How to Get a 9 in GCSE Religious Studies

Want to understand how to get a 9 in GCSE Religious Studies? It’s not just about learning a few quotes or writing long answers. To reach the top grade, you’ll need to understand how the exam works, show a clear and detailed knowledge of religious beliefs and practices, and write sharp, well-balanced arguments.

As an experienced RS teacher, I’ve supported hundreds of students through this exam, so I know what examiners are looking for when they mark your papers. 

In this guide, I’ll show you how to demonstrate your skills in both AO1 (knowledge and understanding) and AO2 (analysis and evaluation). You’ll get practical tips for revision, structuring answers, using scriptural references, and avoiding common mistakes.

Whatever religion you’re studying –Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, or others – you’ll get some strategies to help you approach your revision with greater confidence and aim for a 9.

Understand the Exam Structure and Assessment Objectives

To get a 9 in GCSE Religious Studies, you need to know how the exam is structured and what you’re being marked on. Most exam boards divide the RS course into two parts, with one exam for each section:

• Paper 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices - You’ll study the key beliefs, teachings, and practices of one or two major religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, etc.).

• Paper 2: Thematic Studies - You’ll apply religious beliefs to moral and philosophical issues such as war, crime and punishment, human rights, or life and relationships.

AO1 vs AO2: What You’re Being Assessed On

GCSE RS uses two Assessment Objectives:

• AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding): This is about showing that you know the key beliefs, teachings, and practices of the religions you’ve studied. You’ll need to be able to describe and explain them clearly, using key terms accurately and referring to scripture or sources of authority when required. AO1 is used in all of the shorter questions worth between 1 and 6 marks. It’s also a major part of longer answers for which 12 or 15 marks are on offer.

• AO2 (Analysis and Evaluation): This is where you show you can analyse and argue. You’re expected to consider different viewpoints, give reasons, and reach a justified conclusion. AO2 is only assessed in longer questions worth 12 marks or more.

Understanding these two objectives is key to reaching the top levels. For both AO1 and AO2, top-band answers will have these important features:

• Clear and well-organised

• Accurate and relevant

• Backed up with specific examples or quotes

• Balanced and thoughtful

When you know what the examiner is looking for, you can plan your answers to hit those criteria every time.

Master AO1: Knowledge and Understanding

To answer AO1 questions at a top-grade level, you need to show accurate knowledge and a clear understanding of the relevant information. 

As a teacher, I’ve always warned students not to simply write everything they know on a topic based on what they think the question is asking. Instead, try to follow these rules:

• Read the question carefully

• Use specific beliefs, teachings or practices in your answer

• Use the correct vocabulary

• If the question asks you to state, give, or describe, stick to short, factual answers

• If you’re asked to explain or give reasons, you’ll need to develop your answer: don’t just say what the belief is, but why it matters to followers.

• If you’re referring to a teaching, never drop it in and expect it to explain itself. You need to show how it supports the point you’re making: ‘This shows how/why…”

Here are some strategies for success in your revision:

• Revise key beliefs and teachings by topic and religion. Don’t just read or copy from your books or the Save My Exams notes. Use flashcards, mind maps, quizzes, and any other strategies that best help you learn.

• Make your notes exam-friendly. Bullet points will help. Try to note down key beliefs in one colour, and why they’re important in another colour - this will help you to remember this important aspect of your AO1 answers.

• Scripture recall: Aim to learn one or two short quotes per topic. You don’t need to learn the reference numbers; it’s far more important to know who said it and what they said. Don’t try to learn all of the quotes. Focus on those you can apply flexibly across different questions.

• For example, a Christian teaching such as "God created mankind in his own image" (Genesis 1:27) is useful across various topics, including creation and the environment, the sanctity of life, and human dignity.

Master AO2: Evaluation and Argument Skills

AO1 shows what you know. AO2 demonstrates your ability to think critically. It shows how well you can think through religious and ethical issues, explain different viewpoints, and come to a reasoned conclusion. It’s what examiners look for in the 12-mark questions, and, since they carry so many marks, mastering AO2 is the trick to getting that top grade. 

If you want a 9 in GCSE RS, you must show more than one side of an argument and explain why some views are stronger or weaker. You can’t just say what you think – you’ll need to back it up with reasoning, religious teachings, and evidence.

What makes a top-level AO2 answer?

The best 12-mark answers:

• Present clear arguments on both sides

• Include religious teachings or examples that support the views

• Use connectives to build a logical flow (“however…”, “on the other hand…”, “a weakness of this argument is…”)

• End with a justified conclusion that sums up your judgement

Use a clear structure

Here’s a simple way to plan a strong 12-mark answer:

1. Intro: Briefly refer to the issue to show that you know what it involves

2. Paragraph 1: one viewpoint, explained with reasons and religious support

3. Paragraph 2: a contrasting viewpoint, also explained and supported

4. Paragraph 3: another reason or angle that deepens the argument. This could be a different religion, a secular view, or an internal critique of one side. It depends on what the question requires.

5. Conclusion: your judgement, with a clear reason why you find one view more convincing.

AO2 sentence starters you can use

• Some believers would argue that…

• This is supported by the idea that…

• However, others would say…

• A strength of this argument is…

• A weakness of this view is…

• In my opinion… because…

• Overall, I believe… because…

Using phrases like these signpost to the examiner that you're hitting the AO2 criteria.

Balance is key

Don’t just list one side and briefly mention the other in the conclusion — that won’t get you full marks. You need to give roughly equal weight to different sides of the debate before you reach your judgment. If you're short on time, at least acknowledge another viewpoint and explain why it’s less convincing.

Always link back to religion

Many students forget to bring religion into their arguments, which is a real mistake in a Religious Studies paper. Whatever issue you’re discussing, always use specific religious teachings or beliefs to support your points.

Build a Flexible Essay Structure

If you’re aiming for a 9, your 12-mark evaluation answers need to be structured clearly and confidently. This demonstrates to the examiner that you’re in control of your ideas and can develop an argument effectively. Level 9 answers are well-argued, balanced, and tightly focused on the question.

Here’s a model structure I’ve used with hundreds of students. It works every time:

Model Structure for 12-Mark Answers

1. Introduction
Briefly state the issue and show that there’s more than one viewpoint. Don’t overdo it: one or two sentences are enough. This brief introduction provides an opportunity to define any key terms in the question, such as euthanasia or discrimination.

Example: "Euthanasia is the deliberate ending of someone’s life to relieve suffering, and whether it is ever right is deeply debated by religious and non-religious people.”

2. Paragraph 1: One viewpoint
Explain one side of the argument clearly, supporting it with relevant religious teachings or reasoning.

"Muslims might argue that only God can give or take life, because the Qur’an says, ‘Do not take life, which Allah has made sacred.’ This shows that euthanasia is not just a legal issue, but a moral and spiritual one. Taking life deliberately would be seen as disobeying divine law."

3. Paragraph 2: A contrasting viewpoint
Offer an opposing view, again supporting it with a religious teaching or real-world example.

"However, some people believe euthanasia is the most compassionate option. For example, if someone is in unbearable pain with no chance of recovery, helping them die could be seen as an act of mercy. This view prioritises quality of life over strict rules about preserving it."

4. Paragraph 3: An additional perspective or comparison
This could be a secular view, a different religious tradition, or a deeper point that challenges both sides.

"A non-religious person might say that morality comes from empathy and society, not divine commands. This challenges the idea that religion is necessary for people to be good, and suggests that ethical behaviour can be based on reason and compassion."

5. Conclusion
Give your own view and explain why you find it more convincing. 

"Overall, I believe religion can help people find meaning, but it’s not essential. For those with faith, religion offers comfort and guidance. But many people live good, meaningful lives without it, so it depends on the individual’s beliefs and values."

PEE or PEEL Still Works — If You Use It Well

If you’ve been taught PEE (Point, Evidence, Explain) or PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link), stick with it, but make sure your ‘evidence’ includes relevant scripture or specific religious beliefs, and that your ‘explain’ shows deeper thinking.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Writing everything you know without answering the question directly

• Missing out on one side of the argument or giving it barely any time

• No conclusion, or one that just repeats both sides

• No religious content, which will limit your mark to a Level 1 or 2 score

Study Strategies for Maximum Impact

Getting a 9 in GCSE Religious Studies is just like achieving a top grade in any subject: you need to work smart, not just work hard. Use these proven strategies to help you revise more efficiently and boost your performance in both AO1 and AO2.

Use Spaced Repetition and Active Recall

Success in Religious Studies requires you to recall a wide range of key teachings, practices, and quotes. Spaced repetition means you go over content at regular intervals over time (not cramming). Active recall means testing yourself rather than just re-reading.

Try these methods:

• Use flashcards to quiz yourself on key quotes, definitions, and beliefs.

• Write out everything you remember from a topic, then check and fill in the gaps.

• Construct short quizzes for yourself on the topics you revise, then return to them later.

Practice Timed Answers

Practising under timed conditions is the fastest way to improve your exam technique. Set a timer and write answers to past 4-, 5-, or 12-mark questions. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. The key is to get faster, clearer, and more confident.

Afterwards, mark your work using the exam board’s mark scheme or model answers like the ones included in Save My Exams. Highlight what went well and note where you could improve. Then rewrite the same answer a few days later to build fluency.

Plan Answers, Don’t Just Write Them

Before writing a 12-mark response, sketch a very quick plan. You can jot down:

• Your two or three main points

• Opposing views or counterarguments

• A scripture or quote you’ll use

• Your final judgement

This stops your answer from drifting off topic and helps you hit all the AO2 criteria. Get used to this speed-planning strategy and use it in your exam. It’ll calm your nerves while writing your answer if you know exactly what you intend to say.

Common Mistakes That Can Cost You a 9

Even strong RS students miss out on top marks because of minor, avoidable errors. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Writing too much description, not enough analysis

It’s easy to get carried away explaining what a religion teaches or what happens in a particular ceremony, especially if you’ve revised it well. However, in long-answer questions, you need to move on from the AO1 knowledge and understanding and move on to AO2 - analysis and evaluation - to get full marks.

Solution:

Don’t just describe what believers do. Ask: 

• Why does this matter? 

• Is it always true? 

• How might others respond?

“Christians believe that Jesus suffered too – he was betrayed, beaten and crucified. [AO1] Some argue that this helps believers feel comforted when they suffer, because they believe God understands their pain.[AO2]” 

2. Ignoring the other side of the argument

To reach the top level for AO2, you must show balance. That means presenting more than one point of view, even if you strongly agree with one side.

Solution:

Weigh up both sides with relevant evidence

“Some Christians argue that euthanasia is wrong because it goes against the commandment ‘Do not kill’. However, others believe that helping someone die with dignity is the most loving thing to do, and Jesus taught that love was the greatest commandment.”

3. Forgetting to answer the actual question

You might write a great paragraph, but if it doesn’t link back to the question, it won’t score well. Always ask: Does this directly answer what I was asked?

Solution:

Look at the keywords in the question (e.g. importance, agree, religious views) and make sure you’re addressing them in every paragraph.

4. Dropping in quotes without linking them

Quoting scripture is important, but quoting without explanation won’t get you top marks.

Solution:

“In Islam, punishment must be fair and fit the crime. The Qur’an says, ‘Take not life, which God has made sacred, except by way of justice and law.’ This shows that Muslims believe the law is essential for a stable society.”

Time Management in the Exam

Even if you’ve revised everything and written brilliant answers in practice, it won’t matter if you run out of time on the day.

Here’s how to stay on track and use your minutes wisely.

Know the Question Types and Timing

Both AQA A and Edexcel B include short-answer and long-answer questions. To get a 9, you need to give the right amount of time and attention to each one. I always advise students to allocate about one minute per mark, which allows time for checking through work once it’s completed.

Practice Under Pressure

It’s one thing to write a great 12-mark answer while you’re revising. It can feel much trickier with the clock ticking.

Therefore, set aside time each week to practise timed questions. Use a real exam paper, such as past papers on Save My Exams, and stick to the timings. When you’re done, mark your work using the exam board’s criteria. This helps you build your accuracy and speed, and serves as the best dress rehearsal for achieving a nine on your final exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many quotes should I include in a 12-mark answer?

You only need one well-chosen quote per viewpoint, used meaningfully.

More is fine, but you don’t get extra marks just for squeezing in lots of quotes. It’s far more effective to select a relevant quote and explain how it supports the argument you’re making. 

If you're arguing for and against, aim to include one quote per side, so revise with this in mind.

Do I need to write an introduction and conclusion for AO2 questions?

Yes. A clear, justified conclusion is particularly important for top marks.

Your introduction should briefly demonstrate that you understand the issue and the debate surrounding it. In your conclusion, you’ll answer the question directly, justify your final view, and show balance. This can be the deciding factor between a Level 3 and a Level 4 answer.

Can I revise just one religion?

You can, but only if your course and paper allow it.

For example, Edexcel B asks you to answer from one religion per paper, so focusing on Christianity or Islam alone might work. But AQA A often expects you to compare two religions or give views from multiple perspectives, especially in thematic studies. Always check your specification and past papers before narrowing your revision.

Is it possible to improve my grade quickly in RS?

Yes, you can, with focused practice on exam technique and evaluation skills.

If you know the content but your grades aren’t where you want them to be, it’s probably down to poor timing, structure, or not answering the question directly. Spend time writing timed answers, reviewing mark schemes, and asking your teacher for feedback. The more familiar you are with what examiners want, the faster your progress.

What’s the best way to learn scripture?

Pick one or two quotes per topic, understand them properly, and practise using them in answers. 

Don’t waste time memorising long passages - stick to the ones your teacher, the exam board, and the Save My Exams revision pages recommend. 

Use flashcards, matching games, or explain quotes to a friend to help you remember them. Most importantly, use them accurately in practice questions.

Final Thoughts

Top-grade students don’t just learn the textbook; they take the time to work out what examiners are looking for. In GCSE RS, that involves learning how to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding, apply it clearly, and evaluate it confidently. 

If you’re aiming for a 9 in Religious Studies, start with what you already know and build from there. Practice writing complete 12-mark answers under timed conditions. Review mark schemes and try to spot any weaknesses you can work on. 

Getting a nine is entirely achievable with some smart work and lots of exam practice. Don’t just revise and hope; use these tips to help you aim for the top. Every well-planned answer gets you one step closer to your goal.