Mark Scheme

Section A — Structured Questions (30 marks)

Question 1

(a) Name the two commandments being summarised in this teaching. [2]

Award 1 mark for each correct identification: • The Great Commandment / to love God • The Second Commandment / to love your neighbour • Accept: references to the two greatest commandments / the summary of the Law • Accept: specific citation (Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18)

(b) Describe what Christians believe about agape love. [3]

Award 1 mark for each relevant point, up to a maximum of 3 marks: • Agape is unconditional love / selfless love • It is the highest form of love / spiritual love • It reflects God's love for humanity • It involves sacrificing one's own interests for others • It is the love Jesus showed / commanded Christians to show • It is different from romantic or familial love • It expects nothing in return • Accept other valid points

(c) Explain why this teaching might be difficult for Christians to follow in the modern world. [4]

Award 1 mark for each relevant point showing understanding, up to a maximum of 4 marks: • Modern culture emphasises self-interest / individualism, making selfless love challenging • Consumerism encourages people to prioritise possessions over relationships • Loving enemies or difficult people goes against natural human instincts • Time pressures from work and technology make it hard to prioritise relationships • Society is increasingly diverse, making it harder to know who one's 'neighbour' is • Social media can create superficial relationships rather than genuine love • Competition in education and work can conflict with loving others as oneself • Developed explanations showing cause and effect should be rewarded • Accept other valid explanations

Question 2

(a) State the meaning of the term tawhid. [2]

Award 1 mark for basic understanding: • The oneness of God / God is one

Award 2 marks for fuller understanding: • The fundamental Islamic belief in the absolute oneness and uniqueness of Allah / monotheism • The belief that Allah is indivisible and has no partners or equals • Accept: references to Shirk as the opposite

(b) Describe Muslim teachings about the nature of Allah as shown in two of the 99 Names of Allah. [4]

Award up to 2 marks for each Name described (maximum 4 marks):

For each Name: • 1 mark for correctly identifying a Name of Allah • 1 mark for accurate description of what that Name reveals about Allah's nature

Examples: • Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) – shows Allah's infinite mercy and compassion • Al-Malik (The King/Sovereign) – shows Allah's supreme authority and power • Al-Alim (The All-Knowing) – shows Allah's complete and perfect knowledge • Al-Khaliq (The Creator) – shows Allah created everything • As-Salam (The Source of Peace) – shows Allah is perfect and free from all defects • Al-Adl (The Just) – shows Allah's perfect justice • Accept any valid Names with appropriate descriptions

(c) Explain why belief in predestination (Al-Qadr) is important to Muslims. [4]

Award 1 mark for each developed point, up to a maximum of 4 marks: • It is one of the six articles of faith, so essential to being a Muslim • It helps Muslims accept difficult situations / suffering, knowing Allah has a plan • It provides comfort that everything happens according to Allah's will • It encourages Muslims not to despair or become arrogant about outcomes • It demonstrates trust (tawakkul) in Allah's wisdom and knowledge • It helps Muslims understand they will be judged on their choices, not just outcomes • It balances with human free will – Muslims must still make moral choices • Accept references to "whatever Allah wills" (insha'Allah) • Developed explanations showing understanding should be rewarded • Accept other valid explanations

Question 3

(a) Give two reasons why pork is not kosher. [2]

Award 1 mark for each valid reason: • Pigs do not chew the cud / are not ruminants • It is forbidden in the Torah / Leviticus 11 • Pigs are considered unclean animals • They do not have split hooves in the correct way / do not meet both criteria • Accept: "It is not a land animal that both has split hooves and chews the cud"

(b) Describe the rules Jews must follow when preparing and eating meat and dairy products. [3]

Award 1 mark for each relevant point, up to a maximum of 3 marks: • Meat and dairy must not be cooked together • Meat and dairy must not be eaten together / in the same meal • Separate utensils / dishes must be used for meat and dairy • A waiting period (usually several hours) is required between eating meat and dairy • Separate preparation areas / kitchens may be maintained • Different sets of crockery, cutlery and cookware must be used • Pareve (neutral) foods can be eaten with either meat or dairy • Accept other valid points about separation

(c) Explain why some Jews believe keeping kosher laws is still important today. [4]

Award 1 mark for each developed point, up to a maximum of 4 marks: • It is a commandment from God given in the Torah, so must be obeyed • It maintains Jewish identity and distinctiveness in a secular world • It is a form of discipline / self-control that reminds Jews of their faith throughout the day • It connects modern Jews to their ancestors and tradition • It sanctifies ordinary activities like eating / makes them holy • Following dietary laws demonstrates obedience and commitment to God • It separates Jews from secular culture / helps avoid assimilation • It creates community bonds as Jews eat together • Developed explanations showing understanding should be rewarded • Accept other valid explanations

Question 4

(a) State what Buddhists mean by anatta. [2]

Award 1 mark for basic understanding: • No self / no soul

Award 2 marks for fuller understanding: • The teaching that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul / not-self • The belief that what we call 'self' is just a collection of changing elements (skandhas) • Accept: reference to impermanence of identity

(b) Describe the Buddhist teaching of the Three Marks of Existence (Tilakkhana). [4]

Award 1 mark for each mark identified and 1 mark for description, up to a maximum of 4 marks:

Marks available for: • Anicca (impermanence) – everything is constantly changing / nothing stays the same • Dukkha (suffering/unsatisfactoriness) – life involves suffering / dissatisfaction / unsatisfactoriness • Anatta (no permanent self) – there is no fixed, permanent soul or self

Award marks for: • Clear identification of the three marks (up to 3 marks if just named) • Accurate descriptions showing understanding (additional marks) • Accept Sanskrit or Pali terms • Maximum 4 marks even if all three described

(b) Explain how understanding dukkha might affect the way a Buddhist lives. [4]

Award 1 mark for each developed point, up to a maximum of 4 marks: • Recognising dukkha motivates Buddhists to seek enlightenment / follow the Eightfold Path • Understanding suffering helps develop compassion (karuna) for others • It encourages detachment from material possessions / cravings • It leads to acceptance of life's difficulties rather than anger or resentment • It motivates meditation practice to overcome the causes of suffering • Understanding dukkha helps Buddhists not become too attached to temporary pleasures • It encourages living ethically to reduce suffering for oneself and others • Developed explanations showing cause and effect should be rewarded • Accept other valid explanations

Question 5

(a) Give two ways Christians might worship God in their daily lives outside of church services. [2]

Award 1 mark for each valid way: • Private prayer / personal devotion • Reading the Bible / scripture study • Saying grace before meals • Listening to Christian music / worship songs • Meditation / contemplation • Making the sign of the cross • Serving others / acts of charity • Living according to Christian values / being Christ-like • Accept other valid examples

(b) Describe the main features of liturgical worship in Christianity. [3]

Award 1 mark for each relevant point, up to a maximum of 3 marks: • Uses set prayers and responses / formal structure • Follows a pattern laid down by the Church / uses a service book (e.g. missal, prayer book) • Includes sacraments, especially the Eucharist / Holy Communion / Mass • Led by ordained clergy (priest/minister) • Uses readings from a lectionary / set Bible passages for the church calendar • Includes liturgical responses / congregational participation through set words • Uses symbolic actions / rituals (e.g. making the cross, kneeling) • Follows the church year / seasons (e.g. Advent, Lent) • Accept specific examples from different denominations (Catholic Mass, Anglican Eucharist, Orthodox Divine Liturgy) • Accept other valid features

Section B — Extended Response (20 marks)

Question 6

(a) Explain the teachings of one religion about the authority and importance of its sacred texts. [8]

Level 3 (6–8 marks): • A thorough explanation showing detailed knowledge and understanding of religious teachings • Uses accurate religious terminology and concepts throughout • Makes clear links between teachings and their significance • Well-developed explanation with multiple points • Shows understanding of different interpretations where relevant

Level 2 (3–5 marks): • A sound explanation showing reasonable knowledge and understanding • Uses some religious terminology accurately • Some development of ideas with reasonable detail • May be descriptive in places rather than explanatory

Level 1 (1–2 marks): • Limited explanation showing basic knowledge • Limited use of religious terminology • May be mainly descriptive or general • Lacks development

0 marks: No creditworthy material

Indicative content (not exhaustive):

For Christianity: • The Bible is the inspired word of God / divinely inspired • Contains God's revelation to humanity through the prophets, apostles and Jesus • Different views on inspiration (literal vs. symbolic interpretation) • Authority of scripture in Protestant traditions (sola scriptura) • Catholic view includes tradition alongside scripture • New Testament records the life and teachings of Jesus • Provides moral guidance and teachings for Christian living • Used in worship, prayer and personal devotion

For Islam: • The Qur'an is the literal word of Allah revealed to Muhammad • Unchanged and perfect / final revelation • Revealed in Arabic through Angel Jibril over 23 years • Complete guidance for all aspects of life (Shari'ah) • Learned by heart / treated with great respect • Hadith provides additional guidance on Muhammad's example (Sunnah) • Source of Islamic law and ethics • Central to daily prayers and worship

For Judaism: • The Torah is the word of God given to Moses at Mount Sinai • Contains the 613 mitzvot (commandments) • Different Orthodox and Reform views on authorship and interpretation • Talmud provides rabbinical interpretation and application • Central to Jewish identity, law and practice • Read weekly in synagogue services • Guides all aspects of life (worship, ethics, relationships)

For Buddhism: • Tipitaka (Pali Canon) or Mahayana sutras contain Buddha's teachings • Not divine revelation but the words of an enlightened teacher • Provides the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path • Different texts authoritative in different traditions • Teachings to be tested through practice and experience • Provides guidance on meditation, ethics and wisdom • Accept other valid Buddhist scriptures

(b) "Religious scriptures are too old to be relevant to the moral challenges people face today." Evaluate this statement. [12]

Level 4 (10–12 marks): • A thorough evaluation showing excellent understanding • Presents well-developed arguments from different perspectives • Uses detailed religious knowledge and teachings accurately • Engages critically with the statement throughout • Reaches a justified, well-reasoned conclusion • Excellent use of religious terminology • Quality of written communication is excellent

Level 3 (7–9 marks): • A good evaluation showing sound understanding • Presents developed arguments from different perspectives • Uses religious knowledge and teachings appropriately • Shows reasonable critical engagement with the statement • Reaches a conclusion with some justification • Good use of religious terminology • Quality of written communication is good

Level 2 (4–6 marks): • A reasonable evaluation showing some understanding • Presents arguments but may be unbalanced or one-sided • Uses some religious knowledge but may lack detail • Shows some engagement with the statement • May reach a conclusion but with limited justification • Some use of religious terminology • Quality of written communication is adequate

Level 1 (1–3 marks): • Limited evaluation showing basic understanding • May present one viewpoint only with little development • Uses minimal religious knowledge • Limited engagement with the statement • May lack a conclusion or give an unsupported opinion • Limited religious terminology • Quality of written communication is limited

0 marks: No creditworthy material

Indicative content (not exhaustive):

Arguments agreeing with the statement: • Modern issues like genetic engineering, IVF, AI, internet ethics not explicitly addressed in ancient texts • Scientific knowledge has advanced beyond what ancient writers knew • Social contexts have changed (e.g. slavery, role of women, LGBTQ+ rights) • Some religious laws seem outdated or culturally specific • Literalist interpretation can lead to conflict with modern values • Medical ethics (organ donation, euthanasia) not covered • Environmental crisis not a major concern in ancient times • Modern democratic and human rights concepts not in scriptures

Arguments disagreeing with the statement: • Fundamental moral principles remain constant (e.g. love, justice, compassion) • Scriptures contain timeless wisdom applicable to any era • Religious communities have methods of interpretation and application for new situations • Core teachings about human nature and relationships still relevant • Many modern issues are variations of age-old moral questions • Scriptures provide moral frameworks that can be applied to new situations • Religious scholars and leaders provide contemporary guidance based on scripture • Examples of successful application to modern issues (e.g. just war theory, Christian medical ethics) • Scriptures address universal human concerns (suffering, meaning, justice) • Reform movements show scriptures can be reinterpreted for modern contexts

Other perspectives: • Depends on which religion and which interpretation • Balance between preserving tradition and adapting to change • Some teachings more applicable than others • Role of religious authority in applying ancient wisdom • Personal faith may make scriptures relevant regardless of age

Conclusion should: • Relate to the arguments presented • Show personal evaluation • Be justified with reasoning

Sample Answers with Examiner Commentary

Question 6(b) — Sample Answers

Grade A (high distinction) answer*

Religious scriptures contain teachings that are thousands of years old, yet many believers would argue they remain highly relevant to modern moral challenges, even if some aspects require reinterpretation.

Those who agree that scriptures are too old might point to the fact that ancient texts simply could not address issues that did not exist at the time they were written. For example, the Bible was written before technologies like IVF, genetic engineering, or artificial intelligence were even imaginable. When a couple today faces the moral dilemma of using IVF with donor eggs or embryo screening, they cannot find a direct verse in the Bible addressing this situation. Similarly, Muslims cannot find specific guidance in the Qur'an about whether organ donation is permissible or whether life support can be withdrawn. This suggests that scriptures have limitations when dealing with cutting-edge bioethics. Furthermore, social contexts have changed dramatically – the Bible's acceptance of slavery or its patriarchal view of women conflicts with modern values of equality and human rights. If we take these texts too literally, we might perpetuate outdated attitudes that harm people today.

However, many religious believers would strongly disagree with this statement, arguing that scriptures contain timeless principles that can be applied to any situation. Christians might argue that while the Bible does not mention IVF specifically, it contains clear teachings about the sanctity of life, the importance of marriage and family, and human dignity that can guide decision-making in this area. The principle of agape love and Jesus' teaching to "love your neighbour as yourself" provides a framework for addressing any ethical issue, whether ancient or modern. Muslims would argue that the Qur'an is the eternal word of Allah and therefore its guidance is permanent and universal. The Shari'ah law derived from the Qur'an and Hadith has mechanisms like ijtihad (independent reasoning) that allow Islamic scholars to apply fundamental principles to new situations. For example, scholars have used the principle of preserving life from Islamic teaching to permit organ donation. Buddhists might argue that the Four Noble Truths about suffering and the Eightfold Path provide wisdom about human nature and ethical living that transcend any particular time period – the fundamental problems of craving, attachment and suffering remain the same whether in ancient India or modern Britain.

Moreover, many modern ethical challenges are actually variations of timeless moral questions. The issue of AI making decisions is fundamentally about justice, responsibility and human dignity – all themes addressed in religious scriptures. Environmental destruction relates to stewardship and greed, which are thoroughly covered in religious texts. Social media bullying is still bullying, addressed by teachings on compassion and respecting others.

In conclusion, I believe the statement is too simplistic. While religious scriptures certainly require careful interpretation and application to address modern specifics, their core moral principles about love, justice, compassion, human dignity and responsibility remain profoundly relevant. The age of a text does not automatically make it irrelevant – Shakespeare's plays are 400 years old but still speak to human nature. Religious communities have developed sophisticated methods of interpretation that respect tradition while addressing contemporary concerns. However, I would acknowledge that purely literalist approaches that refuse to engage with changing contexts can make scriptures seem outdated. The key is thoughtful application of timeless principles rather than rigid literalism or complete abandonment of ancient wisdom.

Mark: 12/12

Examiner commentary: This is an excellent response that demonstrates all the qualities of Level 4 work. The candidate presents thoroughly developed arguments from multiple perspectives, using specific and accurate religious knowledge (agape, Shari'ah, ijtihad, Four Noble Truths). The evaluation is sophisticated, acknowledging nuance ("depends on interpretation") and engaging critically with both sides of the debate. The candidate uses concrete examples effectively (IVF, organ donation, AI) and makes intelligent comparisons (Shakespeare analogy). The conclusion is well-justified and shows genuine evaluation rather than simply restating previous points. Religious terminology is used accurately throughout, and the quality of written communication is excellent with clear structure and fluent expression.

Grade C (pass) answer

Many people think religious scriptures are too old to be useful for modern moral problems. This is because the holy books were written thousands of years ago when life was very different.

On one hand, religious scriptures do not talk about modern things like the internet, cloning or nuclear weapons. For example, the Bible was written about 2000 years ago and does not mention things like social media or genetic engineering. This means Christians cannot just look up what to do about these new technologies. The Qur'an was also written a long time ago in the 7th century, so it does not talk about modern medical procedures like abortion or euthanasia directly. Some of the rules in scriptures also seem old-fashioned today, like rules about women or slavery, which shows they are products of their time.

On the other hand, religious people believe their scriptures are still relevant because they contain important moral principles that never change. For Christians, the Bible teaches about love and treating others as you want to be treated, which can apply to any situation even today. Jesus taught people to love their neighbour and this teaching works just as well now as it did 2000 years ago. Muslims believe the Qur'an is the word of God and God's word is eternal, so it must be relevant for all time. Buddhists follow the teachings about the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path which are about ending suffering, and people still suffer today so these teachings are still useful.

Also, religious leaders can interpret the scriptures to apply them to modern situations. For example, the Pope gives guidance to Catholics about modern issues based on the Bible and Church tradition. This shows that old scriptures can still be used to address new problems.

In conclusion, I think religious scriptures do have some relevance today because they teach important moral values like compassion and justice, but they can be difficult to apply to specific modern issues without interpretation. So the statement is partly true but not completely true.

Mark: 7/12

Examiner commentary: This is a solid Level 3 response that demonstrates good understanding and presents arguments from different perspectives. The candidate uses some religious knowledge appropriately (Jesus' teaching, Four Noble Truths, role of Pope) and attempts to engage with both sides of the debate. However, the response lacks the depth and sophistication of top-band work. The examples are somewhat general ("things like social media") rather than specific ethical dilemmas. The religious knowledge, while accurate, is not detailed (no mention of specific concepts like ijtihad, agape, or scriptural interpretation methods). The conclusion shows reasonable evaluation but could be more fully developed and justified. The written communication is good but the structure is slightly formulaic ("on one hand... on the other hand").

Grade E (near miss) answer

I think religious scriptures are too old to be relevant to moral challenges today. This is because they were written a very long time ago when people lived differently.

The Bible and Qur'an were written thousands of years ago and back then people did not have computers or mobile phones or modern medicine. So these books cannot tell people what to do about modern problems like whether to use social media or what to do about climate change. For example, the Bible does not mention anything about global warming or pollution because these were not problems back then. This shows that religious books are outdated.

Also, some things in scriptures are wrong by today's standards. For example, there are parts of the Bible that accept slavery, but now we know slavery is wrong. This proves that we cannot rely on these old books for moral guidance because they contain outdated ideas.

However, some religious people might say their holy books are still important because they are from God. Christians believe the Bible is God's word and Muslims believe the Qur'an is from Allah, so they think these books must always be right and relevant.

In conclusion, I agree with the statement because religious scriptures are too old to understand modern life and modern problems. People today need to make their own decisions based on modern knowledge and science, not ancient books.

Mark: 4/12

Examiner commentary: This response demonstrates Level 2 work, showing some understanding but with significant limitations. The candidate presents an argument but it is unbalanced, focusing heavily on one perspective without giving equal consideration to counterarguments. The religious knowledge used is minimal and lacks detail – there is basic recognition that believers view texts as from God, but no development of how religious communities actually apply scripture to modern issues (no mention of interpretation methods, religious leaders, ethical frameworks derived from scripture). The candidate makes a common misconception that age alone determines relevance, without exploring how principles might transcend time periods. The examples given are vague (social media, climate change) without explaining the specific moral dimensions. The conclusion is asserted rather than justified through reasoning from the preceding arguments. To improve, the candidate needs to develop the religious perspective more fully, use specific teachings and terminology, and engage more deeply with both sides of the debate before reaching a balanced evaluation.

Question 6(a) — Sample Answers

Grade A (high distinction) answer*

Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and the ultimate authority for faith and practice. This means that God guided the human authors to write His message for humanity, though Christians hold different views about exactly how this inspiration worked.

The Bible is divided into two main parts: the Old Testament, which contains the Hebrew scriptures including the Torah, prophets and wisdom literature; and the New Testament, which records the life and teachings of Jesus and the early Church. For Christians, the New Testament is particularly important because it reveals God's ultimate message through Jesus Christ, who they believe is the Son of God and the Word made flesh. The four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – provide accounts of Jesus' ministry, death and resurrection, which are the foundation of Christian faith.

Protestant Christians emphasise the principle of sola scriptura, meaning "scripture alone," which teaches that the Bible is the sole infallible source of authority for Christian doctrine. They believe that every Christian should read and interpret the Bible personally, guided by the Holy Spirit. This stems from the Reformation when Martin Luther challenged the Catholic Church's authority and insisted that scripture should be available to everyone in their own language, not just in Latin for priests.

Catholic and Orthodox Christians also regard the Bible as divinely inspired and authoritative, but they place it alongside sacred tradition and the teaching authority of the Church (the Magisterium). Catholics believe that the Pope and bishops, guided by the Holy Spirit, have the authority to interpret scripture correctly and apply it to new situations. This is why Catholic teaching on issues like contraception or the ordination of priests comes from both biblical principles and Church tradition developed over centuries.

Different Christians interpret biblical authority differently. Some are biblical literalists who believe every word is factually and historically accurate and should be taken at face value. Others take a more symbolic or metaphorical approach, seeing texts like the Genesis creation accounts as theological truth expressed through ancient literary forms rather than scientific descriptions. However, all Christians agree that the Bible reveals God's character, His plan of salvation through Jesus, and provides moral and spiritual guidance for living.

The Bible is central to Christian worship – passages are read in every church service, verses are memorised and meditated upon, and it shapes Christian ethics and decision-making. Christians believe that through reading scripture, they encounter God's living word that "is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12) and that all scripture is "God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).

Mark: 8/8

Examiner commentary: This is an exemplary Level 3 response demonstrating thorough knowledge and excellent understanding. The candidate uses accurate religious terminology throughout (sola scriptura, Magisterium, biblical literalism) and explains multiple aspects of Christian teaching about scripture: divine inspiration, different views between denominations, methods of interpretation, and the Bible's role in Christian life. The answer is well-structured, moving logically through different dimensions of the topic. Specific references are used effectively (Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16, the four Gospels) and the candidate shows understanding of diversity within Christianity while explaining common beliefs. The explanation is analytical rather than merely descriptive, showing why these teachings are significant.

Grade C (pass) answer

Christians believe that the Bible is a very important and holy book that contains God's message to humanity. It is split into two parts – the Old Testament which is the same as the Jewish Torah and contains stories like Adam and Eve and Noah's Ark, and the New Testament which is about Jesus and his disciples.

The Bible is inspired by God, which means God helped the writers to write what He wanted them to say. Christians believe it is the word of God and contains the truth about God and how people should live. Different Christians believe this in different ways – some think every word is literally true and actually happened exactly as written, while others think some parts are more like stories with messages rather than literal history.

The New Testament is especially important to Christians because it tells them about Jesus, who they believe is the Son of God and their saviour. The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) tell the story of Jesus' life, his teachings, his death on the cross and his resurrection. Christians read these to learn what Jesus taught about how to live and how to get to heaven.

Protestant Christians believe the Bible is the most important authority and that everyone should read it themselves. Catholic Christians also think the Bible is important but they also follow what the Church and the Pope say about religious matters. Orthodox Christians are similar to Catholics in this way.

Christians use the Bible in church services where passages are read out, and they also read it at home for personal prayer and guidance. Many Christians try to apply biblical teachings to their daily lives and decisions, using it as a guide for morality. For example, the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament tell Christians rules like "do not steal" and "do not murder."

The Bible is treated with respect by Christians and is seen as a way that God speaks to people today, not just in the past.

Mark: 5/8

Examiner commentary: This is a sound Level 2 response showing reasonable knowledge and understanding of Christian teachings about the Bible. The candidate correctly identifies key points (divine inspiration, Old and New Testament, role of Jesus, different denominational views) and uses some religious terminology appropriately. However, the response lacks the depth and precision of higher-band work. The explanation of inspiration is rather vague ("God helped the writers") without exploring different theological concepts of inspiration. References to specific teachings are limited (Ten Commandments) and the candidate misses opportunities to discuss concepts like revelation, sola scriptura, or infallibility. The descriptions are generally accurate but somewhat surface-level – for instance, noting that Catholics follow the Pope without explaining the Magisterium or how tradition and scripture relate. To reach Level 3, the candidate needs more detailed religious knowledge, more sophisticated use of terminology, and fuller development of explanatory links.

Grade E (near miss) answer

Christians think the Bible is important because it is their holy book. It was written a long time ago and tells stories about God and Jesus.

The Bible has two parts called the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is about the time before Jesus and has stories like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and Moses and the Ten Commandments. The New Testament is about Jesus and what he did. Jesus is very important to Christians because they worship him.

Christians believe the Bible is true and they should follow what it says. They read the Bible in church on Sundays and sometimes at home. The Bible teaches Christians how to be good people and not to sin. It has rules about what is right and wrong.

Different types of Christians like Catholics and Protestants both use the Bible but they might believe slightly different things about it. The Bible was written by people but Christians think God told them what to write, so it is God's message.

Christians think the Bible is the word of God so they have to obey it. It tells them about Jesus dying on the cross for their sins and about how to get to heaven. This is why it is important to Christians.

Mark: 2/8

Examiner commentary: This response demonstrates Level 1 work with limited knowledge and understanding. While the candidate shows basic awareness that the Bible is important to Christians and contains teaching about Jesus, the explanation lacks development and detail. The response is largely descriptive ("tells stories," "has rules") rather than explanatory – it does not explain why divine inspiration matters or how the Bible functions as an authority. Religious terminology is minimal and imprecise ("worship him" rather than understanding Jesus as saviour and Lord). The candidate makes common errors, such as suggesting the Old Testament is "the same as" the Torah (oversimplification) and doesn't distinguish between different understandings of biblical authority. There is no engagement with concepts like revelation, interpretation, or the relationship between scripture and Christian practice beyond very general statements. To improve, the candidate needs to develop more detailed religious knowledge, explain rather than simply describe, and use accurate religious terminology to show deeper understanding of how and why the Bible is authoritative in Christian teaching.