Exam Briefing

RE AS Level

The basics!

Each paper is 1 hour, 15 mins. You are expected to answer 2 FULL questions (parts

A & B). Timings; 35 minutes per question plus a couple of

minutes to read the questions CAREFULLY and a couple of minutes to check through your work.

There will be a 5/10 minute gap between the exams. The Philosophy of Religion exam will be first.

The questions

Read the questions very carefully. UNDERLINE key words in the question.

REMEMBER – A questions require you to show KNOWLEDGE and UNDERTANDING. The word ‘Explain’ tends to be used here.

B questions are focussed on EVALUATION. Part A is always worth 30 marks and part B 15

marks. THEREFORE part A questions need to be far longer!

Part A tips

For each part A question you need a clear introduction STATING what you will include in the essay.

Keep linking your knowledge back to the question. Make sure you name the philosophers/theologians whose

theories you are talking about. Give examples to show you UNDERSTAND what they are

saying. Direct quotes are useful BUT only if you EXPLAIN how they

link to the question. Come to a CONCLUSION, summing up your main points. DO NOT INCLUDE ANY EVALUATION – NO “I think/believe”

STATEMENTS.

Part b tips

Don’t waste time adding any of the knowledge you’ve already given in part A!

Link back to the question, DON’T just write a list of strengths and weaknesses.

Make sure you name key people who have come up with the strengths and weaknesses.

Try and link the arguments, make it sound like a conversation rather than a list!

Come to a definite conclusion.

And finally…

Good Luck!!