2024_AQA-GCSE Religious Studies A – Paper 2B:
Thematic Studies (Including Textual Studies)
(Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)
Thursday 16 May 2024
GCSE
RELIGIOUS STUDIES A
Paper 2B Thematic Studies (including textual studies)
Thursday 16 May 2024 Afternoon Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
Materials
For this paper you must have:
• an AQA 16-page answer book.
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The examining body for this paper
is AQA. The paper reference is 8062/2B.
• Do all rough work in the answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.
• Choose two themes from Section A and both themes from Section B.
• Answer all questions on the four themes you have chosen.
Information
• The maximum mark for this paper is 96 plus 3 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) will be assessed in the 12-mark question. The marks
for SPaG are shown below the mark allocation for each question. The best of these marks will be
included in your total for the paper.
Advice
You are advised to spend 25 minutes on each theme.
GCSE Religious Studies A: Paper 2B - Thematic Studies (Including Textual Studies) Summary
The GCSE Religious Studies A: Paper 2B - Thematic Studies (Including Textual Studies),
scheduled for May 2025, will focus on key thematic issues within the study of religion, integrating
textual studies from religious texts such as the Bible. This paper assesses students’ understanding of
moral, ethical, and social issues that are central to religious beliefs and practices. Students will analyze
and evaluate how different religious traditions approach these issues, using relevant religious texts to
support their arguments.
Key Themes Covered:
1. Beliefs about Human Rights and Social Justice
, Human Rights: Students will explore the concept of human rights, with an emphasis on
religious teachings about equality, dignity, and justice. The impact of religious beliefs on human
rights issues will be examined, particularly in Christianity.
Social Justice: The religious understanding of social justice and fairness, addressing poverty,
inequality, and social issues. Students will explore how religious communities work to promote
a just society.
Religious Responses to Poverty and Wealth: How religious teachings guide believers to
respond to poverty and wealth. The paper will examine Christian views on charity,
responsibility, and the ethics of wealth distribution.
Textual Studies: The use of key religious texts such as the Bible to support arguments related to
social justice, human rights, and responses to inequality. For example, students might refer to
teachings like the Parable of the Good Samaritan or Christ’s teachings on helping the poor.
2. Peace and Conflict
The Concept of Peace: Exploration of the religious value of peace, especially in Christianity,
and its significance in maintaining harmony in society.
Causes of Conflict: Students will consider the root causes of conflict, including political,
economic, and social factors, and how religion addresses the prevention of war.
Pacifism and Just War Theory: The ethical concepts of pacifism and just war, examining the
Christian views on whether violence can ever be justified. This section will include analysis of
key texts that relate to peace and war, such as Jesus’ teachings on non-violence.
Religion and Peacebuilding: How religious leaders and organizations work to foster peace and
reconciliation, using religious texts to encourage forgiveness and healing.
3. Relationships and Families
Marriage and Family Life: The religious significance of marriage and family in Christianity.
Students will explore teachings from the Bible about the roles of husbands and wives, parents,
and children.
Christian Teachings on Marriage: Analysis of Christian teachings about the sanctity of
marriage, including references to Biblical texts such as the marriage of Adam and Eve and
Christ’s teachings on marriage.
Sexuality: Religious perspectives on human sexuality, including ethical issues surrounding
premarital sex, adultery, and homosexuality. The paper will explore how texts from the Bible
address these issues.
Divorce and Remarriage: Christian views on divorce, remarriage, and the role of forgiveness
in relationships, including references to Biblical teachings about marriage.
Family Life and Responsibility: The responsibilities of parents and children in family life,
based on religious teachings from the Bible and other texts. How Christianity encourages
respect, care, and duty within families.
4. The Value of Life and Ethical Issues
Sanctity of Life: The belief that life is sacred, explored through religious teachings. Students
will analyze Christian views on abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment, supported by
references to religious texts.
Abortion: Religious responses to abortion, including Christian views on when life begins and
the moral dilemmas surrounding abortion. Key Biblical passages such as Psalm 139, which
speaks of God’s role in creating life, will be explored.
Euthanasia: Ethical considerations surrounding euthanasia, and religious perspectives on the
sanctity of life. Christian teachings on suffering, the dignity of life, and divine authority over life
and death will be examined.
, Capital Punishment: The morality of the death penalty in light of religious teachings, including
Christian views on justice, forgiveness, and the sanctity of life. Texts such as "Thou shalt not
kill" (Exodus 20:13) will be considered.
5. Environmental Issues
Environmental Stewardship: The idea that humans are stewards of God's creation and the
responsibility to protect the planet. The paper will discuss religious teachings on caring for the
Earth and preventing harm to the environment.
Christian Teachings on the Environment: Exploration of Christian views on environmental
protection, including the belief in stewardship of the Earth as God's creation. Key texts like
Genesis 1:28, which speaks of humankind's dominion over the Earth, will be analyzed.
Climate Change and Sustainability: Religious responses to contemporary environmental
challenges, including climate change, pollution, and sustainability. How Christian teachings
influence actions for environmental justice will be considered.
6. Ethics of Business and Work
Work and Economic Systems: Religious teachings on work, economic fairness, and the moral
responsibilities of businesses and workers. Students will explore Christian views on the dignity
of work and the role of business in society.
Christian Work Ethics: The Christian understanding of work as a calling and the ethical
treatment of workers. This theme will explore Biblical principles like fairness, honesty, and the
idea that workers should be treated with dignity (e.g., “The laborer deserves his wages” - 1
Timothy 5:18).
Wealth and Poverty: Christian teachings on the ethics of wealth, the dangers of materialism,
and the moral responsibility to care for the poor and disadvantaged. Texts like the Parable of the
Rich Man and Lazarus will be analyzed.
7. Wider Religious Textual Studies
Biblical Texts: Students will need to refer to specific passages from the Bible, such as the
Sermon on the Mount, the Ten Commandments, and parables, to illustrate the teachings of
Christianity on moral and ethical issues.
Comparison with Other Faiths: While the focus is on Christianity, students will be encouraged
to consider how other religions, such as Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism, respond to similar
issues, with specific references to relevant sacred texts from those traditions.
IB/M/Jun24/G4005/E7 8062/2B
, 2
Section A
You should answer all questions from two themes in Section A.
0 1 Theme A: Relationships and families
0 1 . 1 The family unit is important to many religious people. Which
one of the following describes an extended family?
[1 mark]
A A couple living without children
B A person living with their pets
C Children living with parents
D Parents living with children and grandparents
0 1 . 2 Give two religious beliefs about human sexuality.
[2 marks]
0 1 . 3 Explain two contrasting religious beliefs about polygamy.
In your answer you must refer to one or more religious traditions.
[4 marks]
0 1 . 4 Explain two religious beliefs about gender discrimination.
Refer to sacred writings or another source of religious belief and teaching in your
answer.
[5 marks]
0 1 . 5 ‘Marriage is not important in today’s world.’
Evaluate this statement.
In your answer you:
• should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement
• should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view
• should refer to religious arguments
• may refer to non-religious arguments
• should reach a justified conclusion.
[12 marks]
[Plus SPaG 3 marks]
IB/M/Jun24/8062/2B
