Exam Walk-Through

GCSE Religious Studies.

Route B Component 1: Foundational

Catholic Theology
 What you should have in front of you:
• A copy of the 2019 examination paper
• A black or blue pen
• A couple of highlighter pens
• A watch/phone
• Access to the Online Exam Review site
• Access to the Principal Examiner’s report
for this paper
• Access to the marking bands
• Access to the mark scheme
 What this exam paper is all about:
• This paper is Route B Component 1
• It is testing two Assessment Objectives: AO1 –
knowledge and understanding.
• AO2 – analysis and evaluation.
• The paper is made up of two sections with 2
questions, 1st question (2xa. 2xb. 2xc. and
d+spag). 2nd question (a. b. c. 2xd)
• The a., b. and c. questions test AO1
• The d. questions test AO2
• The exam lasts for 1 1/2 hours.
 What should I do first?
Read the front cover of the exam paper.
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Use black ink or black ball-point pen. Do not use gel pen. Do not use correction fluid.
Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the spaces at the top of this
page.
Answer all questions.

Write your answers in the spaces provided in this booklet. If you run out of space, use
the additional page(s) at the back of the booklet taking care to number the question(s)
correctly.

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

The number of marks is given in brackets at the end of each question or part-question.
Your ability to spell, punctuate and use accurate grammar is assessed in question
1(d).
You are expected to use specialist terminology accurately and make reference to
sources of religious wisdom and authority (including religious texts) where relevant.
 What should I do first?

*Put your name, centre number and candidate

number on the front cover of the paper.
*Make a decision about the order in which you
are going to answer. Some candidates answer
each question as it comes, but some answer, for
example, all of the d. questions first and then the
c. questions etc. There is no right or wrong way
to do this, but have a plan!
*Take a few deep breaths and a drink of water…
and then open the exam paper!
 How do I tackle the a. Questions?
Question a.: Skill being tested – AO1 – knowledge and understanding – defining
Key Concepts
Time for answering: 2 Minutes (worth 2 marks)
How do I get full marks: Give a definition of the meaning of the Key Concept
without just repeating the word. If possible, give an example of how that word is
used within the context of the topic you’ve been studying.

(a) What do Catholics mean by ‘inspiration’? [2] From ‘ Origins and

Meaning - Theme 1
(b) What do Catholics mean by ‘incarnation’? [2] From ‘Good & Evil’ -
Theme 2
The definitions of these Key Concepts are given in a Glossary.
Look up the definitions of these two Key Concepts. Now close the link.

Define each of these two Key Concepts in your own words. Give
yourself two minutes for each.
 How do I tackle the b. Questions?
The b. Questions will always ask you to describe an
idea, event, ceremony, building, belief, teaching,
view, attitude etc.

What does ‘describe’ mean?

• To give an account of something
• To report/relate
• To outline
• To give the details of something

Look at the marking bands for the b. questions. Read

the criteria for each band.
 Before you begin……think ‘BUG’
B – BOX (or highlight) the ‘command’ word (the word that tells you which
skill is being assessed)
U – UNDERLINE (or highlight in a different colour) the focus of the
question
G – As you answer, GLANCE back at the question every now and again to
make sure you haven’t drifted from the point
(b) Describe two ways in which the work of Cafod reflects Catholic
teaching about human dignity. [5] From Origins and Meaning – Theme 1
(b) Describe two of the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary. [5] From Good
and Evil – Theme 2
(b) Describe two ways in which the work of Cafod reflects Catholic
teaching about human dignity. [5] From Origins and Meaning – Theme 1
(b) Describe two of the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary. [5] From Good
and Evil – Theme 2
Assess your own answers…..
 How do I tackle the c. Questions?

The c. Questions of Component 1 are different from the c. Questions on the

Component 2 or Component 3 exam papers. In Component 1 you are asked
to consider TWO RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES.

(c) Explain from either Catholic Christianity and Judaism or two Christian
traditions, beliefs about abortion . [8] From Origins and Meaning – Theme 1

(c) Explain from either Catholic Christianity and Judaism or two Christian
traditions, beliefs about One God in three persons (Trinity). [8] From Good and
Evil – Theme 2

BUT….before you start answering these in the same way you answered the
b. Questions…..STOP! THINK! EXPLAIN IS NOT LIKE DESCRIBE!
 What is meant by ‘explain’?

The c. Questions will always ask you to explain an idea, event, action,
ceremony, building, belief, teaching, view, attitude etc.

What does ‘explain’ mean?

• To make clear by giving more detail
• To clarify
• To go beyond description and offer more depth
• To reveal the reasons behind something

DESCRIBE + ‘WHY’ + ‘BECAUSE’ = EXPLAIN

 Example of how describe becomes explain

If you were asked to describe, for example, St Augustine’s teaching about the origin of
the universe, you might include the following:
God created heaven and earth out of nothing (ex nihilo)
Before God created the heavens and the earth, nothing other than God existed
God is good and greater than the created universe…….

BUT if you were asked to explain why St Augustine’s teaching about the universe was
important to Catholics, the answer would include lots of ‘because’ as you try and
explain why it is important. You might include the following:
Because it explains Catholic beliefs about God being omnipotent or all powerful and so
beyond full human understanding.
Because it celebrates God as creator and provider to human kind, and with this brings
responsibility to humans to care for the environment God has given.
Because it reminds Catholics about the importance of the beliefs found in the Bible
and the symbolic truths that are revealed studied over time.
Know the assessment requirements
 DON’T FORGET TO BUG!
You have 16 minutes to answer these two c. questions (8 minutes each):

(c) Explain from either Catholic Christianity and Judaism or two Christian
traditions, beliefs about abortion . [8] From Origins and Meaning – Theme 1

(c) Explain from either Catholic Christianity and Judaism or two Christian
traditions, beliefs about One God in three persons (Trinity). [8] From Good and Evil
– Theme 2
When you have finished, look at the marking scheme for these questions and
compare with your answers. How do yours compare? Remember, you don’t
need to include all of the points and you might even include different points
that are equally valid.
(c) Explain from either Catholic Christianity and Judaism or two Christian
traditions, beliefs about abortion . [8] From Origins and Meaning – Theme 1

(c) Explain from either Catholic Christianity and Judaism or two Christian
traditions, beliefs about One God in three persons (Trinity). [8] From Good
and Evil – Theme 2
 How do I tackle the d. Questions?

The d. Questions test your ability to analyse and evaluate. They give you the
opportunity to write much longer answers and they are worth a lot of marks – 15
(21 marks with Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar for Question 1d.)
What does ‘analyse’ mean?
• To examine
• To scrutinise
• To probe or investigate
• To take part or break down
What does ‘evaluate’ mean?
• To assess, argue or judge the worth of something
• To measure or weigh up
• To appraise or assess the value of something
• To pass judgement on how valid something is
Assessment Requirements for the d.
Questions
Origins and meaning ONLY
Consideration of non –religious
beliefs, such as those held by
humanists and atheists.
 Prepare your ideas and your arguments

(d) ‘Jesus was no more than a very good man’ From Good and Evil – Theme 2
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one
point of view.
(You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) [15]
Before you begin to answer, you may wish to gather your thoughts together in a mini
mind-map like this:
 Master the Use of Connectives
(d) ‘Jesus was no more than a very good man’ From Good and Evil – Theme 2
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view.
(You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) [15]

CONNECTIVES THAT LINK SIMILAR IDEAS CONNECTIVES THAT SHOW A DIFFERENT OR

ALTERNATIVE IDEA

ALSO HOWEVER

FURTHERMORE ON THE OTHER HAND

MOREOVER ALTERNATIVELY

IN ADDITION TO IN CONTRAST TO

SIMILARLY HAVING SAID THAT

 Mind-map + Connectives = A Successfully Argued
Response
(d) ‘Jesus was no more than a very good man’ From Good and Evil – Theme 2
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of
view.
(You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) [15]

Go back to your mind-map for the ideas you want to discuss and then look at the
connectives. Use the connectives on the left to connect similar idea/arguments and
the ones on the right to connect alternative ideas or counter arguments. This is an
example:
Scripture - FURTHERMORE – miracles
IN ADDITION TO – Jesus’ teaching THEREFORE People can be influenced to change
ON THE OTHER HAND – no proof SIMILARLY different views about the Bible
interpretation
HAVING SAID THAT - incarnation – MOREOVER – resurrection– ALTERNATIVELY -
no scientific proof
 EXAMPLE RESPONSE
(d.) ‘Jesus was no more than a very good man’ [15]
Example response

KEY: HIGHLIGHTED WORDS ARE CONNECTIVES

WORDS IN RED ARE EXAMPLES OF SPECIALIST LANGUAGE
WORDS IN GREEN ARE EXAMPLES OF SOURCES OF WISDOM AND AUTHORITY

This is a statement that many Catholics would not agree with. They would argue that the Scripture
teaches the importance of Jesus, and his incarnation, for example the Prologue to John’s Gospel speaks
of the word being God and the word becoming flesh, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God… The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” FURTHERMORE, Christians
believe that Jesus performed miracles, for example ‘the healing of the blind man’ proving that he was
more than just a good man. This is a strong argument as it shows a good example for religious people
to follow, being inspired by the word of God in the New Testament. The ultimate miracle was his
resurrection, which is central to belief, Catholics are influenced by this belief in the celebration of the
Eucharist at Mass, this would not be possible if he was just a just a good man.
HOWEVER, all the evidence in the New Testament relies on a belief that the scriptures are inspired,
which itself cannot be proven. Many people would argue that surely you don’t have to follow a belief
ON THE OTHER HAND, many religious believers would argue that the idea of Jesus being an equal
aspect of God in the Trinity is supported by St Paul in Philippians where he speaks of Jesus
emptying himself to become a human being, ‘he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of
a servant, being made in human likeness’ SIMILARLY, St Paul talks of Jesus being ‘Exalted to the
highest place and gave him the name that is above every name’ showing belief that Jesus was
more than just a good man.
HAVING SAID THAT, many other people, including some other religious groups that accept the
authority of the Bible reject the idea that Jesus is God, so the scriptures must allow for other
interpretations MOREOVER, as believe that Jesus as God is not possible if there is only one God.
ALTERNATIVELY, many, including non religious people such as humanists, would say that, despite
the arguments, would question the existence of Jesus due to not believing in God and a religion.
NOTICE THAT THE ANSWER FLOWS LIKE A DISCUSSION! YOU CAN ALMOST IMAGINE PEOPLE IN
A ROOM ARGUING THESE IDEAS! THIS AVOIDS A SIMPLE ‘FOR’ AND ‘AGAINST’ STRUCTURE
WHICH CAN END UP READING LIKE TWO BLOCKS OF EXPLANATION RATHER THAN AN
EVALUATION OF THE STATEMENT.
 Have a go…..

(d) ‘Suffering makes you a better person’ From ‘Good and Evil – Theme
2
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view.
(You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) [15]

PLAN OF ATTACK:
SCRIBBLE DOWN YOUR IDEAS IN A MIND-MAP: ideas that support the statement and ideas
that don’t support the statement
LOOK AT THE CONNECTIVES CHART & TRY AND SEE WHERE THEY WOULD FIT BEST
IN-BETWEEN THE IDEAS IN YOUR MIND MAP.

ANSWER THE QUESTION IN 15 MINUTES

 Have a go…..

(d) ‘Suffering makes you a better person’ From ‘Good and Evil – Theme 2
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view.
(You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) [15]
 Top Tips Summary
 Turn on the news feed on your phone! Religious and ethical issues are always in the
news and you can use appropriate examples in your answers
 Try to make connections between the different Components you are studying.
 Have a copy of the specification content in your file and tick off each section of
content as you cover it (use this to revise too!).
 Use past paper questions and mark schemes to practise (time yourself as you
answer each type of question). Look at marked examples on the OER site.
 In the exam, consider answering the d. questions first
 If you can, get your own copy of the main text-book and/or revision guide
 Use the free digital resources on the Eduqas website:
https://resources.eduqas.co.uk/Pages/ResourceByArgs.aspx?subId=26&lvlId=2. Resources titled
‘Skillsbuilders’ may be of particular benefit
 Look at the animated video that explains the assessment requirements:
http://resource.download.wjec.co.uk.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/vtc/2018-19/18-19_2.8/GCSE_RS-s
witcher_animation.mp4
 Consider ‘building’ your d. answers with a mind-map + connectives before you begin
to answer them.
Any Questions?
Do you have any further questions
about this exam?
Ask your Teacher or e-mail
[email protected]