AQA GCSE Religious Studies (A)  Revision Guide

• ⏰ Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

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• 🏆 Total Marks: 96 (plus 6 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar - SPaG)

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• 📌 Content: You’ll study two religions - most schools pick Christianity + another choosing from Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholic Christianity or Sikhism (Opting for Catholic Christianity and Christianity is not allowed). 

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• ❓ Question types:

  • 1. Multiple-choice style question (1 mark)

  • 2. A short answer/response (1 mark)

  • 3. An explanation question (4 marks)

  • 4. Extended explanation that must contain a teaching and a source of authority (6 marks)

  • 5. An essay-style evaluation question (12 marks + 3 SPaG for each of the beliefs sections)

🌍 Paper 2: Thematic Studies

• ⏰ Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

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• 🏆 Marks: 96 (plus 3 SPaG)

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• 📌 Content: Choose either four religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes (non-Textual studies route) or two religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes and two textual studies themes (Textual studies route). 

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• ✨ The religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes:

• Theme A - Relationships and Families 

• Theme B - Religion and Life 

• Theme C - The Existence of God and Revelation 

• Theme D - Religion, Peace and Conflict 

• Theme E - Religion, Crime and Punishment 

• Theme F - Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice 

✨ The textual studies themes: 

Theme G - St Mark's Gospel - The life of Jesus

Theme H - St Mark's Gospel as a source of religous, moral and spiritual truths

• ❓ Question types:

• 1. Multiple-choice style question (1 mark)

• 2. A short answer/response (1 mark)

• 3. An explanation question (4 marks)

• 4. Extended explanation that contains a teaching and a source of authority (6 marks)

• 5. An essay-style evaluation question (12 marks + 3 SPaG for the Q5 answer that has the best score)

Practise writing answers that fit the exact mark scheme. For example, a 12-marker needs balanced arguments, evidence (including scripture/teachings) and a justified conclusion.

2. Use quotes and teachings ✝️☪️✡️

Markers love it when you back up points with short, relevant quotes. You will need to ensure you include the source of authority (this means where the quote comes from e.g Genesis or Mark's Gospel) to ensure you pick up extra marks in Q4. 

• Christianity: “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31)

• Judaism: "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8)

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  👉 Stick to short ones that are easy to memorise.

3. Practise timed questions ⏳

Set a timer and practise writing exam-style responses. It’ll help with time management and reduce stress in the real exam.

4. Mind maps and flashcards 🎨

• Use mind maps to connect beliefs, teachings and practices.

• Make flashcards for key terms, sources of authority, and quotes. Quiz yourself or swap with friends!

5. Think like an examiner 👀

• Question 3 and 4 - have you developed your point further to show an explanation? Is there a teaching and a source of authority in Q4?




• Q5  - both sides of an argument + conclusion
  👉 Don’t waste 10 minutes on a 4-mark question! 4 marks = approx 4 minutes!

6. Mix it up 🎶

Revision doesn’t have to be boring - try:

• Recording yourself saying quotes and playing them back

• Doing quick Kahoots or Quizlet tests

• Teaching a family member or friend (if you can explain it, you know it!)

✅ With regular practice, good use of quotes, and exam-style answers, you’ll walk into your RS exam with confidence. You’ve got this! 💪📚