UPPER SIXTH EXAM

Top Tips

BEFORE YOU START TO

WRITE ANYTHING!!

Read all the questions carefully

Highlight or underline the key words in the question – the words you will reuse

throughout your answer

Work out what the topic is

THINK (not write) what your view is on the questions and therefore how you will

argue the question – for or against.

You can write on the question paper key names/ words/ quotes/ arguments to get

your mind warmed up.

You need: multiple black pens, highlighter (never highlight your answer paper) bottle

of water, mints

INTRODUCTION

Keep it short

Set the scene – explain what the question is asking you

Define all key words in the question

Introduce the main, most important key names that you will talk

about in your answer.

“ M I R A C L E S A R E D A M A G I N G T O F A I T H ” D I S C U S S ( 3 5 )

H O W M A N Y M I S T A K E S I N T H I S I N T R O D U C T I O N C A N

Y O U S P O T ?

Hume defined miracles as “a transgression of a law of nature by a

particular volition of the deity.” There are many types of miracles and

most often it is religious believers who see events as miraculous. This

means they are self authenticating. One example would be the crying

statue. Miracles go against God because why would God only help

those with faith and not those without if he loves us all equally?

Therefore some people think that miracles don’t happen.

MAIN

Start with a supporter of the question

Follow the structure of: key point – example (if relevant) -criticism

– defence – argue which is stronger emphasizing with critical words -

link back to question.

Evaluate throughout and use critical words

Make everything relevant or leave it out!

“ M I R AC L E S A R E DA M AG I N G T O FA I T H ”

D I S C U S S ( 3 5 )

H OW M A N Y M I S T A K E S C A N YO U S P O T ?

Wiles argues that miracles are damaging to faith because why would an all loving God do

miracles for some people and not for others. This means that God does not love everyone

and therefore not the God of Classical theism. Wiles takes a realist view as God made

creation. He also says that God does not violate laws of nature.

Hick gives the story of a train with a little boy who is in the tracks but the train doesn’t hit

him because the driver faints. This is a miracle because he should have died. But what

about the driver this would not be a miracle to his family. But Hume would say it is not a

miracle any way because a law of nature was not broken.

CONCLUSION

Last chance to impress the examiners

Brief summary of the key arguments and evaluation you have

raised.

Do NOT sit on the fence pick. Answer the question using the

arguments you have presented and which side is stronger!

Do not add new arguments in your conclusion

“ M I R A C L E S A R E D A M A G I N G T O F A I T H ” D I S C U S S ( 3 5 )

H O W M A N Y M I S T A K E S I N T H E C O N C L U S I O N C A N

Y O U S P O T ?

In conclusion I think that miracles are damaging to faith because

why would a Christian believe in a God who grants miracles to some

people, often religious believers, and not others. As Freud said

religion is just a cushion to deal with the harsh realities so is not real.

But Christians need miracles to show them God exists so are

important to them so are not damaging.

T O P T I P S F O R A C H I E V I N G T H A T G R A D E !

Answer the question!!!

Use the specific words in the question throughout your answer – at least every 3/4 sentences

Explain quotes “This means” and relevance to question/ argument

Briefly explain who philosophers are- believers/ atheists/ empiricists and how this may affect their

views

EVALUATE!!!!! Ask questions/ criticise/ strengths/ support/ use critical words

Give examples to help explain

Add details that other students may not have learnt/ know or remember

Avoid at all costs short weaknesses! Explain all weaknesses/ strengths in full detail. Then say whether

they work or not including what is good/ bad about i.e. Freud or Marx.

Always ask yourself: WHY?

HTTPS://ITHINKTHEREFOR

EITEACH.WORDPRESS.COM/

If you would like further information please

follow the link below to my blog: