U5th GCSE Practice Questions

GCSE practice questions

Remember in the examinations, you have 30 minutes to answer a 24-mark question. You will have two sessions (on different days), with two one-hour papers in each session, and you will answer two full questions (parts a-e) for each paper. You should spend 6 minutes answering parts a-c, 8 minutes answering part d and 16 minutes answering part e. It is important that you divide your time correctly and write fast!!

Beliefs about deity – B601 “Philosophy 1” part a – 1 mark questions 1. What is a god? (1 mark) 2. What is a miracle? (1 mark) 3. What is the Holy Spirit? (1 mark) 4. What is the Trinity? (1 mark) part b – 2 mark questions part c – 3 mark questions 5. Describe what Christians believe about God. (3 marks) 6. Describe what Christians believe about miracles. (3 marks) part d – 6 mark questions – in an exam, 8 minutes 7. Explain the reasons Christians might give for believing in God. (6 marks) 8. Explain why some Christians might not believe in miracles. (6 marks) 9. Explain Christian beliefs about God. (6 marks) [note – you need to be able to give a 3-mark and a 6-mark answer to this question] part e – 12 mark questions – in an exam, 16 minutes 10. “If miracles were true, they would happen all the time.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

11. “There is no way of knowing what God is like.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

12. “Believing in God is no longer important.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

13. “All philosophical arguments that try to argue that God exists fail.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) GCSE practice questions

The end of life – B601 “Philosophy 1” part a – 1 mark questions 14. What is death? (1 mark) part b – 2 mark questions 15. What is meant by ‘purgatory’? (2 marks) part c – 3 mark questions part d – 6 mark questions – in an exam, 8 minutes 16. What do Christians believe about the soul? (6 marks) 17. What do Christians believe happens when we die? (6 marks) 18. How might a Christian’s beliefs about life after death affect how they live? (6 marks) 19. What do Christians believe about God’s judgement? (6 marks) 20. Explain Christian teachings on sin, salvation, redemption and the suffering of Christ. (6 marks) 21. Explain what happens at a Christian funeral and the beliefs reflected in each part of the funeral rites. (6 marks) part e – 12 mark questions – in an exam, 16 minutes 22. “When people die that is the end.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

23. “There is no evidence for life after death so it is not rational to believe in it.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

24. “Funerals are for the living, not the dead.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

25. “People only believe in an afterlife because they are afraid of dying.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

26. “This life is more important than the next.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

27. “A forgiving God wouldn’t send people to Hell.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

28. “People should confess their sins to God, not to a human being.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) GCSE practice questions

Religious and spiritual experience – B601 “Philosophy 1” GCSE practice questions

Religion and science – B602 “Philosophy 2” part a – 1 mark questions 29. What is stewardship? (1 mark) 30. What is dominion? (1 mark) part b – 2 mark questions 31. Give two examples of environmental issues. (2 marks) part c – 3 mark questions 32. What is the difference between creationism and intelligent design? (3 marks) part d – 6 mark questions – in an exam, 8 minutes 33. What are the main scientific theories concerning how the world and humanity began? (6 marks) 34. What do Christians think about the origins of humanity? (6 marks) 35. Explain Christian ideas about the origin of the world. (6 marks) 36. Explain Christians teachings about the environment. (6 marks) 37. What might Christians believe about the relationship between humanity and animals? (6 marks) part e – 12 mark questions – in an exam, 16 minutes 38. “The world is ours to treat as we like.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

39. ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.’ (Genesis 1:1-2) “If science is right then religion must be wrong.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

40. “Humans are more important than other animals.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

41. “It is the responsibility of every human being to take care of the planet.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

42. “Animals have no rights so we can do what we like to them.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) GCSE practice questions

Good and evil – B602 “Philosophy 2” part a – 1 mark questions 43. What is meant by evil? (1 mark) part b – 2 mark questions 44. Give two examples of human suffering. (2 marks) part c – 3 mark questions 45. What is the difference between moral and natural evil? (3 marks) 46. Explain Christian beliefs about conscience. (3 marks) part d – 6 mark questions – in an exam, 8 minutes 47. How Christians respond to suffering? (6 marks) 48. Explain Christian teachings about God and the Devil. (6 marks) 49. How might Christians explain the problem of evil in the world? (6 marks) 50. Explain why the existence of evil might lead people to say that God does not exist. (6 marks) 51. Explain Christian beliefs about The Fall, Original Sin and redemption. (6 marks) 52. Explain how Christians might go about making moral decisions. (6 marks) part e – 12 mark questions – in an exam, 16 minutes 53. “If you believe in God, suffering does not matter.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

54. “If God was really good, people would not suffer.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

55. “Suffering is good for people.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

56. “People should make their own moral decisions without bothering about religion.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

57. “Prayer is the best way to deal with suffering.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

58. “When people suffer, they are being punished for something they have done wrong.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) GCSE practice questions

Religion, reason and revelation – B602 “Philosophy 2” GCSE practice questions

Religion and human relationships – B603 “Ethics 1” part a – 1 mark questions 59. What is meant by ‘marriage’? (1 mark) 60. What is a civil partnership? (1 mark) part b – 2 mark questions part c – 3 mark questions 61. Explain when an annulment can take place. (3 marks) 62. Explain why some Christians think that divorced people should not be allowed to remarry in church. (3 marks) part d – 6 mark questions – in an exam, 8 minutes 63. Explain Christian teachings about sexual relationships. (6 marks) 64. Explain Christian attitudes towards the use of contraception. (6 marks) 65. Explain Christian teachings about the purpose of marriage. (6 marks) 66. Explain what happens at a Christian wedding ceremony and the beliefs and teachings reflected by each part. (6 marks) 67. Explain Christian teachings about divorce and remarriage. (6 marks) 68. Explain Christian views on the role of men and women in the family and in wider society. (6 marks) 69. Explain Christian views on the role of men and women in the Church. (6 marks) part e – 12 mark questions – in an exam, 16 minutes 70. “Divorce is often the best solution.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

71. “Every Christian should get married.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

72. “People should not have any kind of sexual relationships outside marriage.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

73. “People should live together first before the decide to get married.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

74. “Homosexuality should be just as acceptable as heterosexuality.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

75. “Women should always obey their husbands.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) GCSE practice questions

76. “Everyone is equal.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) GCSE practice questions

Medical ethics – B603 “Ethics 1” part a – 1 mark questions 77. What is abortion? (1 mark) 78. What is euthanasia? (1 mark) 79. What is fertility treatment? (1 mark) 80. What is cloning? (1 mark) part b – 2 mark questions part c – 3 mark questions 81. Explain what a Christian might think about suicide. (3 marks) 82. Explain what a Christian might think about cloning. (3 marks) part d – 6 mark questions – in an exam, 8 minutes 83. Explain Christian teachings about euthanasia. (6 marks) 84. Explain Christian attitudes towards fertility treatment. (6 marks) 85. Explain different Christian views on abortion. (6 marks) 86. Explain Christian attitudes to the use of animals in medical research. (6 marks) part e – 12 mark questions – in an exam, 16 minutes 87. “People do not have the right to end their own lives.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

88. “Every unborn baby has the right to live.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

89. “It is up to God to decide whether a woman has a baby.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

90. “Only God has the right to take away life.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

91. “All life is worth living.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

92. “Every woman has the right to have a baby.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

93. “Testing medicines on animals is a good thing to do.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) GCSE practice questions

Religion, poverty and wealth – B603 “Ethics 1” GCSE practice questions

Religion and e quality – B604 “Ethics 2” part a – 1 mark questions 94. What is meant by ‘equality’? (1 mark) part b – 2 mark questions 95. What does ‘reconciliation’ mean? (2 marks) part c – 3 mark questions 96. Explain the difference between ‘prejudice’ and ‘discrimination’. (3 marks) part d – 6 mark questions – in an exam, 8 minutes 97. Explain Christian beliefs about equality. (6 marks) 98. Explain Christian teachings about the role of women in society. (6 marks) 99. Explain Christian teachings and attitudes towards racism. (6 marks) 100. Explain Christian attitudes towards other religions. (6 marks) 101. What do Christians believe about forgiveness? (6 marks) 102. How might Christians respond to racism? (6 marks) 103. Explain Christian teachings about equality between men and women. (6 marks) part e – 12 mark questions – in an exam, 16 minutes 104. “If one religion is right, then other religions must be wrong.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

105. “Men and women are not equal.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

106. “People should only be forgiven once.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

107. “Everyone must be treated equally.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) GCSE practice questions

Religion, peace and justice – B604 “Ethics 2” part a – 1 mark questions 108. What is pacifism? (1 mark) 109. What is capital punishment? (1 mark) 110. What is social justice? (1 mark) part b – 2 mark questions 111. Give two examples of social injustice. (2 marks) part c – 3 mark questions 112. What are the aims of punishment? (3 marks) 113. Explain why some Christians are pacifists. (3 marks) part d – 6 mark questions – in an exam, 8 minutes 114. Explain Christian teachings on crime and punishment (including capital punishment). (6 marks) 115. Explain Christian teachings about the use of violence. (6 marks) 116. Explain Christian attitudes towards the treatment of criminals. (6 marks) 117. Explain what Christians mean by a “just war”. (6 marks) 118. What are Christian views on war? (6 marks) 119. Explain how and why Christians might work for peace. (6 marks) 120. Explain how Christians might respond to social injustice. (6 marks) part e – 12 mark questions – in an exam, 16 minutes 121. “War is sometimes necessary.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

122. “Violence is never the way to solve a problem.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

123. “Criminals must be punished as an example to others.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

124. “Capital punishment should never happen.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

125. “All Christians should be pacifists.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

126. “People should be prepared to fight to defend their faith.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

127. “Justice is more important than peace.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

128. “People should always fight for justice.” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) GCSE practice questions

Religion and the media – B604 “Ethics 2”