Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies - Student friendly level descriptors - Analyse

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by jayni

Resource provides clear, student-friendly level descriptors for the 20-mark Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies question command word “Analyse”. It explains the criteria across levels 1 to 5, linking each level to AO1/AO2 assessment objectives. For each band, the document sets out what students should demonstrate, including selecting appropriate specialist terminology, deconstructing issues, making connections, and constructing judgements supported by appraisal of evidence.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

About this resource

Level 1 (1-4 marks)

Level 2 (5-8 marks)

Level 3 (9-12 marks)

Level 4 (13-16 marks)

Level 5 (17-20 marks)

Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies Student friendly level descriptors: Analyse Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies About this resource This resource aims to provide clear and student-friendly level descriptors for the 20-mark ‘Analyse' question. It details the criteria required to achieve levels 1 to 5, with comprehensive descriptions of the specific actions and knowledge students need to demonstrate at each level. Contents: • Level 1 (1-4 Marks) • Level 2 (5-8 Marks) • Level 3 (9-12 Marks) • Level 4 (13-16 Marks) • Level 5 (17-20 Marks) Student friendly level descriptors : Analyse Page 2 of 7 Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies Level 1 (1-4 marks) | Command word | Definition | Assessment Objectives | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 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. | 5 AO1 | 15 AO2 | | Descriptor | Student friendly descriptor | | --- | --- | | A narrow range of knowledge, specialist language and terminology are selected but are unlikely to be used appropriately or accurately (AO1) . | The student unpicks the question and includes a narrow range of knowledge. They select and use specialist language, but it is used inaccurately. | | Information/issues are selected (AO2) . | The student notices information/issues. | | Makes basic connections between a limited range of elements in the question (AO2) . | They link a few parts of the answer together in a basic way. | | Judgements are supported by generic arguments (AO2) . | Some judgements are backed up by basic reasons. | | N.B. If the response provides knowledge without attempting to analyse the topic, then it can only achieve level 1. | | Student friendly level descriptors : Analyse Page 3 of 7 Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies Level 2 (5-8 marks) | Command word | Definition | Assessment Objectives | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 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. | 5 AO1 | 15 AO2 | | Descriptor | Student friendly descriptor | | --- | --- | | A limited range of knowledge, specialist language and terminology are selected, some of which are used appropriately with some
inaccuracies (AO1) . | The student unpicks the question and includes a limited range of knowledge. They select and use specialist language which may include some inaccuracies. | | Deconstructs religious information/issues (AO2) . | They unpick the issue. | | Makes connections between a limited range of elements in the
question (AO2) . | They link a few parts of the answer together. | | Judgements of a limited range of elements in the question are made
with little or no attempt to appraise evidence (AO2) . | Some judgements are made but are limited.
There is little or no attempt of appraisal of evidence. | Student friendly level descriptors : Analyse Page 4 of 7 Pearson Edexcel GCE A level Religious Studies Level 3 (9-12 marks) | Command word | Definition | Assessment Objectives | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 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. | 5 AO1 | 15 AO2 | | Descriptor | Student friendly descriptor | | --- | --- | | A range of knowledge, specialist language and terminology are selected, most of which are used appropriately with some inaccuracies (AO1) . | The student unpicks the question and includes a range of relevant knowledge to address many but not all elements of the question.
They select and use relevant specialist language which may have some inaccuracies. | | Deconstructs religious information/issues, which lead

FAQs

What is the purpose of these student-friendly level descriptors for “Analyse” (20 marks)?

They provide clear, student-friendly criteria describing what is needed to reach each level for the Analyse question, including actions and knowledge for levels 1 to 5.

What does the command word “Analyse” require students to do?

Students must deconstruct information/issues, find connections, form logical chains of reasoning, and make judgements about their importance or relevance to the question context.

How do higher levels (e.g., Levels 3 and 4) differ from lower levels?

Higher levels require a wider range of relevant knowledge and specialist language used more appropriately, plus more detailed chains of reasoning and judgements supported by an attempt to appraise evidence.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by jayni