GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES: HOW TO ANSWER 12 MARK QUESTIONS (AQA)

Summary

In this GCSE religious studies revision video, Ben Wardle offers a comprehensive guide on tackling 12-mark questions to achieve top grades. He emphasizes the importance of evaluation, presenting arguments for and against a statement with supporting religious evidence. The video outlines a structured approach to answering, including presenting two religious arguments for agreement, two for disagreement, and concluding with a justified personal stance. Wardle also advises on the effective use of religious teachings, the relevance of evidence, and the importance of a strong conclusion to demonstrate a deep understanding and secure full marks.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video is a GCSE religious studies revision guide focused on answering 12-mark questions effectively.
• 🎯 To achieve full marks, students must provide a balanced evaluation, including arguments for and against the statement, supported by evidence and a justified conclusion.
• 🔑 The keyword for answering is 'evaluate', which means to consider both sides of an argument before reaching a conclusion.
• 📈 Half of the marks in AQA GCSE exams come from 12-mark questions, emphasizing their importance.
• 💡 Including religious teachings and linking them to the argument is crucial for scoring high marks.
• 🕒 Students should allocate around 15 minutes for a 12-mark question, including planning and proofreading.
• 📝 The answer should be structured with at least three paragraphs: arguments for agreement, arguments for disagreement, and a concluding paragraph.
• 📈 The video suggests using specific religious sources like scripture, teachings of religious leaders, or catechisms to support arguments.
• 📑 It's important to be specific about religious denominations or schools of thought when presenting arguments.
• ⏱ The video provides a recommended structure and timing for each part of the 12-mark answer to ensure comprehensive coverage within the time limit.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to provide guidance on how to answer 12-mark questions in GCSE religious studies, aiming to secure top marks.

What does the term 'evaluate' mean in the context of the video?

In the context of the video, 'evaluate' means to give both sides of an argument before reaching a justified conclusion.

Why are 12-mark questions important in AQA GCSE exams?

Half of the marks in AQA GCSE exams come from the 12-mark questions, making them crucial for achieving high scores.

What are the three key ingredients needed to secure 12 out of 12 marks in a 12-mark question, according to the video?

The three key ingredients needed are: presenting two religious arguments to agree with the statement with evidence, presenting two religious arguments to disagree with the statement with evidence, and reaching a justified conclusion.

What does AQA suggest for structuring a 12-mark answer?

AQA suggests including two different points of view, religious teachings relevant to the argument, and a strong justified conclusion.

How much time should be spent on a 12-mark question according to the video?

The video suggests spending around 15 minutes on a 12-mark question, including planning and proofreading.

What is the minimum number of paragraphs recommended for a 12-mark answer?

The minimum number of paragraphs recommended for a 12-mark answer is three, with one paragraph for agree arguments, one for disagree arguments, and one for the conclusion.

Why is it important to include religious teachings in the 12-mark answers?

Including religious teachings is important because it shows the examiner that the candidate is knowledgeable about religious sources of wisdom and authority, which is essential for an RE exam.

How should non-religious arguments be used in the 12-mark answers?

Non-religious arguments should be kept to a minimum, with no more than 20-25% of the 12-mark answer being non-religious.

What is the significance of the conclusion in a 12-mark answer?

The conclusion is significant because it shows the examiner that the candidate has considered both sides of the argument and has made a judgment, which is essential for achieving top marks.