Get help and support GCSE EXAMPLE
RELIGIOUS RESPONSES
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STUDIES A
(8062)
Marked Responses
Summer 2018 - Islam
See a range of responses and how different levels are achieved
and understand how to interpret the mark scheme.
Version 1.1 January 2021
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Copyright © 2017 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.
AQA retains the copyright on all its publications, including the specifications. However, schools and colleges registered with AQA are permitted to copy
material from this specification for their own internal use.
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3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX.
Whilst every attempt has been made to show a range of student responses, the following
responses and examiner comments provide teachers with the best opportunity to
understand the application of the mark scheme. They are not intended to be viewed as
‘model’ answers, , although they are genuine student responses from the summer 2018
examinations and have all been marked by senior examiners.
Two mark questions (AO1.1)
0 2 . 2 Give two actions that Muslims perform during Hajj.
[2 marks]
Answer A
1. Throwing stones at three pillars that represent the devil.
2. Circling the Ka’ba seven times anti-clockwise.
Answer B
1. Prayer
2. Circle the Ka’ba
Answer A
This answer gives more detail than is required for this question. Nevertheless, both
actions identified are correct.
2 marks
Answer B
Two correct points identified. There is no requirement for further development or
explanation here as the question command is ‘give.’
2 marks
Four mark questions (AO1.3)
0 2 . 3 Explain two contrasting Muslim beliefs about giving alms.
[4 marks]
Answer A
In Sunni Islam zakah says you should give 2.5% of income to charity. Whereas in
Shi’a Islam you’re told to give 20% of your profit away.
Answer B
Sunni Muslims pay zakah annually. This is a charity donation of 2.5% of your income
paid to the poor. It is the third pillar.
Shi’a Muslims also pay a 20% tax that contains alms. This is Khums and it is the sixth
obligatory act.
Answer C
Muslims believe giving alms can consist of giving money to charity or to someone who
is in need of it. However it could also means donating time such as voluntary charity
work or working with people and giving them advice which can help them live a better
life.
Answer A
This response has contrasted the practices of Sunni and Shi’a Muslims and has
correctly identified differences between them. However as there is no further
development only the marks for simple points can be awarded.
2 marks
Answer B
This response gives two correct beliefs about almsgiving which both include
development of the points made.
4 marks
Answer C
This response approaches the question in a different way to the previous by
explaining different beliefs about what alms is as opposed to Sunni/Shi’a beliefs
about alms. A variety of approaches are equally valid as exemplified in the mark
scheme. The student gives two simple points in the first sentence, or this could
be read as a developed point. The second sentence gives two different beliefs
about alms (donating time and giving advice), both of which are developed.
Despite the slightly unusual structure, there is more than enough here to achieve
full marks.
4 marks
Five mark questions (AO1.1)
0 1 . 4 Explain two Muslim beliefs about the role of prophets. Refer
to sacred writings or another source of Muslim belief and
teaching in your answer.
[5 marks]
Answer A
One role of a prophet is to be a messenger for Allah like the angels. Another role is to
help and guide Muslims today and to help them make correct and accurate decisions
in their lives.
Answer B
Muslims believe that prophets are to show an example of how Muslims should live
their life. For example, Prophet Muhammad showed how a Muslim should pray to
Allah in order to live a good life and complete one of the five pillars, Salah.
Also prophets like Ibrahim show how Muslims should be prepared to devote their life
to Allah like Ibrahim was ready to sacrifice his son to show devotion to Allah.
Answer A
The first sentence here includes a simple correct point that prophets are
messengers for Allah. The second sentence gives a developed point, with the
explanation that they help people make good decisions.
3 marks
Answer B
The first paragraph gives a clear point that prophets are an example to follow,
which is then developed and includes a reference to Prophet Muhammad
demonstrating prayer. So, the first paragraph is worth 3 marks. The second
paragraph gives a detailed point.
5 marks
12 mark questions
Levels of response
Level Criteria Marks
4 A well-argued response, reasoned consideration of different 10-12
points of view.
Logical chains of reasoning leading to judgement(s) supported
by knowledge and understanding of relevant evidence and
information.
References to religion applied to the issue.
3 Reasoned consideration of different points of view. 7-9
Logical chains of reasoning that draw on knowledge and
understanding of relevant evidence and information.
Clear reference to religion.
2 Reasoned consideration of a point of view. 4-6
A logical chain of reasoning drawing on knowledge and
understanding of relevant evidence and information.
OR
Recognition of different points of view, each supported by
relevant reasons / evidence.
Maximum of Level 2 if there is no reference to religion or
the argument is one-sided.
1 Point of view with reason(s) stated in support. 1-3
0 Nothing worthy of credit. 0
12 mark questions (AO2)
0 1 . 5 ‘The Qur’an is the only authority a Muslim needs in life.’
Evaluate this statement.
[12 marks + 3 SPaG]
In your answer you should:
• refer to Muslim teaching
• give reasoned arguments to support this statement
• give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view
• reach a justified conclusion.
Answer A
The Qur’an is the authority a muslim needs in life to some christians is right because it
was made by Allah which teaches the ways of Islam and how to act upon them which
makes them believe the Qur’an is the most only authority a muslim needs in life. Other
Muslims think that because God gave free will that they can choose which authority
they need in life.
A non-religous believer would think that a Muslim should be able to choose wether
they should choose the Qur’an as their only source of authority in life. In conclusion
some muslims believe the Qur’an should be the only source of authority as it was
hand written by Allah. However other muslims think because of free will they can
choose.
Answer A
This is a short response (127 words) which lacks detail or range of arguments.
The first paragraph contains a point with some slight development, followed by a
second simple point about free will. The second paragraph contains an irrelevant
point about non-religious views and then some repetition of previous material.
Level 1, 3 marks
SPaG – 2 marks. There is general control of meaning in this response with some
use of specialist terms. There are some spelling mistakes, and a lack of
capitalisation on Muslims and Christians. The term Christians was misused in this
answer but did not hinder meaning.
Answer B
Some Muslims may agree with this statement because the Qur’an decreeds
‘everything that will happen.’ This creates the foundations of Islam and has complete
authority over their life.
Some Muslims may disagree with this statement because in the Qur’an we are taught
to obey the laws of your country. This shows that we shouldn’t just obey the Qur’an.
Some Muslims agree with this statement because the Qur’an is the ‘most sacred.’ It’s
placed at the highest place in your home and is only touched by clean hands because
it’s the most important book.
Some Muslims may disagree with the statement because there are many holy books
such as the torah. If the Qur’an was the only authority then why do other sacred texts
exist if they don’t contribute.
Some Muslims may agree with this statement because the Qur’an was one of the final
books of Allah’s message. As it was one of the last books it must be special and have
allowed Allah to share His full message.
Some Muslims may disagree with this statement because we don’t know how much
the Qur’an details about life. By only recognising the Qur’an as authority you miss out
on any other teachings and beliefs.
Overall, I disagree with the statement because the Qur’an is only one book and your
life shouldn’t only be centred about it as your authority.
Answer B
This response is generally well argued and logically considers different viewpoints.
Religious beliefs are applied to the issue throughout the response. In order to
achieve the top of Level 4, this response would require more detailed evaluation.
Level 4, 10 marks
SPaG – 3 marks. The response includes some specialist terms and has good
control of meaning. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are generally accurate.
Answer C
On the one hand, some Muslims might agree with this statement because they believe
that the Qur'an contains a complete and accurate record of Allah’s message to
mankind, told to Muhammad through the angel Jibril. If it is the totality of Allah’s
message, then there is no reason for them to need any other authority, because Allah
is the ultimate authority in Islam.
On the other hand, the fourth Shia article of faith is Imamah: belief in the authority of
Imams. This suggests that Muslims need other authority, aside from the Qur’an. Sunni
Muslims also believe in the authority of Caliphs.
There are also several other holy books as well as the Qur’an. There is the Tawrat
(Torah) given to Musa that contains “guidance and light” (Qur’an). There is also the
Zabur (Psalms) given to Dawud; “to David we gave the book of Pslams,” and the Injil.
If Allah gave all of these to mankind, then they must have needed them, not just the
Qur’an.
Additionally, Muslims follow the Hadith and Sunnah because Muhammad is a role
model to them, so they read the details of his practices to learn how to be good
Muslims.
In conclusion, I believe that Muslims need multiple sources of authority, otherwise why
would Allah have provided them? Together the teachings of all the holy books and the
Imams or Caliphs provides suitable authority for Muslims.
Answer C
This response is about the expected length (231 words) and is well argued with
clear chains of reasoning. The points made on both sides of the argument are
fully focussed on the question set, and are well developed, and the response
makes good use of a range of evidence. The conclusion leads on from the
reasoning and comes to an overall judgement based on the evidence that has
been presented.
Level 4, 12 marks
SPaG – 3 marks. This response fully meets the criteria for high performance.
Clear meaning and control throughout with good use of specialist terms and
high accuracy in spelling and grammar.
0 2 . 5 ‘The Friday prayer (Jummah) is more important than the daily
prayers.’ Evaluate this statement.
[12 marks ]
In your answer you should:
• refer to Muslim teaching
• give reasoned arguments to support this statement
• give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view
• reach a justified conclusion.
Answer A
The Jummah prayer is a important prayer in Islam because it is different from a daily
prayer and more important. Allah made the Jummah prayer a sacred prayer for
Muslims and a prayer that is obligatory for Muslims.
However, one may argue that all daily prayers as a collective (salah) are equally as
important because it is a way of connecting with Allah and reaching out to him each
day to become closer and more attached with Allah.
Moreover, if for some reason a Muslim was finding it difficult to find tome to pray 5
times each day then it is important that they at least do the Jummah prayer each
Friday.
In conclusion it is important to pray 5 times each day however, if for some reason a
lesser jihad occurs then it is almost vital to still do a Jummah prayer.
Answer A
This response includes a brief argument in support of the statement and a brief
counter argument. Both sides lack detail and development, and religious
arguments are general and not fully applied. Due to lack of development the best
fit for this response is mid-level 2.
Level 2, 5 marks
Answer B
Some Muslims may agree with this statement as they believe that the Friday prayer
Jummah could be more important as it takes place in the holy place the mosque so
therefore it may mean more as God’s presence will be in the mosque. Some Muslims
may also say that it is not always necessary to pray daily as in the Qur’an it says “do
not pray if you do not have the faith” showing that prayer on Fridays may be better
than praying daily as sometimes we can lose the faith.
However some Muslims may say that daily prayer is more important than the Friday
prayer because daily prayer shows moral self-discipline and commitment to God.
Some Muslims may also say that daily prayer help to communicate with God at all
times and stay focused on God and Friday prayer is just extra prayers with a
community of people.
To conclude I think that Friday prayers are important as it takes place in a mosque
and Muslims may feel the presence of God. However, I think daily prayers are just as
important as it keeps Muslims focussed on God and allows constant communication
with God.
Answer B
This response shows a reasoned consideration of two points of view. Although at
times the expression seems a little repetitive, some valid arguments are made on
both sides. For example, the idea of prayer in the mosque being a holy place in
the first sentence. However, the second sentence lacks clarity. Overall, due to
some lack of clarity and somewhat limited application of religious beliefs to the
issue the best fit is Level 3.
Level 3, 8 marks
Answer C
This is believed by Muslims because the Friday prayer is the whole community
coming together. This unity is written about in the Qur’an and must be followed, so by
the gathering for Jummah it is pleasing Allah; which is the aim for all Muslims. Also,
this prayer of Friday Jummah, people do a ritual of washing before they pray. This is
metaphorically washing away their sins to be able to speak with Allah when they pray.
During Jummah, the congregation are able to give to charity which is one of the 5
Pillars of Islam. This means that is important to all Muslims. Therefore it is very
important for Muslims to attend. Although it is only compulsory for men, both are
encouraged to attend.
On the other hand, daily prayer is important because the whole world of Muslims are
awake and praying towards the holy place of Mecca, this means that all Muslims
become united by this bond. Therefore, making daily prayer (salah) is more important
to Muslims. Also daily prayer is one of the 5 Pillars of Islam. These must be followed
by all Muslims. Therefore it is more important than Jummah.
In conclusion, I believe that, as someone who is not a Muslim, that daily prayer is
more important as it is done more often therefore God can see you trying to be a good
Muslim more often. Therefore Allah believes you are a better Muslim.
Answer C
This response is about the expected length (238 words). It is generally well
argued with consideration of different points of view and effective application of
key beliefs such as the Five Pillars. The counter argument in the second
paragraph is weaker than the argument in support, however logical reasoning is
demonstrated. The conclusion makes a valid judgement, although the final
sentence does not enhance the judgement.
Level 4, 11 marks
Get help and support GCSE EXAMPLE
Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/8062
You can talk directly to the religious studies subject team RELIGIOUS RESPONSE
E: [email protected]
T: 0161 957 3881
STUDIES A
(8062)
Marked Papers
7711-2 34 marks Q1 Q3 Redacted
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Version 1.0 18 January 2017
aqa.org.uk
Copyright © 2021 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.
AQA retains the copyright on all its publications, including the specifications. However, schools and colleges registered with AQA are permitted to copy
material from this specification for their own internal use.
G01335d
AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (company number
3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX.
