Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies exam skills: the a, b, c, d ladder and sources, a complete C120 overview

What this module demands

Eduqas Route A examines every topic with the same fixed a, b, c, d ladder, so exam technique is worth as much as content. This module is a method: it shows how to answer each of the four question types, how the SPaG marks are won, and how to use sources of wisdom and authority for the top band. Master these skills and apply them to every belief, practice and theme on the rest of the site. This overview ties the dot-point pages together.

The a, b, c question ladder (AO1)

Each topic begins with three knowledge questions. The a question (2 marks) asks "what is meant by" a key term: give a precise definition with a short development. The b question (5 marks) asks you to describe or explain: give a developed account with several accurate points. The c question (8 marks) is the big AO1 question, an extended explanation that usually says "refer to sources of wisdom and authority", which is compulsory for the top band: make developed points, each tied to a named source. The golden rule is to answer to the marks.

The 15-mark (d) evaluation question (AO2)

The d question (15 marks) gives a statement and the command "Evaluate this statement", with four instructions: refer to religious beliefs and teachings, give reasoned arguments to support the statement, give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view, and reach a justified conclusion. Plan both sides first, write a paragraph for and a paragraph against (each with a source), include non-religious views where relevant, and end with a justified conclusion that weighs the arguments. On Components 1 and 2, the SPaG marks are awarded here, so write in accurate continuous prose with correct specialist terms.

Sources of wisdom and authority

A source of wisdom and authority is anything a tradition treats as authoritative: a sacred text (the Bible, the Qur'an), the teachings of Jesus or the Sunnah and Hadith of Muhammad, a creed, or a religious leader or tradition. Build a small bank of precise references per topic, and use the point, source, explain technique: make your point, give the source, and explain how it supports the point. The c question usually requires sources, and in the d question they strengthen both sides.

Check your knowledge

A mix of recall questions covering the whole module. Attempt them, then check the solutions.

1. How many marks is the a question worth, and what does it ask for? (2 marks)
2. What does the b question usually ask you to do? (2 marks)
3. What must the 8-mark c question usually include? (2 marks)
4. What are the four instructions of the 15-mark d question? (2 marks)
5. On which components are the SPaG marks awarded? (2 marks)
6. Name two types of source of wisdom and authority. (2 marks)
7. What is the point, source, explain technique? (2 marks)
8. Which assessment objective does the d question test? (2 marks)