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Cambridge IGCSE

RELIGIOUS STUDIES 0490/12

Paper 1 October/November 2023
1 hour 45 minutes

You must answer on the enclosed answer booklet.

You will need: Answer booklet (enclosed)

*0499984976*

INSTRUCTIONS
• Answer four questions in total:
You must answer from two sections.
In each of your chosen sections, you must answer all the questions.
• Follow the instructions on the front cover of the answer booklet. If you need additional answer paper,
ask the invigilator for a continuation booklet.

INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 80.
• The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

This document has 4 pages.

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Answer four questions in total. You must answer from two sections.

Section A – Christianity

If you have chosen this section, answer all the questions.

1 (a) (i) Give three Christian beliefs about Jesus’ mother Mary. [3]

(ii) Briefly describe what Christians believe about Jesus of Nazareth. [4]

(b) Explain why the Old Testament might be described as a history of salvation. [7]

(c) ‘The Apostles’ Creed is the most important Christian text.’

Discuss this statement. Give your own opinion and show that you have thought about other
points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [6]

[Total: 20]

2
‘And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind,
and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.’
Acts 2:2

(a) (i) What was the Last Supper? [3]

(ii) Briefly describe the ascension of Jesus. [4]

(b) Explain why the coming of the Holy Spirit is an important part of the story of Jesus. [7]

(c) ‘The Holy Spirit is always present at church services.’

Discuss this statement. Give your own opinion and show that you have thought about other
points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [6]

[Total: 20]

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Section B – Islam

If you have chosen this section, answer all the questions.

3 (a) (i) What is the difference between lesser and greater Jihad? [3]

(ii) Briefly describe what is meant by the term ‘Articles of Faith’. [4]

(b) Explain the importance of performing salah daily for Muslims. [7]

(c) ‘There is no real difference between salah and du’a (private devotion).’
Discuss this statement. Give your own opinion and show that you have thought about other
points of view. You must refer to Islam in your answer. [6]

[Total: 20]

4
‘There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent
pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and who
remembers Allah often.’
Surah 33:21

(a) (i) Name three parts of the body which must be washed during wudu (ablution). [3]

(ii) Briefly describe the use of the prayer mat and compass. [4]

(b) Explain the relationship between the Qur’an and the Sunnah (Ahadith). [7]

(c) ‘The hijrah is the most significant event in Muslim history.’

Discuss this statement. Give your own opinion and show that you have thought about other
points of view. You must refer to Islam in your answer. [6]

[Total: 20]

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Section C – Judaism

If you have chosen this section, answer all the questions.

5 (a) (i) Name three items which Jews might wear as part of worship. [3]

(ii) Briefly describe the instructions given to Jews in the Shema (statement of faith). [4]

(b) Explain the significance of the menorah (seven-branched candlestick) in a synagogue. [7]

(c) ‘The chazan (cantor) and the rabbi are equally important in the synagogue.’
Discuss this statement. Give your own opinion and show that you have thought about other
points of view. You must refer to Judaism in your answer. [6]

[Total: 20]

6
‘Six days you shall labour and do all your work but the seventh day is a sabbath to the
Lord your God.’
Exodus 20:9–10

(a) (i) Name three books which are included in the Nevi’im (Prophets). [3]

(ii) Briefly describe the other two parts of the Tenakh. [4]

(b) Explain the role of the Talmud (commentary) in Jewish sacred writings. [7]

(c) ‘Keeping Shabbat (Sabbath) is the most important practice in Judaism.’

Discuss this statement. Give your own opinion and show that you have thought about other
points of view. You must refer to Judaism in your answer. [6]

[Total: 20]

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© UCLES 2023 11_0490_12_2023_1.15