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1 hij Teacher Resource Bank GCE Religious Studies Unit D Religion, Philosophy and Science Example of Candidate s Work from the January 2009 Examination Candidate B Copyright 2009 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (company number ) and a registered charity (registered charity number ). Registered address: AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX. Dr Michael Cresswell, Director General.

2 2009 (January) Unit D Religion, Philosophy and Science Example of Candidate s Work from the Examination Candidate B 1 1 (a) Explain the arguments of David Hume against miracles. (30 marks) AO1 Candidate Response

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5 4 Commentary AO1 (30 marks) Approximately 25 minutes can be allocated to answering this question, including thinking time. The quality of this answer lies in the explanation provided for each stage of Hume s argument. Whilst it is possible to argue that there is some confusion in the candidate s mind as to whether Hume s argument is that miracles are impossible or unlikely (hence a reluctance to award top of Level 7), the accompanying explanation of each of Hume s points makes it clear that the candidate clearly understands the arguments. A very important strength here is that there is a clear structure to the answer. Each point is relevant, paragraphed correctly and flows into the next. No effort is required from the examiner to understand what the candidate is saying. In the time available, this really is almost as good as it gets. Level 7 (28 marks)

6 5 (b) Assess the view that miracles undermine religious belief in God. (15 marks) AO2 Candidate Response

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8 7 Commentary AO2 15 marks Approximately 12½ minutes, including thinking time, can be allocated to answering this question. Answers to part (b) questions are not expected to be long. It is important to note the difference between an answer which achieves above top of Level 4 and one which cannot. Generally speaking, a candidate who sets out the debate clearly but provides no analysis of that debate will not be marked higher than this. Here, the debate is set out expertly. The quality of writing for AS Level is considerable. Throughout, the candidate adds analysis in the flow of the discussion using words like moreover and and Vardy concurs and is made worse. These examples show that the candidate has an impressive understanding not only of the debate but also of the significance of the debate. As if this wasn t enough, the candidate then tops the whole discussion off with a well-judged conclusion. Level 7 (15 marks)

9 3 (a) Explain the main features of the design argument for the existence of God. 8 Candidate Response (30 marks) AO1

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12 11 Commentary AO1 (30 marks) Approximately 25 minutes can be allocated to answering this question, including thinking time. This is a comprehensive explanation of the design argument as it has been presented through the ages. The openness of the question invites candidates to refer to any argument. This candidate has chosen carefully. In the time available, there is an impressive array of detail with technical terms and scholars appropriately quoted. It is true that not all the details of each version are present but, given the exam conditions, this is not a problem. It does not quite score the full 30 marks because Paley could have been presented better. Level 7 (29 marks)

13 12 (b) Science makes the design argument irrelevant. Assess this claim. (15 marks) AO2 Candidate Response

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15 14 Commentary AO2 15 marks Approximately 12½ minutes, including thinking time, can be allocated to answering this question. Answers to part (b) questions are not expected to be long. The debate is clearly focused on science as is demanded by the question. Although candidates would only be expected to know Darwin, this candidate has gone on to look at Dawkins and has summarised his position with impressive clarity. Scholars are used to support each stage of the discussion and there is plenty of personal analysis to support the higher levels of AO2. It is difficult to imagine reading a better answer at AS Level in the time available. Level 7 (15 marks)