I (continued)
Attempt Question 11

Answer the question in the space provided.

Question 11 (5 marks) Marks

Using examples, describe the contribution of religion to individuals OR society and culture. 5
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 NSW INDEPENDENT TRIAL EXAMS – 2009
STUDIES OF RELIGION I – YR 11 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
MARKING GUIDELINES
Section I
Part A
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C A B D C A A C D A

Question 11
Criteria Marks
• Provides a comprehensive description of the contribution of religion to individuals OR society
and culture. 5
• Provides several detailed and relevant examples.
• Provides a description of contribution of religion to individuals OR society and culture.
3–4
• Provides relevant examples.
Provides some relevant information about the contribution of religion to individuals OR society
1–2
and culture.
Answer may include:
• Individual – inner peace, feeling of community and belonging, sense of purpose, etc.
• Society and culture – common goal of community, inspiration for culture e.g. artwork, literature, music,
ethics, etc.

Section II
Question 1(a)
Criteria Marks
Provides an accurate outline of the unique features of ONE type of Buddhism. 4
Provides an outline of the unique features of ONE type of Buddhism. 2–3
Provides some relevant information. 1
Answer may include: Theravada Buddhism; Mahayana Buddhism; Vajrayana Buddhism.

Question 1(b)
Criteria Marks
Provides an accurate outline of TWO principal beliefs of Buddhism. 5
Provides an outline of TWO principal beliefs of Buddhism. 3–4
Provides some relevant information. 1–2
Answer may include: The Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma, Sangha; The Four Noble Truths; The Marks of
Existence – Anicca, Huhkka, Anatta; Karma, Samsara, Nirvana.

Question 1(c)
Criteria Marks
Provides a comprehensive description of the principal events of the Buddha’s life. 5–6
Provides a description of the principal events of the Buddha’s life. 3–4
Provides some relevant information. 1–2
Answer may include:
• Conception and birth; • Formation of the Sangha;
• Early life and marriage’; • Travels and teaching;
• Departure and Ascetic Life; • Death/Mahaparinirvana.
• Enlightenment;

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2009 Sample Answers

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Section I (continued)

Attempt Question 11

Answer the question in the space provided. This space provides guidance for the expected
length of response.

Question 11 (5 marks) Marks

Outline the nature of the Dreaming. 5

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 NSW INDEPENDENT TRIAL EXAMS – 2013
STUDIES OF RELIGION I – YR 11 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
MARKING GUIDELINES

Section I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
D C A B D C C A B B

Question 11
Criteria Marks
• Provides an accurate outline of many aspects of the Dreaming 5
• Provides an outline of some aspects of the Dreaming 3–4
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include:
• Origin of the universe
• Sacred sites
• Stories of the Dreaming
• Symbolism and art
The Dreaming touches on all parts of life – land, art, rituals, songs, languages, mythology, social structure,
relationships, division of labour, people, technology, hunting and gathering, plants, animals, totemic sites, spirit
beings, celestial bodies, sacred objects and territorial rights.

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Section I (continued)

Attempt Question 11

Answer the question in the space provided.

Question 11 (5 marks) Marks

Describe the importance of the Dreaming to Aboriginal people. 5

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 NSW INDEPENDENT TRIAL EXAMS – 2011
STUDIES OF RELIGION I – YR 11 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
MARKING GUIDELINES
Section I
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C D C B A B A C D B

Question 11
Criteria Marks
• Provides a comprehensive description of the importance of the Dreaming to Aboriginal people 5
• Describes the importance of the Dreaming to Aboriginal people 3–4
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include:
• Origins of the universe
• Sacred sites
• Stories of the Dreaming
• Symbolism and art
• Totems
• How these things impact on the identity of Aboriginal people
• The connection of the Dreaming the land and Aboriginal identity

Section II
Buddhism
Question 1(a)
Criteria Marks
• Provides an accurate outline of the early formation of the Sangha 3–4
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include:
• Community of disciples
• Part of the three jewels (along with Dharma and Buddha) where people take refuge
• Buddha and five companions with whom he had sought enlightenment formed the first Sangha
• 1st Buddhist council (5th c. BCE), 2nd Buddhist council (4th c. BCE)

Question 1(b)
Criteria Marks
• Provides a comprehensive description of the key events in Buddha’s life 5
• Provides a description of the key events in Buddha’s life 3–4
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include:
• Conception and birth • Formation of the Sangha
• Early life (sheltered from human suffering) and marriage • Travels and teaching
• Departure and ascetic life • Death/Mahaparinirvana
• Enlightenment (discovery of the middle way)

Question 1(c)
Criteria Marks
• Provides a comprehensive discussion of the importance of Buddhist ethical teachings to the
5–6
lives of adherents
• Provides a discussion of the importance of Buddhist ethical teachings to the lives of adherents 3–4
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Question 1(c) continues on the next page

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Section I (continued)

Attempt Question 11

Answer the question in the space provided. This space provides guidance for the expected
length of response.

Question 11 (5 marks) Marks

Explain the importance of the land to the Dreaming and Aboriginal spirituality. 5
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 NSW INDEPENDENT TRIAL EXAMS – 2015
STUDIES OF RELIGION I – YR 11 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
MARKING GUIDELINES

Section I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C A B C D B B A B D

Question 11
Criteria Marks
• Provides a comprehensive explanation of the importance of land in relation to the Dreaming
and Aboriginal spirituality 5
• May provide an example
• Provides an explanation of the importance of land in relation to the Dreaming and Aboriginal
3–4
spirituality
• Provides some relevant information 1–2
Answer may include: To Indigenous people land has a spiritual value and cannot be owned, traded or sold.
Totems and spiritual ancestors have an intrinsic connection to the land where they originate and have created the
land. Thus, the Aboriginal physical and spiritual world is inextricably connected to the land through the bridging
of sacred sites connected to the landscape. Different ‘nations’ (tribes) may have different and unique sacred sites
on their land due to the differing landscapes. Example may include: Uluru as a dwelling place of sacred spirits.

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 SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS Attacking the Question

1. Read the question carefully.

2. Attack the question
3. Write a succinct (short and to the point) answer.
4. Remember: the score and the number of lines
allowed for a response indicates how many
points need to be made in your answer and how
much content is necessary.

Think through the steps that you take

But…
during an exam…
What are key words?
Which words are more important than others?
Are the NESA terms key words?
Do I need to read the quote before the question?
What do I do when every word looks like it’s important?

Identifying parts of the question INSTRUCTION WORDS

❑ Task or instruction words Instruction words tell you how to: Examples:

❑ approach the topic •Discuss

•Explain
❑ Words that relate to the subject area being
❑ the type of question you are required •Analyse
studied or topic words •Describe
to answer •How
❑ The limiting words •Why
❑ can usually be found in the HSC list •How well does this
of terms statement
 TOPIC WORDS LIMITING WORDS
Topic words define the subject matter or content that you will
Limiting words limit the question.
to cover in your answer.
They set the boundaries that you shouldn’t go past
Examples:
in your answer, but they can sometimes be
• contribution of religion to society
forgotten in the rush to start writing.
• the relationship between the aspects in the diagram and
the way they contribute to Christianity as a living religion
Examples:
• at least TWO
• Using examples
• With reference to the quotation