Connections paperConnections paperRoute J – Religious Ethics Route J – Religious Ethics with New Testament 2792with New Testament 2792

About the paper & exam questions

• A2 Synoptic Connections in Religious Studies (1 hr 30 minutes) (120 marks)

• Answer two essay questions from three.

• Each question is allotted 60 marks. • Quality of written communication is

assessed in both questions.• The intention is not that you should

learn anything new, but have the opportunity to draw together everything you have learned about Ethics and Gospels

• You are NOT expected to divide your answers in half to reflect the two parts of your course, it is more important to write a coherent essay that responds to the question.

• Evaluate material rather than simply presenting views without any critical comment.

• You will be marked according to AO1 (knowledge and understanding) and AO2 (critical and evaluative skill) assessment criteria – as in the AS.

• Positive marking – marks are awarded for ‘any valid response to a reasonable interpretation of the question’.

• Questions are broad to accommodate the different approaches of different centres; candidates should be encouraged to feel confident that there is no single ‘right’ approach.

AO1:• Select and demonstrate clearly relevant

knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples, correct language and appropriate terminology.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the connections between different elements of the course.

AO2:• Sustain a line of critical argument and

justify a point of view.• Relate elements of the course to the

broader context and to aspects of human experience.

Level 7A01 – • Excellent

understanding of & engagement with material.

• Very high level of ability to select & deploy relevant information.

• Sophisticated understanding of the connections.

• Exceptionally well constructed and coherent answer (communication)

A02 - • Knows exactly the

complexities of the question.

• Uses thinking of various scholars to form incisive lines of argument.

• Sophisticated understanding of broader context & wider significance

• Excellent quality of language.

Connections TopicsConnections Topics1. the possibilities and difficulties of

applying the specified texts to the ethical issues studied; a comparison between the ethics of the specified texts and other methods of approaching practical ethics issues

2. the reasons for and consequences of ethical behaviour, according to the specified texts

3. the extent to which New Testament ethics is consistent with any of the normative ethical systems studied; a consideration of the basic principles of New Testament ethics, such as ideas of duty to God and agape

Essay planning• Point of view• A but B• A but B etc…• • Broader / Wider context• Conclusion• [Evidence – teachings, examples -

scholars, terminology, applied ethics]

Past exam Past exam questionsquestions

Which connections topic do they most closely relate to?

200520051. ‘The ethics of the New Testament are

completely absolutist.’ Discuss with reference to the texts you have studied.

2. ‘New Testament teaching agrees with Virtue Ethics that the character of the agent is more important than the action performed.’ Discuss with reference to the texts you have studied.

3. ‘The New Testament principle of agape is a better guide to ethical decision making than the Utilitarian principle of happiness.’ Discuss.

20042004

1. ‘The New Testament teaches that the motive behind an action is the most important consideration in ethics.’ Discuss with reference to the texts you have studied.

2. ‘New Testament teaching is of no practical use when considering the ethical problems raised by euthanasia.’ Discuss

3. ‘Natural Law is an improvement on the ethics of the New Testament.’ Discuss

20032003

1. Assess critically the goals of New Testament ethics

2. How useful is the New Testament concept of agape (love) when dealing with the ethical issues of modern warfare?

3. ‘New Testament ethics have more in common with Utilitarianism than with the ethics of Kant.’ Discuss

200220021. ‘There is no basis for virtue ethics

in the New Testament.’ Discuss with reference to the texts you have studied.

2. ‘Utilitarianism is far more useful than New Testament teaching when making decisions about euthanasia.’ Discuss

3. How far can the ethics of the New Testament texts you have studied be regarded as absolutist?

GradesGrades

120 60

• A 97 48

• B 88 44

• C 79 39

• D 70 35

• E 62 31