How to answer questions

A questions – 2 marks
•You have to give the meaning of the word
•You only have to write one sentence giving the definition so don’t be tempted to continue writing.
•Occasionally you may also be asked to give an example to show you understand what a key word means

B questions – 6 marks
•1- Outlining
•Some b questions as you to outline
•The examiner is expecting you to write with good structure and give three points
•Don’t just list reasons
•Discuss each point given
•Before you answer, decide what three points you will discuss and arrange them in the order that allows one to lead to another

•2-Describing
•Other b questions ask you to describe something
•The examiner is looking for a direct and organised description
•Use three to four points in your description
•Use key words whenever possible
•2 marks for an isolated example of relevant knowledge
•4 marks for basic relevant knowledge with a limited structure
•6 marks for an organised answer using relevant knowledge, and use of key words

C questions – 8 marks
•These often begin with: Explain how or explain why
•The examiner is trying to discover two things:
•Do you understand what a believer does or thinks?
•Do you understand why they do or think that?

•It is a what and why question
•You are looking at a belief that makes people behave in a certain way
•The more detail you can give in this answer the better
•Some c questions ask you to write about the different attitudes within a religion
•These are good because they fall neatly in three parts
•1- What are the different attitudes believers have about this subject? This is a brief sentence or two
•2- Why does each group think that? This is the main point of your answer and you will explain in detail what each group thinks and the religious reasons why they think that.
•3- Conclude with a short sentence explaining why there is variation within the religion. This often hinges on different interpretations of the holy book.

•2 marks for a simple, appropriate and relevant idea
•4 marks for a basic explanation showing understanding of a relevant idea
•6 marks for a developed explanation showing understanding of the main ideas using some key words
•8 marks for a good explanation showing an understanding that makes sense of the main ideas and uses key words appropriately

D questions - 4 marks
•You will be asked to express your opinion
•You are free to agree or disagree
•This is the ONLY time you are asked what you think about an issue
•You must show the opposite side of the argument
•Say what you think and why; the other point of view; and the Christian/Sikh teaching on the issue. Three paragraphs!
•1 mark- point of view with one reason
•2 marks- basic for and against
•3 marks- personal opinion using a moral/religious argument; another point of view, Christian / Sikh teaching
•4 marks- Good personal opinion using a religious/moral argument, evaluate the other point of view, Christian/Sikh teaching and a conclusion

Examples of Questions
•B questions:
•Outline the Christian or Sikh attitudes to other religions.
•Describe the Christian or Sikh attitudes towards divorce.
•Outline an argument for the existence of God based on the appearance of design in the world.
•Outline the reasons a person might give for being agnostic.
•Outline the British law on abortion.
•Outline the teachings of Christianity / Sikhism regarding the roles of men and women.
•Outline the Christian / Sikh teachings on equality.
•Describe the main features of the Christian / Sikh marriage ceremony.
•Outline Christian / Sikh teachings about family life.
•Outline the Christian / Sikh teachings on euthanasia.
•Outline Christian / Sikh teachings on life after death.
•Outline the main features of a Christian / Sikh upbringing.
•Describe one miracle.
•State, with examples, what is mean by moral / natural evil.
•Outline Christian / Sikh teachings which help to promote racial harmony.
•Outline the Christian / Sikh attitudes to sex before marriage.
•Describe how the church / gurdwara helps families raise their children.
•Outline the different Christian / Sikh attitudes to contraception.
•Outline the causation argument.

Possible C questions
•Explain why there are different Christian / Sikh attitudes to life after death.
•Explain how they Christian / Sikh community supports family life.
•Explain why there are different attitudes to re-marriage in Christianity.
•Explain why Christians / Sikhs hold different attitudes to abortion.
•Explain why there are different attitudes towards homosexuality in Christianity.
•Explain why the existence of evil and suffering causes problems for Christians.
•Explain why there are different views among Christians about the role of women in church.
•Explain how ONE modern Christian person or organisation has promoted racial harmony.
•Explain why family life is important for Christians / Sikhs.
•Explain how a Christian / Sikh wedding ceremony may help a marriage to succeed.
•Explain why there are different attitudes about what happens after death in Christianity / Sikhism.
•Explain why there are different attitudes towards euthanasia in Christianity / Sikhism.
•Explain why religious experiences might lead to or support a belief in God.
•Explain why the existence of evil and suffering in the world leads some people to become atheists.

D Questions
‘God and evil cannot both exist’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion, showing you have considered another point of view. In your answer you should refer to one religion.
‘If marriage vows are going to be serious, then people should not be able to break them whenever they feel like it.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answers showing another point of view.
‘Near death experiences prove there is life after death.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion, showing another point of view. Refer to at least one religion.
‘ Religion is the main stay of Christian family.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion, showing you have considered another point of view.
•‘You can’t expect people to live together peacefully in a multi-faith society’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion, showing you have considered another point of view. In your answer you should refer to a religion.
•‘A multi-ethnic society is the best way forward for everyone’ Do you agree? Give reasons for you opinion, showing you have considered another point of view. In your answer you should refer to a religion.
•‘Divorce is bad for everybody’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion, showing you have considered another point of view. In your answer you should refer to a religion.
•‘Living together is less of a gamble than marriage.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion, showing you have considered another point of view, in your answer, refer to a religion.