Cambridge O-level Islamiyat

Paper 1 contains 5 questions of which candidates must answer Question 1, Question 2 and two other. 1. Major themes of the Qur’an : Three passages will be set from the list in Appendix 1, of which candidates may choose any two. [8 marks] 2. The history and importance of the Qur’an: This question is usually set in more than on part, and requires an essay length answer. [14 marks] 3 The life and importance of the Prophet Muhammad: One or two questions are set, usually in more than one part, requiring essay length answers. [14 marks] 4 The first Islamic community: One or two questions are set, usually in more than one part, requiring essay length answers. [14 marks] Total marks = 50

Paper 2 contains 5 questions of which candidates must answer Question1, Question 2 and two others. 1. Major teachings of the Hadiths of the Prophet: Four passages are set from the list in Appendix 2, of which candidates may choose any two. [8 marks] 2.The history and importance of the Hadiths: This question is usually set in more than one part, and requires an essay length answer. [14 marks] 3. The period of rule of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and their importance as leaders: One or two questions are set, usually in more than one part, requiring essay length answers. [14 marks] 4. The Articles of Faith and the Pillars of Islam: One or two questions are set, usually in more than one part, requiring essay length answers. [14 marks] Total mark = 50.

The aims of the syllabus are to enable candidates to:  Acquire a knowledge of the major sources of Islam, its main beliefs and its early history  Develop an enquiring approach to the study of Islam  Identify and explore the religious, historical and moral questions raised in the material they study.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate that they have closely studied the topics set. They should be able to: AO1: Recall, select and present relevant facts from the main elements of the faith and history of Islam AO2: Demonstrate understanding of their significance in the teachings of Islam and in the lives of Muslims. The following two grids give descriptions of the expected levels of response in the examination, and the marks allocated in the parts of Questions 1 (8 marks) and Questions 2-5 (14 marks).

LevelMarkLevel Description 4Q 1: 4 Q 2-5: 8-10 Excellent: A through, well-developed and substantial response. Demonstrates extensive, relevant and highly accurate knowledge of the subject in considerable detail and with evident expertise. Likely to quote Qur’an verses and Hadiths to support and illustrate points made. Comprehensive and thoughtful. 3Q 1: 3 Q 2-5: 5-7 Good: Addresses the question confidently and coherently. Demonstrates sound, detailed and generally relevant and accurate knowledge of the subject matter in great detail. May quote Qur’an verses and Hadiths to support points made. 2Q 1: 2 Q 2-5: 3-4 Satisfactory: A fair, mainly relevant but generally undeveloped response. The candidate demonstrates some factual knowledge, which is fairly accurate and slightly wider than at basic level. Some of the main points are covered but lack substance.

LevelMarkLevel Description 1Q 1: 1 Q 2-5: 1-2 Basic: An attempt to answer the question, but lacks potential and/or is unfinished. Very limited knowledge of the subject. Response includes only a small amount of relevant material, or mainly irrelevant points. Facts are reported in basic outline only, often inaccurately, though some credible points are made. 00Irrelevant: No apparent attempt to answer the question set, or a wholly irrelevant response. Totally illegible.

LevelMarkLevel Description 44Excellent: Demonstrates a wide and thorough understanding of what the question asks. Recognizes fully and can explain the significance of material used in answer. Can reason, evaluate and discuss in a thoughtful, mature manner. 33Good: Understands the significance of the question. Seeks to move clearly beyond a purely descriptive approach, demonstrating touches of maturity and a willingness to engage with and discuss the material. 22Satisfactory: Response is descriptive but makes some effort to offer evaluation. The candidate attempts, though with limited success, to move beyond an purely factual approach, with some limited discussion of the material 11Basic: Limited understanding of the subject. The candidate’s response is descriptive and immature, with no attempt to discuss to evaluate the material. AO2: Understanding – part (b) questions

LevelMarkLevel Description 00Irrelevant: No response submitted, or clearly lacks any understanding of the subject matter