Structuring 10-mark questions in Christianity

I’ve recently been asked about structuring questions in the exam. For morality, I strongly strongly advice pupils to follow a set structure. But as I mentioned in a previous post on Judaism, for the World Religion section it really just is personal preference. I’ve been trying out different ways so thought I’d share a couple.

In this first attempt, I went for 6KU and then 4A. Separating out the skills. I found it slightly tricky as I wanted to repeat some of my KU points in my analytical paragraph – but I think this would work:

Analyse the purpose of Christian action.

On example of Christian action can be seen through the Salvation Army. One element of their mission is to ‘spread the good news’ and they do this by playing music in the street to attract attention so they can hand out information. (KU) Another element is serving others and they do this through running food banks and drop-in centres. (KU) They also fight against injustice and run 25 debt advice centres across the UK. (KU) They want to ‘serve without discrimination’ and ‘care for all creation.’ (KU) They also run homeless shelters and seek to ‘nurture followers of Jesus.’ (KU) They wear a military style uniform to show that they are fighting against poverty and injustice. (KU)

The purpose of Christian action is to demonstrate/actively show exactly how Jesus’ wanted us to live our lives. (A) This in turn, ensures that this way of life continues and can be passed on to future generations. (A) Living this way makes the world a better place because even those who might be thought of as abandoned by society, are then noticed and given the help that they need. (A) Organizations like the Salvation Army can give Christians a clear framework of how to act and a purpose in life. (A)

For this one, I’ve definitely got carried away because I really wanted to use my acronym ‘ACTS & I’ for my KU about prayer. So this obviously is more that is required, but I still would have been in my time limit. This is definitely my personal preference (at least currently!)

Analyse the purpose of prayer in Christianity.

Prayer is an important practice in Christianity where believers communicate with God. (KU)

Adoration involves praising God for his nature and greatness. (KU) For example, Christians may worship God for being loving, powerful, and creator of the world. (KU) The purpose of this type of prayer is to show respect and devotion, helping believers recognise God’s authority and develop humility. (A)

Confession is when Christians admit their sins and ask for forgiveness. (KU) This reflects the belief that humans are imperfect and need God’s grace. (KU) The purpose of confession is to restore the relationship between the individual and God, allowing Christians to move forward and try to live better lives. (A)

Thanksgiving involves thanking God for blessings such as life, family, and opportunities. (KU) Christians often express gratitude in prayer for both big and small things. (KU) The purpose of thanksgiving is to remind believers of God’s goodness and encourage a positive and appreciative attitude towards life. (A)

Supplication is when Christians ask God for help with their own needs. (KU) This may include guidance, strength, or support during difficult times. (KU) The purpose of supplication is to show dependence on God and trust in his plan, helping believers feel supported in their lives. (A)

Intercession is praying on behalf of others – perhaps for those who are sick, suffering, or in need. (KU) The purpose of intercession is to express love and concern for others, reflecting Jesus’ teaching to care for one another and strengthening a sense of community. (A)