GCSE MARKING SCHEME RELIGIOUS STUDIES (SPECIFICATION A) SUMMER 2011
INTRODUCTION The marking schemes which follow were those used by WJEC for the Summer 2011 examination in GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES SPECIFICATION A. They were finalised after detailed discussion at examiners' conferences by all the examiners involved in the assessment. The conferences were held shortly after the papers were taken so that reference could be made to the full range of candidates' responses, with photocopied scripts forming the basis of discussion. The aim of the conferences was to ensure that the marking schemes were interpreted and applied in the same way by all examiners. It is hoped that this information will be of assistance to centres but it is recognised at the same time that, without the benefit of participation in the examiners' conferences, teachers may have different views on certain matters of detail or interpretation. WJEC regrets that it cannot enter into any discussion or correspondence about these marking schemes. Unit 1 Christianity 4 Unit 2 Christianity Through the Gospel 12 Unit 3 Catholicism 1 17 Unit 4 Catholicism 2 25 Unit 5 Christian Philosophy 33 Unit 6 Hinduism 40 Unit 7 Islam 46 Unit 8 Judaism 51 Page
General Marking Instructions for Examiners The mark scheme defines what can be reasonably expected of a candidate in response to questions asked. Assessment Objectives The questions test the candidate's ability to: AO1 describe, explain and analyse, using knowledge and understanding of the specification content AO2 use evidence and reasoned argument to express and evaluate personal responses, informed insights and differing viewpoints It is not always appropriate or desirable to produce a clear cut, rigid, universally applicable mark scheme. Those questions which are designed to assess larger areas of knowledge or the skills of understanding and evaluation require a marking scheme which is more sophisticated and flexible. This marking scheme that follows will allow examiners to take into account the different levels of response that candidates may offer to a question. Those different levels are as follows overleaf: 1
Level of Response Grid AO1 (Questions (a) (c)) Level Level Descriptor Mark total 0 Either: Offers no relevant information or explanation. 0 1 2 3 4 Or: Makes no link between beliefs and practices. Either: An elementary statement of information or explanation which is limited in scope or content. Or: A simple link between beliefs and practices Either: An accurate account of information or an appropriate explanation of a central teaching, theme or concept. Or: An explicit link between beliefs ad practices. Limited use of religious language. Either: An account of explanation indicating knowledge and understanding of key religious ideas, practices, explanations or concepts. Uses and interprets a range of religious language and terms. Or: Analysis showing some awareness and insight into religious facts, ideas, practices and explanations. Uses and interprets a range of religious language and terms. A coherent account, explanation or analysis showing awareness and insight into religious facts, ideas, practices and explanations. Uses religious language and terms extensively and interprets them accurately. 1 2 3 4 AO2 4 Mark Questions (Question (d)) Level Level Descriptor Mark Total 0 Makes no relevant point of view. 0 1 A simple, appropriate justification of a point of view. 1 2 Either: An expanded justification of one point of view, with appropriate example and /or illustration which includes religious teaching. 2 3 4 Or: A second, simple, appropriate justification of a viewpoint of view possibly linked to evidence or example. An expanded justification of one point, with appropriate examples and/or illustration, which includes religious teaching and a second appropriate justification of a point of view. An expanded justification of two viewpoints, incorporating the religious and moral aspects at issue and their implications for the individual and the rest of society. 3 4 2
8 Mark Questions (Question (e)) Level Level Descriptor Mark Total 0 Makes no relevant point of view, e.g. yes. 0 1 Communicates clearly and appropriately Either: A simple, appropriate justification of a point of view, possibly linked to evidence or example and making a simple connection between religion and people's lives. 1-2 2 3 4 Or: Two simple appropriate justifications of a point of view. Communicates clearly and appropriately using limited specialist language Either: An expanded justification of one point of view, with appropriate example which includes religious teaching and /or illustration AND either a second simple appropriate justification Or: Two appropriate justification of a point of view linked to evidence or example, which includes religious teaching. Communicates clearly and appropriately using and interpreting specialist language an expanded justification of one point of view, with appropriate examples which includes religious teaching and/or illustration, There is also adequate recognition of an alternative or different point of view, using relevant evidence and religious teaching /or moral reasoning to formulate judgements. Communicates clearly and appropriately using specialist language extensively a thorough discussion, including alternative or different views of the religious and moral aspects at issue and their implications for the individual and the rest of society. 3-4 5-6 7-8 3
Unit 1 Christianity Q.1 (a) Describe the temptations of Jesus. [4] 40 days and nights. No food. If you are God's Son. Turn stones into bread. Scripture says. Human beings cannot live on bread alone but need every word God speaks. Jump off the highest pinnacle of the Temple. Do not put the Lord your God to the test. Worship the Devil. Go away Satan, only worship God. (b) Explain why Jesus is important to Christians. [4] Founder of Christianity. Example to be followed. Teaching. Son of God. God incarnate. Divine and human. Second Person of Trinity. (c) Explain how Christians might celebrate Lent. [4] Remembering the temptations of Jesus. Ash Wednesday and associated rites. Extra devotion (e.g. Lent Lectures and House Groups). Self-denial. Extra charitable giving. Preparing for Holy Week and Easter. (d) 'It is impossible not to give in to temptation.' Do you agree or disagree? Give TWO reasons for your answer. You must include reference to religious beliefs in your answer. [4] No one is strong enough to refuse every temptation. Everyone can be 'bought' with something. Human beings are tainted with sin which makes resisting temptation difficult. Jesus faced temptations and resisted. God can give strength to help individuals resist temptation. Prayer can be a help in resisting temptation. 4
(e) 'It is easy to maintain a Christian lifestyle in Britain today.' Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have considered more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious beliefs in your answer. [8] Points that could be discussed include: Most people in Britain do not live by Christian values. Christian values are often seen as being out of date. Active Christians are in a minority and often ridiculed for having a faith. Britain is now a multi-faith society. Commitment is often portrayed as fanaticism. Peer pressure makes life difficult for believers. Sunday is no longer a special day, leaving open the possibility of clashes between work and worship. Challenges from scientists. Strength to maintain a lifestyle can be gained from support and fellowship of fellow Christians. Christianity is still part of the fabric of British society. 'Faith' schools can be established. Christianity can give a framework for living and decision-making which can give a sense of security. In many countries, Christians suffer 'real' persecution. 5
Q.2 (a) Describe a confirmation service. [4] NB. The points made will depend upon the denomination that has been studied. The presence of the Bishop. Declaration of faith. Questions asked. Expected responses to questions. Kneeling before the Bishop. Words of confirmation. Hands placed on head. Final prayers. Eucharist/Communion. (b) Explain the role of churches and chapels in the lives of their members.[4] The church or chapel as a place of worship. The church or chapel as a place of meeting in fellowship with other believers. The church or chapel as a place where believers can learn about and develop their faith. Provide a community where believers might be able to gain help and support in times of difficulty and share times of happiness. A place where believers can gather socially and develop friendships. A place where believers can serve God through involvement in church or chapel life. Provide a place where social action might be based. (c) Explain why a Eucharist/Communion service is important to Christians.[4] Remembrance of Jesus ('Do this in remembrance...'). Obedience to Jesus who said ('Do this...'). The idea of sacrament receiving the blessing/strength of God. Uniting with other Christians Thanksgiving for the sacrifice of Jesus. (d) 'Babies must be baptised.' Do you agree or disagree? Give TWO reasons for your answer. You must include reference to religious beliefs in your answer. [4] Reasons that may be given and explained include: Washing away of (original) sin. Introduction to the Christian Church. Welcome into the Christian Church. Thanksgiving for the gift of a child. Giving of a Christian name. Not all babies are born to Christian families. Baby has no say in the matter therefore has no effect. Baby cannot give the commitment that makes baptism important to an individual. 6
(e) 'A Christian is someone who goes to church or chapel services.' Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have considered more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious beliefs in your answer. [8] Points that could be discussed include: A Christian is someone who believes in Jesus as the Christ. A Christian is someone who has been baptised (and confirmed). A Christian is someone who lives a Christian moral lifestyle. A Christian is someone who follows Christ. A Christian is someone who goes to church and chapel services. A Christian is someone who is a member of the Christian community. There is more to being a Christian than going to church or chapel services. Church or chapel services are essential for the maintenance of the Christian lifestyle. Christians worship God. God is worshipped in church and chapel services. Not all Christians can get to church or chapel but can still worship (particularly as god is omnipresent). 7
Q.3 (a) Describe the work of a hospice. [4] Put Christian concern for sanctity of life and compassions for others into practice. To provide spiritual support for those facing difficult times. Enhance the quality of life for those suffering from a life-limiting illness. Pain and symptom control. Support for patients, family and carers. Bereavement counselling. Respite care giving family and carers the opportunity to have a break. Rehabilitating patients who have spent a long time in hospital to allow them to return home. Day care to promote independence and enhance quality of life through provision of a range of services, activities and opportunity for socialising. (b) Explain Jesus' teaching on love. [4] Love should be shown to all people including enemies. Love is concern and help for others (e.g. Good Samaritan). Love is sacrificial ('Greater love...'). Love is what is shown by the life and example of Jesus (e.g. 'Love one another as I have loved you'). God is love (c) Explain why the Christians believe in life after death. [4] Resurrection of Jesus. Teaching from the Bible (e.g. 'I am the resurrection and the life') The eternal nature of God's love. The need for justice reward for those who have been righteous and punishment for sin. To give meaning to life. (d) 'God the Father should make sure that no one suffers.' Do you agree or disagree? Give TWO reasons for your answer. You must include reference to religious beliefs in your answer. [4] Reasons that may be given and explained include: God the Father is said to be loving he should want to stop suffering. God the Father is said to be all powerful he could stop all suffering. God the Father cannot interfere with human free will which is the cause of much suffering. God the Father does try to end suffering by motivating humans to help to solve the issu3es that cause suffering. God the Father inspires individuals to work to help people cope with suffering. Suffering might not always be a 'bad' thing. Good might come out of it. God the Father will bring righteous suffers to Heaven where there will be an end to all suffering. 8
(e) 'Only God has the right to end human life.' Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have considered more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious beliefs in your answer. [8] Points that could be discussed include: All life is created by God. Human life is sacred, no human has the right to end a life. Each and every individual is of equal dignity so humans should not judge whether a person has the right to live or not. All human beings are in the image of God, therefore special to him. It would be wrong for anyone other than God to end a life. The Bible teaches that humans killing other humans is wrong 'Thou shall not kill'. Individuals should have autonomy the right to determine the course of their own life and death. God gave human beings free will. This means that they have the right to control their own lives and decide whether to live or die. God delegated authority to human beings particularly to governments and authorities therefore, human beings can act on behalf of god and take life. 9
Q.4 (a) Describe Christian attitudes to birth control. [4] Most Protestant Churches now see responsible use of contraception within marriage as entirely acceptable. Roman Catholic church opposes all forms of artificial birth control. Natural methods of contraception are acceptable. Encourages promiscuity. Unwanted pregnancies. Enhance marriage relationships. (b) Explain Christian attitudes to homosexuality. [4] Biblical passages seem to condemn homosexuality. God created human beings as male and female to be together. Purpose of sex to procreate. Inclination and practice. Bible is culturally conditioned so should not be used to condemn loving relationships in the modern world. 'Homosexual acts are not wrong since the question of any homosexual relationship is... to be assessed in the same way as heterosexual relationships.' (Methodist Conference). (c) Explain why the bible is important to Christians. [4] The bible is the Word of God. The Bible is inspired by God. The Bible is the major source of teaching about Jesus. The Bible is the guideline for Christian living. The Bible is the major source for the life of Jesus. It unites Christians because all accept it, in some way, as foundation documents and Word of God. (d) 'Conscience must always be obeyed.' Do you agree or disagree? Give TWO reasons for your answer. You must include reference to religious beliefs in your answer. [4] Reasons that may be given and explained include: Conscience is the voice of God in humans. Conscience is the rational decision-making ability of human beings which makes informed decisions. Original sin corrupts human ability to arrive at right decisions. Conscience is simply the voice of society. Conscience is the individual's true self and must be obeyed to be true to oneself. 10
(e) 'Christian teaching on sex before marriage is out of date'. Do you agree? give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have considered more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious beliefs in your answer. [8] Points that could be discussed include: Sexual intimacy is most fulfilling when it occurs within a committed and religiously blessed relationship of love. Sexual activity is procreative and needs to be in a committed and stable relationship. Many people in the modern world delay marriage for a number of reasons but may be ready to share sexual intimacy. Sexual activity should be regarded as a recreational activity and not loaded with moral 'baggage'. People should be free to have a number of relationships before settling with one partner. The increased availability of artificial methods of contraception. Changing cultures, times and attitudes. Sexually transmitted diseases are on the increase. Number of unplanned pregnancies are still high. Promiscuous sexual behaviour can lead to a lack of self-esteem. A lack of rigid sexual teaching can lead to pressure on individuals. 11