Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course version · 601/8741/4Version from Sept 2016Change version
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Official Regulatory Specification
Regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 601/8741/4
- Awarding Organisation
- Pearson Edexcel
- Regulatory Type
- GCE A Level
- National Level & Units
- A-Level • 24 units
Explore your topics
12 topics
Course topics6 topics
Paper 4: Study of Religion6 topics
Assessment and exam guidance
What Gets Top Grades
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
- Uses correct subject-specific terminology
- Shows detailed understanding of concepts
- Makes accurate connections between topics
- Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge
Application
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
- Selects relevant knowledge for the question
- Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
- Uses examples appropriately
- Shows awareness of context
Analysis & Evaluation
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
- Constructs logical chains of reasoning
- Considers multiple perspectives
- Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
- Acknowledges limitations and nuances
Key Command Words
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Confusing natural law with divine command theory.
- •Thinking situation ethics allows any action without limits.
- •Overlooking the difference between act and rule utilitarianism.
- •Confusing the Form of the Good with the Prime Mover.
- •Misunderstanding the analogy of the cave as purely about perception.
- •Failing to distinguish between efficient and final causes.
- •Describing theories without applying them.
- •Ignoring counterarguments.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Use real-life examples to illustrate theories.
- •Learn key quotes from Aquinas, Fletcher, Bentham, and Mill.
- •Practice applying all three theories to the same scenario.
- •Create diagrams to illustrate the analogy of the cave and the Four Causes.
- •Memorise key quotes from Plato and Aristotle's works.
- •Practice writing comparative essays on their philosophical contributions.
- •Use specific examples to illustrate application.
- •Structure arguments with clear premises and conclusions.
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