What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Religious Studies?

Use key philosophers like Hume, Mackie, and Plantinga.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Religious Studies? (2)

Structure essays with clear points and counterpoints.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Religious Studies? (3)

Define terms like 'omnipotent' and 'omnibenevolent'.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Religious Studies? (4)

Use thought experiments like the zombie argument.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Religious Studies? (5)

Reference philosophers such as Descartes and Ryle.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Religious Studies?

Confusing the logical and evidential problems.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Religious Studies? (2)

Misrepresenting theodicies or their critics.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Religious Studies? (3)

Failing to address the problem of gratuitous evil.

Religious Studies

Pearson

A-Level

Specification: 601/8741/4

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

50%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including: • religious, philosophical and/or ethical thought and teaching • influence of beliefs, teachings and practices on individuals, communities and societies • cause and significance of similarities and differences in belief, teaching and practice • approaches to the study of religion and belief

AO2

50%

Analyse and evaluate aspects of, and approaches to, religion and belief, including their significance, influence and study

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

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

Pearson

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing the logical and evidential problems.
•Misrepresenting theodicies or their critics.
•Failing to address the problem of gratuitous evil.
•Confusing substance dualism with property dualism.
•Misrepresenting materialism as eliminativism.
•Failing to address the interaction problem for dualism.
•Confusing verification with falsification.
•Failing to consider counter-arguments.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Use key philosophers like Hume, Mackie, and Plantinga.
•Structure essays with clear points and counterpoints.
•Define terms like 'omnipotent' and 'omnibenevolent'.
•Use thought experiments like the zombie argument.
•Reference philosophers such as Descartes and Ryle.
•Structure your evaluation with strengths and weaknesses.
•Use key philosophers (e.g., Ayer, Flew, Tillich).
•Structure evaluation with clear arguments for and against.

Specification Topics

4 topics

Philosophy of Religion

This topic examines the logical and evidential problem of evil, and evaluates theodicies from Augustine and Irenaeus. Learners must critically analyse arguments for and against the existence of God.

The problem of evil, Soul, mind and body, Religious language +2 more

0 objectives15 tips15 pitfalls5 subtopics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic examines the central philosophical arguments for the existence of God within the Philosophy of Religion component, focusing on classical and contemporary formulations. Students engage critically with ontological, cosmological, teleological, and moral arguments, evaluating their logical coherence and reliance on a posteriori or a priori reasoning. The practical application lies in developing rigorous analytical skills, weighing evidence, and constructing balanced evaluative responses for high-stakes assessment.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Religion and Ethics

Meta-ethics explores the nature of moral language, meaning, and justification, comparing cognitivist theories (e.g., naturalism, intuitionism) with non-cognitivist theories (e.g., emotivism, prescriptivism). It evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

Meta-ethics, Free will and moral responsibility, Applied ethics +2 more

0 objectives15 tips15 pitfalls5 subtopics

New Testament Studies

This topic examines Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God and analyses the significance of his miracles. Learners will explore theological interpretations and historical context.

The person of Jesus, The synoptic problem and the Gospel of Mark, The context of the New Testament +2 more

0 objectives17 tips17 pitfalls5 subtopics

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