Understanding AQA RS Question Types
The AQA GCSE Religious Studies (8062) paper includes five types of question, each with its own command word and expected depth. Understanding the difference is essential for managing your time and targeting marks precisely.
1-Mark Question: "Name / State / Give"
A single factual answer is sufficient. No explanation needed. Example: "Give one feature of a mosque." Answer: "The minaret." One word or phrase is enough.
2-Mark Question: "Outline / Describe"
Briefly state two points or give one point with a brief elaboration. No developed explanation needed. Example: "Outline two beliefs about the afterlife in Islam." Answer: Two bullet-point style points, each briefly identified.
4-Mark Question: "Explain why / How"
Provide two separate points, each with a reason or theological explanation. "Some Muslims pray five times a day because..." followed by a developed reason. Two points × 2 marks each = 4. Religious vocabulary is rewarded.
5-Mark Question: "Explain two [religious] teachings"
Two points with reasons and a source of authority (e.g. a scripture quote or reference to a denomination) for at least one point. Structure: Point → Explain → Source of authority. This is the key differentiator from a 4-mark question.
12-Mark Question: "Evaluate this statement / 'Assess the view that...'"
The most important question type. Requires two sides (agree + disagree), multiple religious perspectives, at least one scripture reference, and a reasoned conclusion. SPaG marks (4) are awarded here for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. This is where Grade 9s are made or lost.
How to Write a 12-Mark Essay — The Perfect Structure
The 12-mark question is worth approximately one-third of each paper section. The AQA mark scheme awards up to Level 4 (10–12 marks) for responses that present "a well-argued evaluation which shows understanding of the issue from at least two different perspectives." Here is the proven structure:
📝 The 4-Paragraph Formula
Paragraph 1 (Agree, Religion 1): "Some [Christians/Muslims/etc.] would agree with this statement because..." — give a developed theological reason, quote a scripture, and perhaps name a denomination.
Paragraph 2 (Agree, Religion 2 or another perspective): "Similarly, [another religion or denomination] supports this view because..." — add a different angle, scripture, or denominational contrast.
Paragraph 3 (Disagree, Religion): "However, other [Christians/Muslims/etc.] would disagree because..." — present the counter-argument with its own theological basis and scripture.
Paragraph 4 (Non-religious / Humanist view): "From a non-religious/humanist perspective..." — this is explicitly rewarded on the mark scheme and often distinguishes Level 3 from Level 4.
Conclusion: "In conclusion, I agree/disagree because..." — take a position and defend it with evidence from the preceding paragraphs.
SPaG tip: In the 12-mark question, 4 of the 12 marks are for Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar. Use full sentences, vary your sentence length, avoid repeating the same connective (use: "however," "furthermore," "in contrast," "consequently," "significantly"), and spell technical vocabulary correctly.
Essential Scripture Reference Guide
You do not need to quote word-for-word, but giving a reference (book/chapter/verse or Surah number) massively boosts your marks. This is the most important list of texts to know by reference:
Christianity & Catholicism
- Genesis 1:1 — Creation
- Genesis 1:27 — Imago Dei
- John 1:14 — Incarnation
- John 3:16 — Salvation
- Matthew 22:39 — Love neighbour
- Matthew 28:19 — Great Commission
- 1 Corinthians 15:17 — Resurrection
- Galatians 3:28 — Equality
- 1 Timothy 6:10 — Love of money
Islam
- Surah 112 — Tawhid (Al-Ikhlas)
- Surah 50:16 — God's closeness
- Surah 5:32 — Sanctity of life
- Surah 2:30 — Khalifa (stewardship)
- Surah 2:275 — Riba forbidden
- Surah 4:29 — Against suicide
- Surah 7:80 — Homosexuality
Judaism
- Deuteronomy 6:4 — Shema
- Genesis 12:1 — Abrahamic covenant
- Exodus 20 — Ten Commandments
- Leviticus 19:13 — Fair wages
- Psalm 24:1 — Earth belongs to God
Sikhism, Buddhism & Hinduism
- Mool Mantra — Ik Onkar (Sikhism)
- Guru Granth Sahib — Equality (Sikhism)
- Four Noble Truths — Suffering (Buddhism)
- Five Precepts — Ahimsa (Buddhism)
- Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7 — Tat Tvam Asi
- Bhagavad Gita 18:66 — Surrender to God
Essential Key Term Glossary
These are the technical terms most likely to appear in exam questions or mark schemes. Spelling them correctly is worth marks in 12-mark questions.
Theological Terms
- Omnipotent — All-powerful
- Omniscient — All-knowing
- Benevolent — All-loving
- Trinity — Father, Son, Holy Spirit
- Incarnation — God becoming human
- Atonement — Repairing sin through sacrifice
- Theodicy — Defence of God and suffering
- Transubstantiation — Catholic Eucharist doctrine
- Imago Dei — Made in God's image
Islam Terms
- Tawhid — Oneness of God
- Shirk — Associating partners with God
- Ummah — Muslim community
- Zakah — Compulsory almsgiving
- Jihad — Struggle in God's way
- Akhirah — Afterlife
- Riba — Usury/interest (forbidden)
- Khalifa — Steward/vicegerent
Ethics Terms
- Sanctity of life — Life is holy
- Euthanasia — Assisted/mercy killing
- Retribution — Deserved punishment
- Deterrence — Preventing future crime
- Cohabitation — Living together unmarried
- Prejudice — Pre-judging someone
- Discrimination — Unfair treatment
- Stewardship — Caring for creation
Frequently Asked Questions
Write at least four well-developed paragraphs: two presenting one viewpoint (with scripture, theological reasoning, and denominational distinctions) and two presenting the opposing viewpoint. End with a conclusion that gives a justified verdict. Use technical vocabulary (e.g. omnipotent, transubstantiation) and quote at least two different religions/perspectives. The SPaG marks are awarded for spelling, punctuation, and grammar — use complex sentences and varied vocabulary.
'Explain' requires you to give reasons and causes, not just state what something is. A perfect 5-mark answer makes 2 clear points, each with a reason or theological justification. 'Some Christians may support euthanasia because...' followed by an explanation. Include relevant technical vocabulary for maximum marks.
You don't need to memorise scripture word-for-word. It is better to give the reference (book, chapter, verse) and a close paraphrase than to mis-quote directly. For example: 'Galatians 3:28 teaches that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free — all are equal.' This is far better than leaving the quote out entirely.
Yes — in fact, for many 12-mark questions, you are expected to include non-religious (humanist/atheist) perspectives. The mark scheme explicitly rewards awareness of non-religious views on topics like euthanasia, the existence of God, and the death penalty. Present them seriously and evaluate them critically.
'Outline' (usually 1-2 marks) expects a brief, factual summary without explanation — just name or state the idea. 'Explain' (usually 4-5 marks) requires you to give reasons, causes, and theological justification for why people hold the view. Always match the depth of your answer to the command word and the mark allocation.