How Are A Level Religious Studies Exams Marked? (AO1 Knowledge vs AO2 Evaluation)
How Are A Level Religious Studies Exams Marked? (AO1 Knowledge vs AO2 Evaluation)
Created:Updated: 25-August-2025
Mark schemes for A Level Religious Studies (RS) reward two big skill areas: AO1 (knowledge and understanding) and AO2 (analysis and evaluation). Strong essays show both: accurate content and clear judgement.
This guide explains how examiners use AO1 and AO2, what they’re looking for in each, and how to plan paragraphs that hit the mark.
What do AO1 and AO2 mean?
- AO1 — Knowledge & Understanding: clear definitions, accurate explanation of arguments/theories, relevant scholars/sources of wisdom, and secure use of key terms.
- AO2 — Analysis & Evaluation: weighing strengths/weaknesses, using counters/replies, applying theories to scenarios, and reaching a justified conclusion that answers the question.
Note: Exact wording/weighting varies by exam board. Always check your specification and mark schemes for the latest detail.
What examiners are looking for
- Relevance: every paragraph must link back to the question focus (don’t narrate content).
- Accuracy + judgement: AO1 facts support an AO2 judgement in the same paragraph.
- Coherence: a clear line of argument from intro → body → conclusion.
- Concise scholar use: short paraphrases or keyword snippets tied to your point (no long quotes).
Command words decoded
- “Explain”: mostly AO1 (define, describe, illustrate with a brief example).
- “Evaluate / To what extent / Assess”: AO2-led (weigh reasons, consider counters, conclude).
- “Discuss”: balanced AO1 + AO2 (present and judge competing views).
Plan paragraphs that earn AO1 and AO2
PEEL/PEACE skeleton: Point → Evidence (scholar/source) → Analysis/Application → Counter → Evaluate/Conclude.
AO1 = Evidence/accurate explanation. AO2 = Analysis/Counter/Evaluate.
Micro-example (Ethics — triage scenario)
Point: Rule Utilitarianism can justify priority to the greatest expected lives saved.
Evidence (AO1): Mill’s general happiness principle; focus on rules that maximise well-being in the long run.
Counter (AO2): Kantian dignity challenges treating persons as means if rules sacrifice minority rights.
Evaluate (AO2): In emergency triage, a welfare-maximising rule is publicly defensible and not targeted at any group; therefore the Utilitarian justification is provisionally stronger here.
Common pitfalls
- AO1-only paragraphs: fix by adding a mini-conclusion that states how your evidence changes the answer.
- Name-dropping: tie each scholar/source directly to a judgement (“therefore this strengthens/weakens…”).
- Vague application: use concrete scenarios or specific premises/objections.
- Weak conclusions: weigh both sides briefly, then decide.
Quick checklist before you move on
- Intro gives a clear thesis (stance) in 2–3 sentences.
- Every body paragraph ends with a mini-conclusion (AO2).
- Conclusion answers the question decisively and explains why.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight does AO2 carry?
It varies by board and question type, but evaluative essays expect substantial AO2. Check your specification; aim for a balanced script where each paragraph includes judgement, not just description.
Do I need exact quotations for AO1?
No. Short paraphrases or keyword snippets are fine if accurate and linked to a judgement. Long quotes rarely add value under time pressure.
How long should the introduction be?
2–3 sentences: define the scope and state your thesis. Save detail for the body.
Can I get high marks without lots of scholars?
Yes—quality beats quantity. One precise scholar/source per paragraph, used to drive evaluation, is typically enough.