Judaism — IGCSE Religious Studies (0490) questions by topic
Twenty questions ask you to give three ways the Jewish community uses the synagogue, describe the traditional role of women, describe Rosh Hashanah celebrations, and name items worn in worship, each worth 20 marks.
Explain, discuss, describe, identify and outline require accurate, specific detail rather than general statements about Judaism. Drawn from 2023 and 2024 papers, this page's instant marking is well matched to a recurring issue examiners flag: giving Hebrew and English terms for the same item as though they were two separate things, an error instant feedback would catch immediately rather than repeating across a paper.
What examiners look for
- A recurring criticism is giving Hebrew and English terms for the same item as if they were two distinct things.
- Examiners note frequent confusion between the menorah and the ner tamid, with few responses giving specific material about the menorah itself.
- Reports flag naming more than three items when only three were asked for, sometimes including books from the New Testament by mistake.
- Strong answers emphasised the significant role of women in celebrations, especially Shabbat, presenting that role as equal yet different.
October–November 2024, Paper 12
Name three sections of the Talmud (commentary on the Mishnah).
Answer this question and get it marked →Give three uses of a synagogue for a Jewish community.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 13
Give three symbols that might be found in a synagogue.
Answer this question and get it marked →Give three instructions given to Jews in the Shema (statement of faith).
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 22
Give an account of tzedaka (righteous giving).
Answer this question and get it marked →Outline a Bar Mitzvah and a Bat Mitzvah ceremony.
Answer this question and get it marked →Give an account of what happens on the day of a Jewish funeral.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 23
Give an account of how one Jewish agency helps to relieve poverty.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe preparations for a Bar Mitzvah ceremony.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe features of a Jewish marriage ceremony.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 12
Name three items which Jews might wear as part of worship.
Answer this question and get it marked →Name three books which are included in the Nevi'im (Prophets).
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 13
Give three ways in which the Jewish community might use the synagogue.
Answer this question and get it marked →Name the three daily services held in a synagogue.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 22
Describe what happens during Rosh Hashanah (New Year) celebrations.
Answer this question and get it marked →Give an account of the ceremony which welcomes a baby boy into Judaism.
Answer this question and get it marked →Give an account of the traditional role of men in Judaism.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 23
Describe the traditional role of women in Judaism.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe foods and other items present during the meal at Pesach (Passover) and why they are there.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe how the laws of kashrut (kosher) and treyfah (forbidden) apply to food and its preparation.
Answer this question and get it marked →Other IGCSE Religious Studies topics
- Christianity (20)
- Islam (20)