How to Get an A* in A Level Religious Studies

Getting an A* in A Level Religious Studies is a challenge. It involves you learning your subject knowledge thoroughly, so that you can explain complicated concepts accurately. You’ll also need to develop the ability to evaluate ideas like a philosopher or a theologian, because that’s what you are! 

As a former teacher who has helped many students secure top grades in A Level Religious Studies, I know firsthand what works. 

This guide is designed to show you how to plan and write top-band essays, revise efficiently, and avoid the common pitfalls that hold A-grade students back from achieving an A*grade. 

You’ll also find advice on time management, exam-day mindset, and answers to common student questions.

Understand the Assessment Objectives (AO1 and AO2)

To achieve an A*, you need to hit both AO1 (knowledge and understanding) and AO2 (analysis and evaluation) at a consistently high level.

Here’s what examiners expect from top-level responses:

A* students make sure their essays demonstrate both AO1 and AO2 skills. They don’t just describe arguments accurately; they interrogate them.

Master the Core Content Areas

A Level RS usually includes three main strands: Philosophy of Religion, Religious Ethics, and Developments in Religious Thought (e.g., Christianity or Islam).

Course specifications can vary considerably between the main A Level providers, however, so do ensure you know the specific content for your course.

Like all A Levels, there is a significant amount of content, and you’ll be encouraged to read around and explore ideas throughout the course. To manage all this content, use effective revision strategies:

• Use topic grids: Make summary tables that link thinkers, arguments, strengths/weaknesses, and examples.

• Dual-code your notes: Combine visuals (such as diagrams or timelines) with keywords and bullet points.

• Make cross-topic links: Spot where concepts overlap (e.g., free will in Philosophy and Ethics).

• Write mini-essays on tricky topics to test your understanding.

Focus your revision on:

• Key arguments and counterarguments (e.g., Paley vs Hume on design)

• Important scholars (e.g., Kant, Aquinas, Fletcher, Augustine)

• Real-world application (e.g., how Natural Law applies to abortion)

How to Write A* Essays

An A* essay doesn’t just list everything you know on a topic. You’ll need to use your knowledge to construct a reasoned, critical dialogue. Here’s how I encourage students to structure essays for success:

1. Introduction: Define key terms. Show awareness of the debate. Outline your argument.

2. Main arguments: Each paragraph should:

   • Present a clear point

   • Include supporting evidence or scholar

   • Critically engage with the idea (not just describe it)

3. Conclusion: Return to the question and justify your final view. Avoid vague summaries.

For example:

“Kant’s deontological ethics gives a clear set of rules for making moral choices. It focuses on duty and principles, not outcomes. But some people think this approach is too rigid. In difficult cases like euthanasia, following the categorical imperative might mean refusing to ease someone’s suffering. This makes Kant’s theory seem harsh or unrealistic. That’s why some thinkers prefer more flexible ideas, like Situation Ethics, which considers the context and aims to do the most loving thing.”

This paragraph shows a clear argument, includes supporting evidence, and evaluates it within a specific ethical context.

Evaluative Skills That Impress Examiners

Evaluation is where A* students stand out from the rest. If you can weigh up ideas, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and reach a justified conclusion, you’ll make the examiner very happy!

Use these strategies:

• Compare arguments: Which is stronger? Why?

• Use scholars: Mention academic views (e.g., Dawkins, Hick, Bonhoeffer)

• Spot assumptions: What does the argument rely on?

• Draw links: How does the issue connect to other topics?

Here are some sentence starters to help you construct your arguments:

• "A key strength of this view is..."

• "However, a major criticism comes from..."

• "This argument assumes that..."

• "Compared to [other view], this is more persuasive because..."

Before you start to write your essay in an exam, jot down both sides and note your conclusion. That way, your evaluation stays focused.

How to Stay Organised and Focused

Good organisation will help you to revise smartly. You’ll probably have several other demanding exams looming if you’re studying a number of A Level courses, so use some of these strategies to make every moment of your revision time count:

• Revision timetable: Build in short, focused sessions with regular breaks.

• Mix topics: Don’t spend a whole week on Ethics. Rotate between the different elements of your course.

• Use low-stakes testing: Quiz yourself or friends regularly.

• Track your progress: Tick off topics or use a traffic light system on your checklist to keep track of what you've learned.

• Watch for burnout: If you’re tired, take a proper break. Rest is part of revision.

Exam-Day Strategy and Mindset

Nerves are understandable. There’s a lot at stake, and you’ll be in the exam room for two or even three hours, depending on which board you’re with. Remember that adrenaline will actually help you focus and work more quickly. It’s important to keep it under control, though, to perform at your best and show off all that hard work you’ve done.

1. Be prepared

The night before:

• Lay out everything you need: pens, ID, water bottle, etc. 

• Avoid last-minute cramming, which will only cause you stress. 

• Wind down with something relaxing and get an early night.

On the morning of every exam:

• Always eat something. Even if you don’t feel hungry, your body needs fuel. 

• Try to arrive early, so you’re not rushing. This will help you stay calm.

2. Plan before you write

Nerves can cause you to misread questions or overlook important instructions. Therefore, start by reading the entire paper carefully and choosing which questions you’ll answer (if the instructions allow choices). 

Then take a few moments to plan your answers before writing them. This will help you to structure your writing and stay focused on building your arguments. Underline key words and jot down any quotes you might forget. Once you’ve sketched out a plan, you’ll lose the nerves because you’ll know exactly what you’re going to write.

3. Use your time wisely

Some A-Level Religious Studies exams, such as those from Edexcel, are more structured. Others involve writing long essays. It can be easy to lose track of time. Running out of time and leaving out questions can be avoided by some careful time management. 

Think this through by practising timed answers using past papers. Be familiar with how long to spend on each part of the paper. 

If you get stuck, for example, forgetting the name of a scholar, don’t panic. Describe and explain the argument anyway. Chances are, the name will return as you write. If not, at least you’ve got the idea down and you can evaluate it.

After the exam, walk away and move on to the next one. You’ve done all you can. Don’t do a post-mortem with your friends: it’s never helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between an A and an A* essay in Religious Studies?

An A* essay hits every aspect of the examiner’s marking criteria. 

It shows fluent argument, critical engagement with scholarship, and a clear, convincing conclusion.

Do I need to revise quotes and scholars?

Yes, but be strategic. 

Don’t try to memorise huge chunks of philosophers’ thoughts - they can be wordy folks! Focus on one or two key scholars per topic and two or three versatile quotes you can apply in multiple contexts.

Can I get an A* without being good at philosophy or ethics?

Yes, if you revise and plan well. 

Focus on your strengths, revise actively, and practise essay structure. With good technique, you can raise weaker areas.

How many points should I make in a 30-mark question?

Usually, three or four well-developed points with evaluation. 

Depth beats quantity.

Final Thoughts

Achieving an A* in A Level Religious Studies is completely possible. However, it does mean being able to tackle some of the biggest questions humans have ever posed, and think and write clearly and critically about them. It’s a challenge that my students and I have always loved.

Master your content, practise essays, use scholars and structure your arguments. Most of all, evaluate confidently and consistently. With focused effort and the right strategies, that top grade is absolutely within reach.

Sources

AQA | Religious Studies | A-level (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel AS and A level Religious Studies (2016) | Pearson qualifications (opens in a new tab)

AS and A Level - Religious Studies - H173, H573 (opens in a new tab)