Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies - Guidance on the requirements across different AO2 questions

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by kopisore

Guidance for Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies explains how assessment objectives AO1 and AO2 are applied across the qualification, with AO1 focusing on knowledge and understanding and AO2 on analysis and evaluation. It defines AO2 command words such as Assess, Analyse, and Evaluate, detailing what candidates must demonstrate. The document also outlines the exam’s consistent paper structure, time recommendations, and how AO2 depth increases with mark value, including contrasts between 12-mark Assess and 20-mark Analyse question requirements.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Assessment Objectives

AO1 and AO2 overview

Paper Structure

AO2 Questions and command words

Assess

Analyse

Evaluate

Differences in AO2 requirements

Increased depth by mark value

Differences: 12-mark 'Assess' and 20-mark 'Analyse' questions

Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies Guidance on the requirements across different AO2 questions Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies Assessment Objectives | Assessment Objective | Students Must | | --- | --- | | AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including:
• religious, philosophical and/or ethical thought and teaching
• influence of beliefs, teachings and practices on individuals, communities and societies
• cause and significance of similarities and differences in belief, teaching and practice
• approaches to the study of religion and belief. | | AO2 | Analyse and evaluate aspects of, and approaches to, religion and belief, including their significance, influence and study. | Across the A level qualification,(as with GCSE) there are two assessment objectives. • Assessment objective one (AO1) assesses the candidates’ knowledge and understanding in relation to the content within that paper. • Assessment objective two (AO2) assesses candidates’ ability to analyse and evaluate the content they have studied. At A-Level AO1 carries 40% of the marks with AO2 covering the remaining 60% . Guidance on the requirements across different AO2 questions Page 2 of 12 Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies Paper Structure Our A level exam papers all follow the same structure so students can familiarise themselves with the question types and how to answer each. Guidance on the requirements across different AO2 questions Page 3 of 12 Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies AO2 Questions and command words | Assess | Requires reasoned argument of factors to reach a judgement regarding their importance/relevance to the question context. | | --- | --- | | Analyse | Deconstruct information and/or issues to find connections and provide logical chains of reasoning in order to make judgements regarding their importance/relevance to the question context. | | Evaluate | Review/analyse information, bringing it together to forma conclusion/judgement based on
strengths/weaknesses, alternatives, relevant data or information. Come to a supported judgement of a subject’s qualities and relation to its context. | At A level Religious Studies, we have three different question types that assess AO2 skills: • 12-mark ‘Assess’ questions: These questions require students to discuss different arguments to reach a judgement. We recommend that students spend around 20 minutes on this question at A level. • 20-mark ‘Analyse’ questions: These questions require students to deconstruct information, find connections, appraise different arguments before coming to a judgement. We recommend that students spend around 30 minutes on this question at A level. • 30-mark ‘Evaluate’ questions: These questions require students to take a more holistic approach to their whole A level across all papers, reviewing what they have learned and synthesising it, appraising a range of perspectives/approaches to the question before coming to a judgement. We recommend that students spend around 40 minutes on this question at A level. Guidance on the requirements across different AO2 questions Page 4 of 12 Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies Differences in AO2 requirements These three question types all assess AO1 and AO2, but as each question varies (in terms of the number of marks available and recommended time allowance) we would expect a greater level of depth for those questions worth more marks. Additionally, the level criteria for each question varies, with additional requirements needed for the questions worth more marks. Guidance on the requirements across different AO2 questions Page 5 of 12 Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies Differences: 12-mark ‘Assess’ and 20-mark ‘Analyse’ questions | 12-mark ‘Assess’ Q (top level criteria) | 20-mark ‘Analyse Q (top level criteria) | | --- | --- | | • A wide range of knowledge, specialist l

FAQs

What do AO1 and AO2 assess in A level Religious Studies?

AO1 assesses knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including beliefs, teachings, practices, and approaches to study. AO2 assesses the ability to analyse and evaluate religion and belief, including their significance, influence, and study.

What does the command word 'Assess' require for an AO2 question?

An 'Assess' question requires a reasoned argument of factors to reach a judgement about their importance or relevance to the question context. It involves discussing different arguments before making a judgement.

How do requirements differ between 12-mark 'Assess' and 20-mark 'Analyse' questions?

Both test AO1 and AO2, but higher-mark questions expect greater depth. The document highlights that a 20-mark 'Analyse' question needs wider focus, connections between elements, and appraisal of evidence with weighing-up of arguments, supported judgements.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by kopisore