Key Idea: Paper 1 is 1 hour 15 minutes, worth 30%, and consists of nine questions — one on each Part 1 religion. You answer five, at least one from each of the three sections. Each question has a short extract, then part (a) at 3 marks and part (b) at 6. Total 45 marks.
The shape
- Sections A, B and C — one question minimum from each
- Five answers in 75 minutes: about 14 minutes each
- Part (a) may be answered in bullet points; part (b) may not
Part (a)
- 3 marks, AO1, question-specific markscheme
- A key idea or concept associated with the extract
- Three separable points, not one point three ways
Part (b)
- 6 marks since May 2017 — not 7
- Explain is the only command term since May 2017
- Marked against the part (b) markbands, best fit
Important: Part (b) at 7 marks, a paper total of 50, and command terms other than Explain. All three were changed for the May 2017 session. Practise from older papers by all means — the content is the same — but plan your timing and your structure on the current shape.
| Markband | What the descriptor says |
|---|---|
| 5-6 | The demands of the question are met; a well-developed explanation, effectively supported by appropriate and relevant examples; terminology accurate throughout |
| 3-4 | Understanding shown but only partially addressed; some explanation, not fully developed; examples generally appropriate but do not always support the explanation; terminology mostly accurate |
| 1-2 | Little understanding; descriptive; examples incorrect, irrelevant or vague; terminology incorrect or inaccurate |
Explain how a candidate should divide their time in paper 1.
🔒 Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Explain what makes an example effective in a paper 1 part (b) answer.
🔒 Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
How many questions do you answer, and from where? Five, with at least one from each of Sections A, B and C. The remaining two may come from any section.
What are the current marks for parts (a) and (b)? 3 and 6, giving 9 per question and 45 for the paper. Part (b) moved from 7 to 6 marks for the May 2017 session.
Which command term is used in part (b)? Explain, and since May 2017 it is the only one used there — which is why every part (b) plan should be a plan to explain rather than to describe.
What is the difference between the 3-4 and 5-6 bands? Whether the demands of the question are met or only partially addressed, whether the explanation is fully developed, and whether examples support the explanation or merely accompany it.
Exam tips
- Choose all five questions before you start writing. Sections A, B and C each need one.
- Bullet points are allowed in part (a). Use them and save the time for part (b).
- Refer to the extract at least twice in part (b), by a specific phrase.
- Part (b) is 6 marks and the term is Explain. Plan explanation, not description.