How to answer a twelve-mark question (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Model Answers
📚 Model Answers
The Structure of a 12-Mark Question:
infoNote
- These questions require evaluation and focus on Assessment Objective 2 (AO2): "Analyse and evaluate aspects of religion and belief, including their significance and influence."
- You must provide a balanced argument with two different points of view (arguments for and against) and a justified conclusion.
- You are expected to reference religious teachings or sacred texts throughout your answer.
Steps to Answer:
1. Understand the Question:
- Look for the statement you're being asked to evaluate.
- The question will likely ask you to evaluate a statement and reach a conclusion.
- It will specify that you must include religious teachings and give reasoned arguments for both agreeing and disagreeing with the statement.
2. Plan Your Answer:
Your answer should be structured into three main paragraphs:
- Arguments For the Statement.
- Arguments Against the Statement.
- Your Conclusion (judgement of which argument is stronger).
Paragraph 1: Arguments For the Statement (5-6 Marks)
- Explain why some religious believers agree with the statement.
- Include more than one reason for agreement, supported by religious teachings or beliefs from sacred texts.
- Strengthen your argument by discussing the strengths of this viewpoint.
Example Structure:
- "Some Christians/Muslims believe that... One reason they believe this is that the Bible/Qur'an says... Additionally, Jesus/Muhammad taught... This suggests that... An advantage of this view is..."
Example:
- "Some Christians believe that life begins at conception, based on Psalm 139:13, which says 'You knit me together in my mother's womb.' This suggests that abortion is wrong because it ends a life that God has created. An advantage of this belief is that it protects the sanctity of life, which is central to Christian ethics."
Paragraph 2: Arguments Against the Statement (5-6 Marks)
- Explain why some religious believers disagree with the statement.
- Again, include more than one reason for disagreement, supported by religious teachings or beliefs from sacred texts.
- Consider the weaknesses of this viewpoint or the strengths of the opposing argument.
Example Structure:
- "On the other hand, other Christians/Muslims might believe... The Bible/Qur'an suggests... This means that... A key feature of this belief is... However, this raises the question..."
Example:
- "Other Christians may disagree, especially in cases where the mother's life is at risk. The Church of England, for example, teaches that abortion may be permissible if it preserves the mother's life, showing compassion in difficult circumstances. This interpretation values the mother's wellbeing, which is seen as equally important."
Paragraph 3: Conclusion (Judgement) (2 Marks)
- Make a reasoned judgement based on the arguments presented.
- Clearly state which side you think has the stronger argument and why.
- Support your conclusion with an additional reason or evidence.
Example Structure:
- "Having reviewed the evidence, I make the judgement that... The strongest argument is... because... In conclusion, an advantage of this viewpoint is..."
Example:
- "Having reviewed both sides, I believe that the argument against abortion in most cases is stronger because it upholds the sanctity of life, a fundamental belief in Christianity. However, exceptions should be considered in extreme cases, as shown by the Church of England's more compassionate approach."
infoNote
Key Tips for Answering 12 Mark Questions:
-
Balanced Response:
- Ensure you present both sides of the argument. A strong answer has clear, reasoned arguments for and against the statement.
-
Use Religious Teachings:
- Always include references to sacred texts or religious teachings in your argument. Mention specific verses from the Bible, Qur'an, or teachings from religious authorities like the Pope or the Dalai Lama.
- For example, "The Bible teaches 'Love your neighbour as yourself' (Mark 12:31), which influences Christians to..."
-
Analyse and Evaluate:
- Go beyond stating beliefs by explaining how these beliefs impact believers and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.
- Use phrases like "This suggests that...", "This raises the question of...", "An advantage of this is..." to demonstrate your analysis.
-
Justify Your Conclusion:
- In the final paragraph, make a clear judgement and explain why one side of the argument is stronger. Provide additional evidence to support your conclusion.
-
Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar (SPaG):
- Ensure your writing is clear and free of errors. Pay attention to SPaG, as marks are awarded separately for this.
Example Answer to a 12 Mark Question:
Question: "'Abortion is always wrong.' Evaluate this statement. In your answer, refer to religious teachings."
lightbulbExample
Answer:
- "Some Christians believe that abortion is always wrong because life begins at conception. This belief is based on Psalm 139:13, which states, 'You knit me together in my mother's womb.' This implies that life is sacred from the moment of conception, and therefore, terminating a pregnancy would be considered a violation of God's creation. The Catholic Church also upholds this belief, teaching that life is a gift from God and must be protected. An advantage of this view is that it strongly defends the sanctity of life, a core principle in Christian ethics."
- "On the other hand, other Christians might argue that abortion can be acceptable in certain circumstances, such as when the mother's life is at risk. The Church of England, for example, teaches that abortion may be the most compassionate choice in cases of severe foetal abnormalities or danger to the mother's health. This viewpoint emphasises mercy and the wellbeing of the mother, aligning with the Christian teaching of 'love thy neighbour' (Matthew 22:39), suggesting that caring for the mother is also a priority. An advantage of this view is that it allows flexibility and compassion in extreme situations."
- "Having reviewed both arguments, I believe that the belief in the sanctity of life provides the stronger argument, as it reflects a consistent respect for all life. However, I acknowledge that in extreme cases, such as when the mother's life is in danger, compassion should be exercised, as demonstrated by the Church of England's approach."