Edexcel Religious Studies: papers and exam technique — Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies revision

Knowing your own options

• Different schools and colleges study different combinations of religions and themes, so it is essential to check with your teacher exactly which religions and themes YOU have studied, since general revision guides may cover options you have not done.
• Make a list of the specific religion(s) and theme titles you have studied, and check this against the current specification so you know exactly what could come up.
• Do not assume that another student's revision notes or a generic guide match your own combination of options.
• If you have studied beliefs and practices from more than one religion, be clear which beliefs belong to which religion, as mixing them up is a common and costly error.
• Ask your teacher which extract/source materials, key quotations or examples they have specifically taught, since these are often central to strong answers.

The ladder of question types

• Papers typically move from short, low-mark recall questions (such as naming or stating a belief or practice) up to longer, higher-mark evaluative questions.
• Short questions want precise, accurate knowledge — a single clear point often earns the mark, so avoid vague or rambling answers.
• Mid-length questions usually want you to explain two or more points, often with reference to beliefs, teachings or sources of wisdom and authority.
• The longest questions ask you to evaluate a statement, weighing up different views before reaching a justified conclusion.
• Always look at the number of marks and the command word to judge how much detail and how many separate points are expected.

Key terms

Source of wisdom and authority

A scripture, teaching or authoritative statement used to support a religious point.

Evaluation

Weighing up different views on a statement before reaching a justified conclusion.

Justified conclusion

A final judgement that is clearly supported by reasons given in the answer.

Counter-argument

A contrasting or opposing viewpoint to the one already presented.

Denomination

A distinct sub-group within a religion that may interpret teachings differently.

SPaG

Spelling, punctuation and grammar, sometimes separately credited in longer answers.

Common exam traps

• Assuming a revision resource automatically matches your own studied religions and themes, when combinations vary between schools.
• Mixing up beliefs or practices between two different religions you have studied.
• Giving a general point without a specific source of wisdom and authority to support it on questions that need one.

Practice questions with answers

1. 1. Why is it important to check exactly which religions and themes you have studied before an exam?

   Answer: Because different centres study different combinations, and revision resources may cover options you haven't done

   Confirming your exact options with your teacher avoids wasted revision and confusion in the exam.

2. 2. What is a source of wisdom and authority?

   • • A student's personal opinion
   • • A scripture, teaching or authoritative statement
   • • A made-up example
   • • A definition of a key term only

   Answer: A scripture, teaching or authoritative statement

   These sources are used to support and strengthen explanations of religious beliefs.

3. 3. What should you do if you can't remember a quotation exactly?

   Answer: Give an accurate paraphrase of its meaning

   A close paraphrase that reflects the correct meaning is usually still credited.

4. 4. What is a counter-argument?

   • • A repeat of the same point
   • • A contrasting or opposing viewpoint
   • • A quotation from scripture only
   • • A definition of a religious term

   Answer: A contrasting or opposing viewpoint

   Including a counter-argument shows balanced consideration of a statement.

5. 5. Where might a counter-argument in religious studies come from?

   Answer: A different religion, a different view within the same religion, or a non-religious viewpoint

   The source of a counter-argument depends on what the specific question is asking for.

More free Religious Studies revision

• All Edexcel Religious Studies revision pages
• All GCSE Religious Studies topics
• Edexcel Religious Studies: Christianity: beliefs and teachings
• Edexcel Religious Studies: Christianity: practices
• Edexcel Religious Studies: Sources of authority and answering RS exam questions
• Edexcel Religious Studies: Islam: beliefs and teachings
• Edexcel Religious Studies: Islam: practices
• Edexcel Religious Studies: Life, death and the existence of God
• Every subject on ReviseRush