2024_AQA-GCSE Religious Studies B – Paper 2B: Perspectives on Faith (Textual Studies) (Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme) Thursday 16 May 2024

2024_AQA-GCSE Religious Studies B – Paper 2B: Perspectives on Faith (Textual Studies) (Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme) Thursday 16 May 2024 Candidate number I declare this is my own work. GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES B Paper 2B Perspectives on faith (textual studies) Thursday 16 May 2024 Afternoon Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes Materials Before you open this book, you must ensure you also have the Question Paper/Answer Book for the religion option you are entered for (either Islam or Judaism). Instructions • Use black ink or black ball-point pen. • Fill in the boxes at both the top of this page and the top of the Question Paper/Answer Book for the religion option. • Answer all questions. • If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the end of this book. Write the question number against your answer(s). • Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked. • You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write outside the box around each page or on blank pages. For Examiner’s Use Question Mark 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Information • The maximum mark for this paper is 48. • The marks for the questions are shown in brackets. Advice TOTAL You will have 1 hour 45 minutes to complete both Question Paper/Answer Books. You are advised to spend 50 minutes on this paper and 50 minutes on your religion option. GCSE Religious Studies B: Paper 2B - Perspectives on Faith (Textual Studies) Summary The GCSE Religious Studies B: Paper 2B - Perspectives on Faith (Textual Studies), scheduled for May 2025, will assess students' understanding of key religious texts and their interpretation within the context of faith. This paper focuses on how different religious traditions interpret sacred texts and apply them to contemporary issues. Key areas covered include: 1. Christianity: The Bible  The Nature of the Bible: Understanding the Bible as the inspired word of God, its authority, and its role in the lives of Christians. The distinction between the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) and the New Testament, and their significance.  Key Teachings in the Bible: Students will explore core biblical teachings, such as the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, and parables of Jesus. These teachings will be analyzed in terms of their relevance to Christian life and their application to modern ethical issues.  The Role of Jesus in Christianity: Focus on the key texts that describe the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, including the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and their theological significance.  Interpretation of Biblical Texts: Understanding different methods of interpreting biblical texts, such as literal, symbolic, and contextual interpretations. Students will also explore the use of the Bible in worship, moral guidance, and social justice. 2. Islam: The Qur'an  The Nature of the Qur'an: The Qur'an as the literal word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Its importance as the central text in Islam and its guidance for Muslims in both spiritual and practical matters.  Key Surahs and Verses: Exploration of specific verses from the Qur'an that provide insight into Islamic beliefs and practices, such as those on justice, mercy, charity, and the oneness of God (Tawhid). Students will also look at how the Qur'an addresses moral issues and provides guidance for personal conduct.  Hadith: The role of Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) in interpreting and complementing the Qur'an. Students will explore how Hadith are used to understand Islamic teachings on topics like prayer, fasting, and social relations.  Interpretation of the Qur'an: Understanding how Islamic scholars interpret the Qur'an through tafsir (exegesis) and the importance of context in understanding its meanings. Students will consider the impact of these interpretations on Muslim life and ethical decisions. 3. Judaism: The Torah  The Nature of the Torah: The Torah as the central text in Judaism, including the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Students will learn about the importance of the Torah in Jewish life and its use in worship, study, and moral guidance.  Key Teachings in the Torah: Key stories and laws found in the Torah, such as the creation story, the Exodus from Egypt, and the Ten Commandments. Students will explore how these texts shape Jewish identity and practice.  Mitzvot (Commandments): The 613 commandments found in the Torah and their role in guiding Jewish life. This includes both ethical commandments (e.g., love thy neighbor) and ritual commandments (e.g., keeping the Sabbath).  Interpretation of the Torah: The role of rabbinic interpretation in understanding the Torah, including the Talmud and Midrash. Students will explore how Jewish scholars interpret the Torah to apply its teachings to contemporary issues. 4. Hinduism: The Bhagavad Gita  The Nature of the Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita as a sacred Hindu scripture, part of the Mahabharata. It is a dialogue between the prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, offering guidance on duty (dharma), morality, and devotion (bhakti).  Key Teachings in the Bhagavad Gita: Exploration of key themes in the Gita, such as the nature of the self (atman), the purpose of life, and the paths to spiritual liberation (moksha). The role of devotion, knowledge, and selfless action in Hinduism will also be discussed.  The Concept of Dharma: Understanding the concept of dharma as duty, righteousness, and ethical responsibility. Students will explore how the Gita teaches Arjuna to understand his duty as a warrior and how this applies to modern ethical dilemmas.  Interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita: How the Bhagavad Gita has been interpreted by various Hindu scholars and spiritual leaders. Students will analyze different approaches to its teachings, including its relevance to contemporary issues like social justice and environmental stewardship. 5. Buddhism: The Dhammapada  The Nature of the Dhammapada: The Dhammapada as a key text in Theravada Buddhism, offering sayings of the Buddha on ethics, mindfulness, and the path to enlightenment (nirvana).  Key Teachings in the Dhammapada: Exploration of key themes in the text, such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of impermanence (anicca). Students will analyze how the Dhammapada offers guidance on how to live a morally upright life and achieve spiritual liberation.  The Concept of Karma: Understanding the law of karma in Buddhism, where actions have consequences, and how this concept shapes Buddhist ethical teachings.  Interpretation of the Dhammapada: Students will examine different interpretations of the Dhammapada by Buddhist scholars and how it influences Buddhist practice today. 6. Comparative Textual Studies  Comparing Key Religious Texts: Students will be asked to compare how different religious texts address similar ethical or philosophical issues, such as the nature of God, suffering, justice, and human purpose. This comparative approach will help students understand the diversity of perspectives within world religions.  Impact on Faith Communities: Analyzing how the interpretation and application of sacred texts shape the beliefs, practices, and social issues in different religious communities. Students will reflect on how religious texts influence the lives of believers and the role of scripture in addressing contemporary issues. *JUN2480632B01* IB/G/Jun24/G4006/E8 8063/2B 2 0 1 . 0 1 1 0 1.2 Theme D: St Mark’s Gospel – the Life of Jesus Which one of the following titles reminds Christians that Jesus came ‘not to be served but to serve’? Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A Christ B Son of David C Son of Man D Teacher Give two instructions that Jesus gave to his disciples in Mark’s account of the feeding of the five thousand. [2 marks] 1 2 Do not write outside the box 1 2 *02* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B [1 mark] 3 0 1 . 3 Explain two contrasting beliefs in contemporary British society about Jesus as Messiah in Mark’s account of the entry into Jerusalem. • You must refer to a Christian belief. • Your contrasting belief may come from Christianity or from another religious or non-religious tradition. [4 marks] Question 1 continues on the next page Turn over ► *03* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B Do not write outside the box 4 4 0 1 . 4 Explain two Christian beliefs about the importance of Mark’s account of the Last Supper. You must refer to St Mark’s Gospel in your answer. [5 marks] Do not write outside the box 5 *04* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B 5 0 1 . 5 ‘The only important teaching from Mark’s account of the healing of the paralysed man is about Jesus’ authority.’ Evaluate this statement. In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments to support this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • should refer to St Mark’s Gospel • may refer to non-religious arguments • should reach a justified conclusion. [12 marks] Turn over ► *05* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B Do not write outside the box 6 *06* Do not write outside the box IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B 7 Extra space Do not write outside the box 12 Turn over ► *07* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B 8 0 2 . 0 2 1 0 2.2 Theme E: St Mark’s Gospel as a source of spiritual truth Which one of the following stories from St Mark’s Gospel shows Jesus taking care of those disregarded by society? [1 mark] Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A The denials of Peter B The man with leprosy C The Parable of the Growing Seed D The Parable of the Sower Give two things that Jesus said when he heard that the disciples were unable to heal the epileptic (demon-possessed) boy. [2 marks] 1 2 Do not write outside the box 1 2 *08* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B 9 0 2 . 3 Explain two contrasting views in contemporary British society about how Christians today can follow the example of the disciples in Mark’s account of the mission of the twelve. • You must refer to a Christian view. • Your contrasting view may come from Christianity or from another religious or non-religious tradition. [4 marks] Question 2 continues on the next page Turn over ► *09* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B Do not write outside the box 4 10 0 2 . 4 Explain two teachings about faith shown in Mark’s account of the woman with the haemorrhage. You must refer to St Mark’s Gospel in your answer. [5 marks] Do not write outside the box 5 *10* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B 11 0 2 . 5 ‘Christians should sell what they have and give to the poor.’ Evaluate this statement. In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments to support this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • should refer to St Mark’s Gospel • may refer to non-religious arguments • should reach a justified conclusion. [12 marks] Turn over ► *11* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B Do not write outside the box 12 *12* Do not write outside the box IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B 13 Extra space END OF QUESTIONS Do not write outside the box 12 *13* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B 14 There are no questions printed on this page DO NOT WRITE ON THIS PAGE ANSWER IN THE SPACES PROVIDED *14* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B Do not write outside the box 15 Question number Additional page, if required. Write the question numbers in the left-hand margin. Do not write outside the box *15* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B 16 Question Additional page, if required. number Write the question numbers in the left-hand margin. Copyright information For confidentiality purposes, all acknowledgements of third-party copyright material are published in a separate booklet. This booklet is published after each live examination series and is available for free download from . Permission to reproduce all copyright material has been applied for. In some cases, efforts to contact copyright-holders may have been unsuccessful and AQA will be happy to rectify any omissions of acknowledgements. If you have any queries please contact the Copyright Team. Copyright © 2024 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Do not write outside the box *246G8063/2B* *16* IB/G/Jun24/8063/2B GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES B 8063/2B Paper 2B Perspectives on faith (textual studies) Mark scheme June 2024 Version: 1.0 Final