Mastering the 5-Mark Question: Part (c) "Explain with a Source"

Welcome! In your Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies B exam, the Part (c) question is a crucial stepping stone on your "question ladder." While Part (a) and Part (b) test your basic knowledge, Part (c) asks you to prove where that knowledge comes from. It is the only question on the paper where you are required to use a source to get full marks.

What is a Part (c) Question?

A Part (c) question will always use the command word Explain. It will ask you to explain two reasons, ways, or teachings about a specific topic. You will also see this specific instruction: "You must refer to a source of wisdom and authority in your answer."

How the 5 Marks are Awarded

Think of the 5 marks as a "2 + 2 + 1" formula. You are basically doing a Part (b) question (which is worth 4 marks) and then adding a "Golden Mark" for your source.

1 mark: Give your first reason/way.
1 mark: Develop that reason (explain it in more detail).
1 mark: Give your second reason/way.
1 mark: Develop that reason.
1 mark: Include a relevant source of wisdom and authority.

Don't worry if this seems tricky! You can include the source anywhere in your answer. It can be part of your first reason, your second reason, or a separate point at the end that supports your explanation.

What is a "Source of Wisdom and Authority" (SWA)?

An SWA is the "evidence" for a religious belief. It tells the examiner why a religious person believes what they do. Depending on which religion you are studying, your sources will come from the prescribed list in the syllabus. These include:

  • Sacred Texts: Such as the Bible, the Qur'an, the Tenakh, the Dhammapada, the Bhagavad Gita, or the Guru Granth Sahib.
  • Official Teachings: Such as the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) or the Hadith.
  • Creeds and Codes: Such as the Nicene Creed, the Mool Mantar, or the Ten Commandments.
Important Rule: You don't have to quote!

You do not need to memorize every word or chapter and verse number. You can get the mark by paraphrasing (putting it into your own words) or by describing a specific teaching.
Example: Instead of quoting a verse exactly, you could say: "In the Bible, Jesus teaches his followers to love their enemies." This is enough to get the source mark!

The Step-by-Step Recipe for Success

To make sure you get all 5 marks every time, try using the PEE (Point, Explain, Evidence) method twice.

Step 1: The First Point
Start by stating your first reason clearly. "One reason Christians believe God is a Trinity is..."

Step 2: The First Development
Add more detail using "connective" words like "This means that..." or "This is important because..."

Step 3: The Second Point
Give a different reason. "Another reason is..."

Step 4: The Second Development
Explain this second reason further. "This affects how believers live because..."

Step 5: Add the "Golden Mark" (The Source)
Link a teaching or text to one of your points. "This is shown in the [Source Name] which teaches that..."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • The "Floating" Source: Students sometimes write a great 4-mark answer and then just stick a random quote at the bottom that doesn't relate to the topic. Ensure your source actually backs up what you are explaining!
  • Forgetting the Source: If you forget the SWA, the maximum mark you can get is 4, even if your explanation is perfect.
  • Giving a List: Don't just list five facts. The examiner is looking for two developed points plus the source.

Quick Review: The 5-Mark Checklist

Before you move on, check your understanding:
✓ Did I give two separate reasons?
✓ Did I develop both reasons (the "so what?" factor)?
✓ Did I name a religious source or accurately describe a religious teaching?
✓ Is my source relevant to the specific question asked?

Key Takeaway: The Part (c) question is your chance to show you understand the "why" behind religious beliefs. Treat the source like a witness in a court case—it's there to prove that your points are based on authority.

For a full list of which sources to use for your specific religion, please refer to the chapter: "Sources of wisdom and authority: scripture and teachings by religion."