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Improving sample responses
Let's start with something simple.
Read the questions and decide which of the two answers is best.
How many marks would you award each answer?
Click on your selection before revealing the suggested response.
Scroll through the questions using the arrows.
What is meant by 'sin'? [2]
A sin is a bad act.
A very simple definition – 1 mark would be awarded.
A sin is an act of wrongdoing, such as murder, that goes against God.
A developed and specific definition – 2 marks would be awarded.
What is meant by 'morality'? [2]
This is when people have morals.
An extremely general response suggesting the candidate does not know the meaning – 0 marks.
This is a code of right and wrong e.g. what are good and bad actions, for example, some people believe that killing is always wrong according to their ideas about morality.
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Marking Bands
Band
Band Descriptor
Mark Total
3
An excellent, coherent description showing awareness and insight into the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept.
Uses a range of appropriate religious/specialist language and terms and, where relevant, sources of wisdom and authority, extensively, accurately and appropriately.
4-5
2
A good, generally accurate description showing awareness and understanding of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept.
Uses religious/specialist language and terms and, where relevant, sources of wisdom and authority generally accurately.
2-3
1
A limited statement of information about the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept.
Uses religious/specialist language and terms and, where relevant, sources of wisdom and authority in a limited way.
1
0
No relevant information provided.
0
Marking Bands
Band
Band Descriptor
Mark Total
4
An excellent, highly detailed explanation showing awareness and insight into the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept.
Uses a range of religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.
7-8
3
A very good, explanation showing awareness of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept.
Uses a range of religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority accurately and appropriately.
5-6
2
A satisfactory explanation showing some awareness of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept.
Uses religious/specialist language, terms and/or sources of wisdom and authority with some accuracy
3-4
1
A limited explanation showing little awareness of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept.
Uses religious/specialist language, terms and/or sources of wisdom and authority in a limited way and with little accuracy
1-2
0
No relevant information provided.
0
Now look at these longer answers.
Use the key to highlight the parts of the answer that address the assessment criteria. Then decide what mark you would award the answer before revealing the feedback. The marking bands are available for reference.
Scroll through the questions using the arrows.
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
Describe how Jewish women might worship differently to men. [5]
In the Orthodox Jewish traditions women will usually sit apart from men in the synagogue. Also, women will not usually be allowed to read from the Sefer Torah during prayers. During prayers men are expected to cover their heads for worship but unmarried women do not need to. There are other duties that only apply to men; men are obliged to wear tefillin for worship and to pray three times a day but women are not. This is interpreted from the Torah teaching ‘A man’s attire shall not be on a woman’. Tefillin is considered a man’s attire and in studies of the Torah by scholars, this teaching is given as the reason why women should not wear it. The main religious duties for a Jewish woman are in the home – especially to bring in Shabbat by lighting candles.
In the Orthodox Jewish traditions women will usually sit apart from men in the synagogue. Also, women will not usually be allowed to read from the Sefer Torah during prayers. During prayers men are expected to cover their heads for worship but unmarried women do notneed to. There are other duties that only apply to men; men are obliged to weartefillin for worship and to pray three times a day but women are not.This is interpreted from theTorah teaching ‘A man’s attire shall not be on a woman’.Tefillin is considered a man’s attire and in studies of the Torah by scholars, this teaching is given as the reason why women should not wear it. The main religious duties for a Jewish woman are in the home –especially to bring inShabbatby lighting candles.
Meets all of the assessment criteria. An excellent, highly detailed description – 5 marks.
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
Describe how Muslims prepare to pray. [5]
Before they prey, Muslims will always wash themselves in running water. This is called wudu in Arabic. There is a ritual given in the Qur'an for this where they do the same things in the same order every time; washing hands, arms, feet, ears, face and head three times each. They will then look for a clean place to pray. If they are outside, they may use a prayer mat, and if they are in a mosque, it will be carpeted and all shoes must be removed. Before praying, they must also be facing Mecca and they might use a compass to show which direction to face. In a mosque an alcove called a mihrab will show the direction of Mecca. They are then ready to concentrate and focus on prayer.
Before they prey, Muslims will always wash themselves in running water. This is calledwudu in Arabic. There is a ritualgiven in the Qur'an for this where they do the same things in the same order every time; washing hands, arms, feet, ears, face and head three times each.They will then look for a clean place to pray.If they are outside, they may use a prayer mat, and if they are in amosque, it will be carpeted and all shoes must be removed.Before praying, they must also be facingMeccaand they might use a compass to show which direction to face. In a mosque an alcove called a mihrabwill show the direction of Mecca. They are then ready to concentrate and focus on prayer.
Meets all of the assessment criteria. An excellent, highly detailed description – 5 marks.
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
Describe Jewish beliefs about God. [5]
Jewish people believe that there is only one God. It clearly says in the Shema (the declaration of Jewish faith): 'Hear O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one'. Furthermore, Jewish people believe that God is omnipotent and the creator of everything. The Genesis story shows God creating from nothing. Jews also believe that God has given his people laws (mitzvot) to obey in order to live a good life and that, after death, God will judge the lives they have lived.
Jewish people believe that there is only one God. It clearly says in the Shema (the declaration of Jewish faith): 'Hear O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one'.Furthermore, Jewish people believe that God isomnipotentand the creator of everything.The Genesis story shows God creating from nothing.Jews also believe that God has given his people laws(mitzvot)to obey in order to live a good life and that, after death, God will judge the lives they have lived.
Meets all of the assessment criteria. An excellent, highly detailed description – 5 marks.
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
Describe how Jewish women might worship differently to men [5]
In Judaism men and women have a different role and therefore worship differently. Women are naturally more spiritual and don't need guidance. So Jews believe that only men need to wear the tefillin. In the Shema is says that you have to keep God close to your mind and soul. This is interpreted that male Jews wear the teffilin next to their hearts and heads to help them connect with God and become more spiritually focused. Another reason and way Jewish men and women worship differently is their position in the synagogue. In the orthodox synagogues women sit at the top in the gallery and men sit at the bottom in the centre of the synagogue. This is done to stop men and women from getting distracted from their worship.
In Judaism men and women have a different role and therefore worship differently. Women are naturally more spiritual and don't need guidance. So Jews believe that only men need to wear the tefillin. In the Shema is says that you have to keep God close to your mind and soul.This is interpreted that male Jews wear theteffilinnext to their hearts and headsto help them connect with God and become more spiritually focused. Another reason and way Jewish men and women worship differently is their position in the synagogue. In the orthodox synagogueswomen sit at the top in the gallery and men sit at the bottom in the centre of the synagogue.This is done to stop men and women from getting distracted from their worship.
This response can gain credit for the inclusion of tefillin and position of women and men in the synagogue. Use of specialist language is very good.
However, it does contain a lot of explanation and this is at the expense of spending time on describing other points such as the wearing of kippah and tallith (often worn by men but not women) and the gender of the rabbi in different Jewish traditions, minyan, or the role of women in other forms of worship etc. - 3 marks
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
Describe Samatha meditation [5]
Samatha meditation is used to calm and clear the mind and often takes place in preparation for the vippisana meditation. Following what Buddha himself did, Buddhists will often find a comfortable position, such as sitting or kneeling on cushions and focus on a kasina (an object such as a red circle or a bowl of water). Buddhist can meditate at home, where they may have a small shrine, or in a temple with others. They may also focus on an action such as breathing or walking. During meditation, they try and get rid of negative thoughts and focus on thoughts of metta bhavana (loving kindness) to everyone.
Samatha meditation is used to calm and clear the mind and often takes place in preparation for thevippisana meditation. Following what Buddha himself did,Buddhists will often find a comfortable position, such as sitting or kneeling on cushions and focus on akasina(an object such as a red circle or a bowl of water).Buddhist can meditate at home, where they may have a smallshrine,or in atemplewith others.They may also focus on an action such as breathing or walking. During meditation, they try and get rid of negative thoughts and focus on thoughts ofmetta bhavana (loving kindness) to everyone.
This response gives an excellent description of Samatha meditation and meets the criteria for top band. 5 marks
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
Explain why Moses is important in Judaism. [8]
Moses is important in Judaism because God made a covenant with him. Moses was the first in his family to believe in one God. God made a promise to him. God promised him that his followers would be God’s ‘Chosen People’. Moses is important because some Jews believe that they are his descendants and he is the founding father of their religion.
Moses is important in Judaism because God made acovenant with him. Moses was the first in his family to believe in one God. God made a promise to him. God promised him that his followers would be God’s‘Chosen People’. Moses is important because some Jews believe that they are his descendants and he is the founding father of their religion.
Some accuracy but the candidate appears to have confused Moses with Abraham. The response is not 'highly detailed' – 3 marks.
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
Explain why Samatha meditation is important for most Buddhists [8]
Most Buddhists try and meditate regularly. They will choose a quiet place and a comfortable position to do it. Some of them sit cross-legged - this is called the lotus position. They might have a statue of Buddha to remind them of when he meditated*. They might burn incense and chant during it. Buddhists can meditate anywhere and some have a shrine at home. It's a good way to clear the mind and focus on getting rid of negative emotions**. Some Buddhists don't meditate as they feel it can lead to being too self-absorbed.
Most Buddhists try and meditate regularly. They will choose a quiet place and a comfortable position to do it. Some of them sit cross-legged - this is called the lotus position.They might have a statue ofBuddha to remind them of when he meditated*.They might burn incense and chant during it.Buddhists can meditate anywhere and some have ashrineat home.It's a good way to clear the mind and focus on getting rid of negative emotions**.Some Buddhists don't meditate as they feel it can lead to being too self-absorbed.
Notice that there is no use of the word 'because' to explain why Buddhists do these things. This reflects the fact that the candidate has simply described meditation and does not engage with an explanation of why it is important for them, as the question demands. The candidate's knowledge is good, but the response is not focused on the question. credit has been given for specialist language, influence of belief and a hint at an explanation of why they meditate - see here * and here** - 3 marks
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
Explain views about the use of retribution as a form of punishment. [8]
Some conservative Christians would agree with retribution because the bible says "an eye for an eye" and you should be punished for your sins and God punishes people on judgement day by sending you to hell which is an eternity of suffering. However some liberal Christians would say you shouldn’t punish people because God would forgive you and also God's biggest rule is to "treat people how you want to be treated."
Some conservative Christianswould agree with retribution becausethe bible says "an eye for an eye" and you should be punished for yoursins and God punishes people on judgement day by sending you to hell which is an eternity of suffering. However some liberal Christianswould say you shouldn’t punish people becauseGod would forgive you and also God's biggest rule is to "treat people how you want to be treated."
Meets the assessment criteria, but is not a highly detailed explanation. The second paragraph is very limited in that the candidate does not focus on retribution but drifts into a consideration of punishment generally. It is also inaccurate (as most Christians do see the need for punishment) and must, therefore, be ignored – 4 marks.
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
Explain why Moses is important in Judaism. [8]
Moses is important in Judaism because he was the greatest of all Jewish prophets. He was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt after God spoke to him in the form of the Burning Bush. He is also the greatest prophet because during the forty year Exodus in the desert, he received the Torah on Mount Sinai which forms the basis of the laws and obligations (mitzvoth) that Jews follow to this day. The Ten Commandments are the ten most well-known laws of Jewish faith and form the basis of laws all around the world e.g. 'Do not murder', 'Do not steal' etc. Furthermore, Moses continued the Covenant that God had already made with Abraham many years before, when he promised the Israelites a land of their own. Moses led them back to this 'promised land' though he died before they finally got there.
Moses is important in Judaism because he was the greatest of all Jewishprophets. He was chosen by God to leadthe Israelitesout of slavery in Egypt after God spoke to himin the form of the Burning Bush.He is also the greatest prophet because during the forty yearExodus in the desert, he received the Torah on Mount Sinaiwhich forms the basis of the laws and obligations (mitzvoth) that Jews follow to this day.The Ten Commandmentsare the ten most well-known laws of Jewish faith and form the basis of laws all around the world e.g. 'Do not murder', 'Do not steal' etc.Furthermore, Moses continued theCovenantthat God had already made with Abraham many years before, when he promised the Israelites a land of their own. Moses led them back to this'promised land'though he died before they finally gotthere.
Meets all of the assessment criteria. An excellent, highly detailed explanation – 8 marks.
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
From Christianity and Islam, explain views about abortion. [8]
Christians believe abortion should take place for a reason, for example if the mother's or the child's life is at risk. If the woman is raped, anabortion should take place. Some Christians are against abortion.
Muslims are against abortion. They believe "thou shall not kill but only God". This means that if god creates you then only he kills you. Killing is forbidden in Islam. However in circumstances of the mother or child's life is at risk of anything then abortions can take place before 120 days, you have to do it before the soul goes in.
Christiansbelieve abortion should take place for a reason, for example if the mother's or the child's life is at risk. If the woman is raped, anabortion should take place. Some Christians are against abortion.
Muslimsare against abortion. They believe "thou shall not kill but only God". This means that if god creates you then only he kills you. Killing is forbidden inIslam. However in circumstances of the mother or child's life is at risk of anything then abortions can take place before 120 days, you have to do it before thesoul goes in.
The assessment criteria has been met, but the Christian response is very limited and no sources of wisdom/authority have been included. The Muslim response is better and so, taken as a whole – 4 marks
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
Explain Muslim beliefs about the nature of Allah [8]
Muslims believe God is omnipotent (all powerful), omnibenevolent (all loving), omnipresent (all present) and omniscient (all knowing). They believe in Tawhid which means the oneness of God. The Surah 42 says there is one God, he has no children and he is omnipotent. Also, the Shahadah says there is no God, Muhammed is his messenger.'
Muslims believe God isomnipotent (all powerful), omnibenevolent (all loving), omnipresent (all present) and omniscient (all knowing). They believe inTawhidwhich means the oneness of God.The Surah 42says there is one God, he has no children and he is omnipotent.Also, theShahadah says there is no God, Muhammedis his messenger.'
Very good use of religious language and a reference to a source of wisdom. The response is more a description than an explanation and it becomes a response to the question 'describe Muslim beliefs about the one-ness of god'. The specification content includes Allah as merciful, fair, just, immanent, transcendent, so there was more to say. There is an important omission in the final line which has been ignored. 4 marks
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
Explain Muslim beliefs about the nature of Allah [8]
Muslims believe there is only one God (tawhid) because the Shahadah says; 'There is no God but Allah...'. The Shahadah is the first Pillar of Islam and a fundamental belief that comes from the Qur'an. Muslims also think that Allah is omnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent and omnipresent because the Qur'an teaches that he created the world and humans, knows all, and loves his creation. The Qur'an also tells Muslims that Muslims believe Allah is just and will judge our lives when we die, but he is also merciful and will forgive us if we are truly sorry.
Muslims believe there is only one God (tawhid) because the Shahadah says; 'There is no God but Allah...'. TheShahadah is the first Pillar of Islamand a fundamental belief that comes from the Qur'an. Muslims also think that Allah isomnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent and omnipresentbecause theQur'an teachesthat he created the world and humans, knows all, and loves his creation.The Qur'analso tells Muslims thatMuslims believe Allah is just and will judge our lives when we die,but he is also merciful and will forgive us if we are truly sorry.
A better explanation (see the use of the word 'because' - underlined). Very good use of religious language and references to sources of authority. The response incorporates a number of beliefs about the nature of god – 7 marks
Key
Specialist Language
Sources of wisdom
Knowledge and Understanding
Influence of Belief
From two different religions or two religious traditions, explain views about capital punishment [8]
Some Conservative Christians, such as Evangelicals, agree with capital punishment because the Bible says 'an eye for an eye, a life for a life'. Furthermore, the Old Testament teaches that the death penalty should be used for some crimes (such as adultery). Jesus never actually stated that the death penalty was wrong and, in the Middle Ages, the Church actually used it to punish those who challenged the Church. These Christians would say that some crimes are so dreadful that only the ultimate punishment will do.
Many Liberal Christians, such as liberal Protestants, disagree with capital punishment because the Bible also says 'Do not kill' and Jesus taught that revenge was wrong; 'turn the other cheek and pray for those who persecute you'. Plus, it goes against the sanctity of life belief within Christianity because we are made in God's image and only God has the right to give life and take it away. These Christians believe that Jesus came to earth to save and reform people, this can't be done with the death penalty. The overall message of Christianity is love and forgiveness, and capital punishment goes against this.
Some Conservative Christians, such as Evangelicals, agree with capital punishment because the Bible says 'an eye for an eye, a life for a life'. Furthermore, the Old Testament teaches that the death penalty should be used for some crimes (such as adultery).Jesus never actually stated that the death penalty was wrongand, in the Middle Ages, the Church actually used it to punish those who challenged the Church. These Christians would say that some crimes are so dreadful that only the ultimate punishment will do.
Many Liberal Christians, such as liberal Protestants, disagree with capital punishment because the Bible also says 'Do not kill' and Jesus taught that revenge was wrong; 'turn the other cheek and pray for those who persecute you'. Plus, it goes against the sanctity of life belief within Christianity because we are made in God's image and only God has the right to give life and take it away.These Christians believe that Jesus came to earth tosave and reformpeople, this can't be done with the death penalty.The overall message of Christianity is love and forgiveness, and capital punishment goes against this.
All of the marking band criteria have been met. The response is highly detailed in the time allowed. 8 marks
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Marking Bands
Band
Band Descriptor
Mark Total
4
An excellent, highly detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on comprehensive and accurate knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning.
Clear and well supported judgements are formulated and a comprehensive range of different and/or alternative viewpoints are considered.
Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately, appropriately and in detail.
12-15
3
A very good, detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on thorough and accurate knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning.
Judgements are formulated with support and a balanced range of different and/or alternative viewpoints are considered.
Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority accurately, appropriately and in detail.
8-11
2
A satisfactory analysis and evaluation of the issue based on some accurate knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning.
Some judgements are formulated and some different and/or alternative viewpoints are considered.
Uses and interprets some religious/specialist language, terms and/or sources of wisdom and authority with some accuracy.
4-7
1
A weak analysis and evaluation of the issue based on limited and/or inaccurate knowledge of religion, religious teaching and/or moral reasoning.
A limited and/or poor attempt or no attempt to formulate judgements or offer different and/or alternative viewpoints.
Poor use or no use of religious/specialist language, terms and/or sources of wisdom and authority.
1-3
0
No relevant point of view stated.
0
Marking Bands
Band
Band Descriptor
Mark Total
4
An excellent, highly detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on comprehensive and accurate knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning.
An excellent, highly detailed consideration of non-religious beliefs, such as those held by humanists and atheists.
Clear and well supported judgements are formulated and a comprehensive range of different and/or alternative viewpoints are considered.
Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately, appropriately and in detail.
12-15
3
A very good, detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on through and accurate knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning.
A very good, detailed consideration of non-religious beliefs, such as those held by humanists and atheists.
Judgements are formulated with support and a balanced range of different and/or alternative viewpoints are considered.
Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority accurately, appropriately and in detail.
8-11
2
A satisfactory analysis and evaluation of the issue based on some accurate knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning.
A satisfactory, reasonably detailed consideration of non-religious beliefs, such as those held by humanists and atheists.
Some judgements are formulated and some different and/or alternative viewpoints are considered.
Uses and interprets some religious/specialist language, terms and/or sources of wisdom and authority with some accuracy.
4-7
1
A weak analysis and evaluation of the issue, based on limited and/or inaccurate knowledge of religion, religious teaching and/or moral reasoning.
A very basic consideration or no consideration of non-religious beliefs, such as those held by humanists and atheists.
A limited and/or poor attempt or no attempt to formulate judgements or offer different and/or alternative viewpoints.
Poor use or no use, of religious/specialist language, terms and/or sources of wisdom and authority.
1-3
0
No relevant point of view stated.
0
Now for 15 marks questions.
Use the key to highlight the parts of the answer that address the assessment criteria. Then decide what mark you would award the answer before revealing the feedback. The marking bands are available for reference.
Scroll through the questions using the arrows.
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Key
Use of terms/language
Use of sources of wisdom and authority
Use of religious/moral reasoning to analyse, evaluate and formulate judgements
Influence of belief
Offering alternative or different view - MUST INCLUDE NON-RELIGIOUS FOR LIFE AND DEATH
“Keeping the Ten Commandments is the most important part of Judaism.”
Discuss the statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) [15]
I think that keeping the Ten Commandments is very important but not the most important part of Judaism. Examples of the Ten Commandments are; ‘Do not take the name of God your Lord in vain. God will not allow the one who takes His name in vain to go unpunished. Do not murder, do not commit adultery. Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.’
Clearly the Ten Commandments are very important because they were given as a covenant by God to the people through Moses. Some people might argue that for this reason they are the most important part of Judaism. They include the teaching ‘Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’ There cannot be a more important request than this for God created all and this commandment clearly tells us to love him with all that we have.
God also says ‘these commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.’ This quote clearly highlights the importance of the Commandments and it is clear from the quote that we are to pass them down generation to generation which further highlights that there can be no higher command than these.
However, I would argue that even though the Ten Commandments are central there are many other mitzvot in the Tenakh that are also very important. In fact, many of these other 603 mitzvot are about how Jews should live their daily lives. For example, it is in the 603 mitzvot where Jews get the rules surrounding Kosher foods that affect every day of their lives. It says in the Bible, ‘God spoke to Moses and Aaron, telling them to speak to the Israelites, and convey the following to them: Of all the animals in the world, these are the ones that you may eat.’ This law is incredibly important as it affects them on a daily basis.
Also, even amongst the Ten Commandments different Jewish denominations will have different interpretations of the importance of the Commandment on Shabbat. Orthodox Jews are much stricter in their interpretation of this Commandment than Reform or Liberal Jews are. Some people might argue that does not matter because all Jews agree the Commandment on Shabbat is important even if they interpret it differently. However, I would argue that if the Ten Commandments were the most important thing, then different denominations would not disagree about how they should be kept.
Some may argue that there are other key features of Judaism that are more important than the Ten Commandments because all Jews agree on what they mean and how important they are. For example, the commitment to Pikuach Nefesh, which is the duty to save life, is believed by all Jews of all denominations and affects the way all Jews live their lives. All Jews would accept that the duty to save a life overrides all the other Commandments, so it must be more important.
In conclusion, I would agree that keeping the Ten Commandments is very important but not the most important part of Judaism. Pikuach Nefesh is most important.
I think that keeping the Ten Commandments is very important but not the most important part of Judaism. Examples of the Ten Commandments are; ‘Do not take the name of God your Lord in vain. God will not allow the one who takes His name in vain to go unpunished. Do not murder, do not commit adultery. Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.’
Clearly the Ten Commandments are very important because they were given as a covenant by God to the people through Moses.Some people might argue that for this reason they are the most important part of Judaism.They include the teaching ‘Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’There cannot be a more important request than this for God created all and this commandment clearly tells us to love him with all that we have.
God also says ‘these commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.’This quote clearly highlights the importance of the Commandments and it is clear from the quote that we are to pass them down generation to generation which further highlights that there can be no higher command than these.
However, I would argue that even though the Ten Commandments are central there are many other mitzvot in the Tenakh that are also very important. In fact, many of these other 603 mitzvot are about how Jews should live their daily lives. For example, it is in the 603 mitzvot where Jews get the rules surroundingKosher foodsthat affect every day of their lives. It says in the Bible, ‘God spoke to Moses and Aaron, telling them to speak to the Israelites, and convey the following to them: Of all the animals in the world, these are the ones that you may eat.’This law is incredibly important as it affects them on a daily basis.
Also, even amongst the Ten Commandments different Jewish denominations will have different interpretations of the importance of the Commandment on Shabbat. Orthodox Jewsare much stricter in their interpretation of this Commandment thanReform or Liberal Jews are. Some people might argue that does not matter because all Jews agree the Commandment on Shabbat is important even if they interpret it differently.However, I would argue that if the Ten Commandments were the most important thing, then different denominations would not disagree about how they should be kept.
Some may argue that there are other key features of Judaism that are more important than the Ten Commandments because all Jews agree on what they mean and how important they are. For example, the commitment to Pikuach Nefesh, which is the duty to save life, is believed by all Jews of all denominations and affects the way all Jews live their lives.All Jews would accept that the duty to save a life overrides all the other Commandments, so it must be more important.
In conclusion, I would agree that keeping the Ten Commandments is very important but not the most important part of Judaism. Pikuach Nefesh is most important.
Meets all assessment criteria. Analysis and evaluation/reaching judgements are clear to see and the topic has been thoroughly discussed by presenting different viewpoints and using key language and sources of wisdom - 15 marks.
Key
Use of terms/language
Use of sources of wisdom and authority
Use of religious/moral reasoning to analyse, evaluate and formulate judgements
Influence of belief
Offering alternative or different view - MUST INCLUDE NON-RELIGIOUS FOR LIFE AND DEATH
'Christians should always forgive'. 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]
Christians believe they should always forgive as Jesus said when asked how many times we should forgive, 'not seven times, but seventy times seven times'. This tells Christians they should forgive every time. However, some find this hard; Julie Nicholson a priest whose daughter was killed on the London Underground during the 7/7 bombings found herself not being able to forgive the people who had murdered her daughter. Christians believe that forgiveness is looking past someone's faults, but Julie also believed that the other person had to be there to be forgiven but the people who killed her daughter were dead as they were suicide bombers, and so due to this she stepped down from her role as a priest/vicar because she was telling people to forgive when she couldn't forgive others herself. This shows that Christians don't always forgive.
In conclusion, I believe that Christians should forgive because in the Bible, where most of their beliefs come from, there are many quotes from Jesus and God that Christians should always forgive, so if they don't, they are going against their religion.
Christians believe they should always forgive as Jesus said when asked how many times we should forgive, 'not seven times, but seventy times seven times'. This tells Christians they should forgive every time. However, some find this hard; Julie Nicholson a priest whose daughter was killed on the London Underground during the 7/7 bombings found herself not being able to forgive the people who had murdered her daughter. Christians believe that forgiveness is looking past someone's faults, but Julie also believed that the other person had to be there to be forgiven but the people who killed her daughter were dead as they were suicide bombers, and so due to this she stepped down from her role as a priest/vicar because she was telling people to forgive when she couldn't forgive others herself. This shows that Christians don't always forgive.
In conclusion, I believe that Christians should forgive because in the Bible, where most of their beliefs come from, there are many quotes from Jesus and God that Christians should always forgive, so if they don't, they are going against their religion.
There is too much narrative in this response and it is at the expense of discussing, evaluating and reaching judgements. The candidate has reached a judgement but a full discussion and presentation of different views is not evident – 5 marks.
Key
Use of terms/language
Use of sources of wisdom and authority
Use of religious/moral reasoning to analyse, evaluate and formulate judgements
Influence of belief
Offering alternative or different view - MUST INCLUDE NON-RELIGIOUS FOR LIFE AND DEATH
"You have to go to the synagogue to be a Jew." 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]
Going to the synagogue is very important to most Jews but many would argue that you don’t need to go to the synagogue in order to be a Jew.
Some people might argue that going to the synagogue and taking part in Jewish worship is essential for being a Jew because if you do not keep God’s commandments then you cannot call yourself a Jew. One of the commandments is to keep Shabbat and to attend the synagogue. God says in the Ten Commandments that we are to ‘remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.’ One way of doing this is going to the Synagogue and worshipping God there.
However, this is a weak argument because there are other ways to keep Shabbat and most important is the keeping of Shabbat in the home, not attending the synagogue. Shabbat is known to be a day of rest and this does not mean you need to attend synagogue to follow this command but that you must worship at home and rest with your family.
Others might argue that if Jews do not attend the synagogue then they are cutting themselves off from the Jewish community and are putting the traditions of Judaism at risk, for example the Bar Mitzvah. If you do not follow the traditions, can you say you are truly Jewish? The Synagogue is a vital and focal part of Jewish life and a hub of the community. If you are not attending, then you are not fully participating in all that it means to be a Jew.
However, this is a weak argument because being Jewish is much more basic than what people do – it is who they are. Being Jewish is part of a person’s identity and they do not lose this identity just because they don’t attend the synagogue. Being Jewish can mean following the Jewish dietary laws, the commands of God and keeping their lives in the way God intended.
Attending the synagogue is important for many reasons. It is a way to keep God’s commandment. It is a way to keep close to the Jewish community. It is a way of keeping Jewish traditions alive. These are important but Jewish identity does not depend on any of them. Throughout history, Jews have managed to maintain their identity even when they have been separated from their community and even when there was no synagogue near enough to attend. In my view, you don’t have to go to the synagogue to be a Jew, but if you want to be a good and observant Jew then you should go if you can.
Going to the synagogue is very important to most Jews but many would argue that you don’t need to go to the synagogue in order to be a Jew.
Some people might argue that going to the synagogue and taking part in Jewish worship is essential for being a Jew because if you do not keep God’scommandmentsthen you cannot call yourself a Jew. One of the commandments is to keep Shabbat and to attend the synagogue. God says in the Ten Commandments that we are to ‘remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.’ One way of doing this is going to the Synagogue and worshipping God there.
However,this is a weak argument because there are other ways to keep Shabbat and most important is the keeping of Shabbat in the home, not attending the synagogue. Shabbat is known to be a day of rest and this does not mean you need to attend synagogue to follow this command but that you must worship at home and rest with your family.
Others might arguethat if Jews do not attend the synagogue then they are cutting themselves off from the Jewish community and are putting the traditions of Judaism at risk, for example the Bar Mitzvah. If you do not follow the traditions, can you say you are truly Jewish? The Synagogue is a vital and focal part of Jewish life and a hub of the community. If you are not attending, then you are not fully participating in all that it means to be a Jew. However, this is a weak argument because being Jewish is much more basic than what people do – it is who they are. Being Jewish is part of a person’s identity and they do not lose this identity just because they don’t attend the synagogue.Being Jewish can mean following theJewish dietary laws,the commands of God and keeping their lives in the way God intended.
Attending the synagogue is important for many reasons. It is a way to keep God’s commandment. It is a way to keep close to the Jewish community. It is a way of keeping Jewish traditions alive. These are important but Jewish identity does not depend on any of them. Throughout history, Jews have managed to maintain their identity even when they have been separated from their community and even when there was no synagogue near enough to attend. In my view, you don’t have to go to the synagogue to be a Jew, but if you want to be a good and observant Jew then you should go if you can.
Meets all assessment criteria. Analysis and evaluation/reaching judgements are clear to see and the topic has been thoroughly discussed by presenting different viewpoints and using key language and sources of wisdom - 15 marks.
Key
Use of terms/language
Use of sources of wisdom and authority
Use of religious/moral reasoning to analyse, evaluate and formulate judgements
Influence of belief
Offering alternative or different view - MUST INCLUDE NON-RELIGIOUS FOR LIFE AND DEATH
"If God exists then people shouldn’t suffer."
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]
Christians believe that God is omnipotent, omniscient, so why should people suffer. They believe if people suffer then God is not all of these. But suffering is a part of life; you need to suffer to do good. God wants people to suffer. Some Christians would argue that people shouldn’t suffer because then they don’t have a good life. They think if God is omnipotent and omniscient then people can't suffer and it's not God that makes them suffer. If he does then he's not omniscient.
In Islam, Muslims believe that god exists and people suffer because god wants them to. They believe that suffering is a part of life. If you suffer you do better. They believe God does this to everyone no one can live without it, otherwise they don't do good in life.
I think that if god exists people should suffer because thats how they achieve goals in life. Also everyone should experience the same.
Christians believe that God is omnipotent, omniscient, so why should people suffer. They believe if people suffer then God is not all of these. But suffering is a part of life; you need to suffer to do good. God wants people to suffer. Some Christians would argue that people shouldn’t suffer because then they don’t have a good life. They think if God is omnipotent and omniscient then people can't suffer and it's not God that makes them suffer. If he does then he's not omniscient.
In Islam, Muslims believe that god exists and people suffer because god wants them to. They believe that suffering is a part of life. If you suffer you do better. They believe God does this to everyone no one can live without it, otherwise they don't do good in life.
I think that if god exists people should suffer because thats how they achieve goals in life. Also everyone should experience the same.
The assessment criteria has been met, but the candidate has approached it as though it is a Component 1 c. question – 'Explain from two religions/traditions….' rather than a discursive analysis and evaluation of the statement. There is some evaluation but it lacks clarity and coherence. There is no reference to sources of wisdom and important points remain undeveloped – 6 marks.
Key
Use of terms/language
Use of sources of wisdom and authority
Use of religious/moral reasoning to analyse, evaluate and formulate judgements
Influence of belief
Offering alternative or different view - MUST INCLUDE NON-RELIGIOUS FOR LIFE AND DEATH
‘You have to go to the synagogue to be a Jew' (15)
Jewish people usually go to a synagogue for services, prayers, community events and sometimes to school. They will try and walk there because on Saturdays they are not allowed to do any work and the synagogue might be quite far away and the walk would be tiring and feel like work. Jews like to go to the synagogue because it means you can be with people who believe what you believe and you can all join in the singing and prayers. Also, their holy books are kept there, so they would want to go and see those. I don’t see the point in going to a synagogue because I am not Jewish, but I expect it is important for them.
On the other hand, you could just pray at home where you have peace and quiet to concentrate and be with family. Jewish people think that family life is important especially on a Friday and Saturday when they celebrate Sabbath.
Jewish people usually go to a synagogue for services, prayers, community events and sometimes to school. They will try and walk there because on Saturdays they are not allowed to do any work and the synagogue might be quite far away and the walk would be tiring and feel like work. Jews like to go to the synagogue because it means you can be with people who believe what you believe and you can all join in the singing and prayers. Also, their holy books are kept there, so they would want to go and see those. I don’t see the point in going to a synagogue because I am not Jewish, but I expect it is important for them.
On the other hand, you could just pray at home where you have peace and quiet to concentrate and be with family. Jewish people think that family life is important especially on a Friday and Saturday when they celebrate Sabbath.
This response does not focus on the statement enough, gives no sources of wisdom, uses very few specialist words and does not present a variety of views. 4 marks
Key
Use of terms/language
Use of sources of wisdom and authority
Use of religious/moral reasoning to analyse, evaluate and formulate judgements
Influence of belief
Offering alternative or different view - MUST INCLUDE NON-RELIGIOUS FOR LIFE AND DEATH
"The existence of suffering proves there is no God."
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+6]
On one hand, the existence of the suffering of many proves there is no god. For example, God is meant to be omnibenevolent and if he was all loving he wouldn’t let people suffer. Moreover, if he's omnipotent, he should have the power to stop the suffering. This means that as there is suffering he can't be omnipotent or omnibenevolent so that makes him not a god. If he doesn’t have power he can't be god as that is part of what a god is.
Furthermore, suffering is not only limited to bad people. In the bible Job was referred to as "perfect" and he "feared god and eschewed evil." This means he was a good person yet he got painful boils, had his entire family die and lost everything. If there was a god, it wouldn’t make sense for him to let Job suffer.
On the other hand, Christians see suffering as a trial they have to endure. In the bible, it says "stand ye in holy places and be not moved even when the winds of turmoil shall blow and if ye shall do these things ye shall have my strength to be with ye". This means that if Christians endure through trials and tribulations they can have god's strength to be with them. This may mean there is suffering in order to test who is worthy to have god's strength with them.
Moreover, there would be little point to life if we couldn’t have suffering as we grow as people whilst we deal with it. We can learn empathy and can help others out during times of hardships. Therefore suffering does not single out the possibility of god.
Moreover, some Christians believe that suffering comes from Satan not God. In the story of Job, Satan was the one doing the bad things to him not god so it's highly likely that Satan is the cause of suffering. Therefore suffering does not mean god doesn’t exist.
In conclusion, I think suffering doesn’t mean god doesn’t exist as there are many other possibilities such as Satan causing it.
On one hand, the existence of the suffering of many proves there is no god. For example, God is meant to be omnibenevolent and if he was all loving he wouldn’t let people suffer. Moreover, if he's omnipotent, he should have the power to stop the suffering. This means that as there is suffering he can't be omnipotent or omnibenevolent so that makes him not a god. If he doesn’t have power he can't be god as that is part of what a god is.
Furthermore, suffering is not only limited to bad people. In the bible Job was referred to as "perfect" and he "feared god and eschewed evil." This means he was a good person yet he got painful boils, had his entire family die and lost everything. If there was a god, it wouldn’t make sense for him to let Job suffer.
On the other hand,Christians see suffering as a trial they have to endure.In the bible, it says "stand ye in holy places and be not moved even when the winds of turmoil shall blow and if ye shall do these things ye shall have my strength to be with ye". This means that if Christians endure through trials and tribulations they can have god's strength to be with them. This may mean there is suffering in order to test who is worthy to have god's strength with them.
Moreover, there would be little point to life if we couldn’t have suffering as we grow as people whilst we deal with it. We can learn empathy and can help others out during times of hardships.Therefore suffering does not single out the possibility of god.
Moreover, some Christians believe that suffering comes from Satan not God. In the story of Job, Satan was the one doing the bad things to him not god so it's highly likely that Satan is the cause of suffering. Therefore suffering does not mean god doesn’t exist. In conclusion, I thinksuffering doesn’t mean god doesn’t exist as there are many other possibilities such as Satan causing it.
Meets all assessment criteria. Analysis and evaluation/reaching judgements are clear to see and the topic has been thoroughly discussed by presenting different viewpoints and using key language and sources of wisdom. The penultimate paragraph might have included reference to Irenaeus/Hick (as it is on the specification) and the final paragraph might have referred to Original Sin and Free Will (also on the specification) - 13 marks.
Describe how Jewish women might worship differently to men. (5)
In Judaism men and women have different role and therefore worship differently. Women are naturally more spiritual and don't need guidance. So Jews believe that only men need to wear the tefillin. In the Shema is says that you have to keep God close to your mind and soul. This is interpreted that male Jews wear the tefillin next to their hearts and heads to help them connect with God and become more spiritually focused. Another reason and way Jewish men and women worship differently is their position in the synagogue. In the orthodox synagogues women sit at the top in the gallery and men sit at the bottom in the centre of the synagogue. This is done to stop men and women from getting distracted from their worship.
Explain why Moses is important in Judaism. [8]
Moses is important in Judaism because God made a covenant with him. Moses was the first in his family to believe in one God. God made a promise to him. God promised him that his followers would be God’s ‘Chosen People’. Moses is important because some Jews believe that they are his descendants and he is the founding father of their religion.
Explain views about the use of retribution as a form of punishment. [8]
Some conservative Christians would agree with retribution because the bible says "an eye for an eye" and you should be punished for your sins and God punishes people on judgement day by sending you to hell which is an eternity of suffering.
However some liberal Christians would say you shouldn’t punish people cause god would forgive you and also gods biggest rule is too "treat people how you want to be treated."
From two different religions, explain views about abortion. [8]
Christians believe abortion should take place for reasons. If the mothers life is as risk or childs. If the women is raped abortion should take place. Some Christians are against abortion.
Muslims are against abortion. They believe "thou shall not kill but only God". This means that only god if god creates you then only he kills you. Killing is forbidden in Islam. However in circumstances of mothers life is as risk or childs or anything then abortions can take place before 120 days, you have to do it before the soul goes in.
Explain Muslim beliefs about the nature of Allah. [8]
Muslims believe God is omnipotent (all powerful), omnibenevolent (all loving), omnipresent (all present) and omniscient (all knowing). They believe in Tawhid which means the oneness of God. The Surah 42 says there is one God, he has no children and he is omnipotent. Also, the Shahadah says there is no God, Muhammed is his messenger.'
'Christians should always forgive'. 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]
Christians believe they should always forgive as Jesus said when asked how many times we should forgive, 'not seven times, but seventy times seven times'. This tells Christians they should forgive every time. However, some find this hard; Julie Nicholson, who was a priest at the time her daughter was killed on the London Underground during the attacks and she found herself not being able to forgive the people who had murdered her daughter. As Christians believe that forgiveness is looking past someone's faults, but Julie also believed that the other person had to be there to be forgiven but the people who killed her daughter were dead as they were suicide bombers, and so due to this she stepped down from her role as a priest/vicar because she was telling people to forgive when she couldn't forgive others herself. This shows that Christians don't always forgive.
In conclusion, I believe that Christians should forgive because in the Bible, where most of their beliefs come from, there are many quotes from Jesus and God that Christians should always forgive, so if they don't, they are going against their religion.
"If God exists then people shouldn’t suffer."
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]
Christians believe that God is omnipitent, omnicient , and so why should people suffer. They believe if people suffer then God is not all of these. But suffering is part of life you need to suffer to do good. God wants people to suffer. Some Christians would argue that people shouldn’t suffer because then they don’t have a good life. They think if god is omnipitent and omnicient then people can't suffer and its not god that makes them suffer. If he does then hes not omnicient.
In Islam teaches that In islam muslims believe that god exists and people suffer because god wants them to. They believe that suffering is part of life. If you suffer you do better. They believe God does this to everyone no one can live without it, otherwise they dont do good in life.
I think that if god exists people should suffer because thats how they achieve goals in life. Also everyone should experience the same.
'You have to go to the synagogue to be a Jew' (15)
Jewish people usually go to a synagogue for services, prayers, community events and sometimes to school. They will try and walk there because on Saturdays they are not allowed to do any work and the synagogue might be quite far away and the walk would be tiring and feel like work. Jews like to go to the synagogue because it means you can be with people who believe what you believe and you can all join in the singing and prayers. Also, their holy books are kept there, so they would want to go and see those. I don’t see the point in going to a synagogue because I am not Jewish, but I expect it is important for them.
On the other hand, you could just pray at home where you have peace and quiet to concentrate and be with family. Jewish people think that family life is important especially on a Friday and Saturday when they celebrate Sabbath.