CXC CSEC Religious Education — Paper 2 (Structured and Extended Response)

Total marks: 90 · Duration: 120 minutes

Instructions to candidates

Answer ALL questions in Section A and Section B, and ONE question in Section C.
Section A is based on the Core; Section C allows a deeper study of a chosen religion (your Option).
Credit is given for accurate knowledge, use of examples, and well-developed explanation.

Paper

Section A — Core: Beliefs and Practices (40 marks)

1. (a) Define the term religion. (2 marks) (b) State two features common to most religions. (2 marks) (c) Describe two rites of passage and explain their importance. (6 marks)

2. (a) Name the holy book and place of worship of Islam. (2 marks) (b) Describe the Five Pillars of Islam. (10 marks)

3. (a) Name the supreme reality in Hinduism and the cycle of rebirth. (2 marks) (b) Explain the Hindu beliefs in karma and moksha. (6 marks)

Section B — Caribbean Religious Heritage (25 marks)

4. (a) Explain how enslaved Africans and indentured Indians contributed to the religious diversity of the Caribbean. (6 marks) (b) Define syncretism and give one example of a Caribbean religion formed in this way. (4 marks) (c) Describe two beliefs or practices of either Rastafari or the Orisha religion. (6 marks) (d) Explain two benefits of religious diversity in the Caribbean. (4 marks)

Section C — Religion and Society (answer ONE question, 25 marks)

5. "Religions teach that all people are equal." Using two religions you have studied, explain what they teach about justice and equality, and how believers can put this into practice. (25 marks)

6. Explain what two religions teach about family and relationships, and discuss why the family is regarded as important. (25 marks)

Mark Scheme (key points)

1 (a) belief in and worship of a supernatural power/God/the divine (2). (b) any two: sacred writings; worship; places of worship; symbols; rites of passage (2). (c) two rites (birth, initiation, marriage, death) described (2+2) with importance explained (2). 2 (a) Qur'an; mosque (2). (b) Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj — each correctly described (2 each, 10). 3 (a) Brahman; samsara (2). (b) karma = actions have consequences (3); moksha = liberation from the cycle of rebirth (3).

4 (a) Africans brought African religions; Indians brought Hinduism and Islam (6). (b) syncretism = blending of religions (2) + example, e.g. Orisha/Spiritual Baptist (2). (c) two Rastafari/Orisha beliefs or practices (3+3). (d) two benefits: tolerance, cultural richness, festivals, understanding (2+2).

5 / 6 — Extended response (25, levels): Indicative: accurate teaching from two named religions, supported by examples (scripture, teachings, practices), with developed explanation and application to practice.

Level 4 (19–25): Detailed, accurate teaching from two religions, well-developed and applied, with examples.

Level 3 (13–18): Good knowledge of two religions with some development.

Level 2 (7–12): Some accurate points, limited development or only one religion.

Level 1 (1–6): Few relevant points.

Sample Answers with Examiner Commentary

Question 5 — Sample Answers

Grade I (Distinction) answer (extract) "Both Christianity and Islam teach that all people are equal in the sight of God. In Christianity, Jesus taught the parable of the Good Samaritan and the command to 'love your neighbour as yourself', showing that everyone — regardless of background — deserves compassion and fair treatment. Christians put this into practice through charity and by opposing discrimination. In Islam, the Qur'an teaches that all believers are equal, and the pilgrims at Hajj wear simple white garments so that rich and poor are indistinguishable. The Pillar of Zakah requires Muslims to give to the poor, putting equality and justice into action. Both faiths therefore not only teach equality but call believers to act through charity and by standing against injustice…" Mark: 22/25. Examiner commentary: Two religions are used accurately, each supported by specific examples (Good Samaritan, Hajj garments, Zakah) and linked to practice. This sustained, applied explanation is firmly in Level 4.

Grade III (Pass) answer (extract) "Christianity says love your neighbour so everyone is equal. Islam also says people are equal and Muslims give to the poor through Zakah. Religions teach us to treat people fairly." Mark: 11/25. Examiner commentary: Two religions are mentioned with one valid point each, but the answer is brief and lacks developed examples or explanation of how believers put it into practice. Adding scripture and developed practice would lift it into Level 3/4.

Question 2(b) — Sample Answer