Studying one religion is a journey; studying five or six at once is a logistical marathon. If you’ve spent your semester mixing up the Four Noble Truths with the Five Pillars, or confusing the Covenant with the concept of Brahman, don’t panic. You aren’t failing; you’re just overwhelmed by the sheer scale of human belief systems.
Below is the exam paper download link
Past Paper on Comparative Study Of Religion For Revision
Above is the exam paper download link
The trick to mastering this subject isn’t memorizing every single date in religious history. It’s about thematic connection. Examiners love to see if you can find the “connective tissue” between different faiths while respecting their unique boundaries.
To help you get into the right headspace, we’ve put together a “Quick-Fire Revision FAQ” followed by a link to a comprehensive past paper for your practice.
FAQ: Tackling the Big Questions of Faith
Q: Most exams ask about “Phenomenology of Religion.” How do I explain this without sounding like a textbook? A: Think of it as being a “neutral observer.” In an exam, if you’re asked to take a phenomenological approach, it means you should describe religious experiences and rituals as they appear to the believer, without judging if they are “true” or “false.” You are the investigator, not the judge.
Q: How should I structure a comparison between Eastern and Western traditions? A: Avoid the “Ping-Pong” method (writing one paragraph on Islam, then one on Buddhism). Instead, structure by theme. For example:
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The Concept of Time: Contrast the linear view (Creation to Judgment) in Abrahamic faiths with the cyclical view (Samsara) in Hinduism and Buddhism.
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The Goal of Life: Compare Salvation (entry into heaven) with Liberation (Moksha or Nirvana).
Q: I get stuck on “Internal Diversity.” What does that even mean? A: It’s a fancy way of saying “not everyone in a religion thinks the same.” An A+ paper will acknowledge that “Islam” isn’t a monolith—it includes Sunni, Shia, and Sufi perspectives. Likewise, “Christianity” spans from Roman Catholicism to Quakerism. Always mention these sub-groups to show depth.
Q: What is the most common mistake students make in the “Ethics” section? A: Forgetting the source of the ethics. If a question asks about religious responses to poverty, don’t just say “they help the poor.” Specify why: Is it because of Zakat (Islam), Tzedakah (Judaism), or the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Christianity)? Link the action to the scripture.
How to Use This Past Paper for Maximum Impact
Revision is a physical skill, not just a mental one. You need to train your hand to write under pressure. Here is how to use the download below:
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The 15-Minute Outline: Pick three questions from the paper. Spend only 15 minutes total sketching out a skeleton for each. What are your three main points? What is your “hook” for the intro?
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The “No-Book” Test: Try to define ten key terms (e.g., Asceticism, Monotheism, Polytheism, Orthodoxy) without checking your notes. If you can’t define it in one sentence, you don’t know it well enough yet.
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Cross-Reference: Look for the “Compulsory” questions. These usually focus on methodology. Make sure you can explain why we study religion comparatively in the first place.
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Get Your Revision Material Here
The best way to stop the “exam-day shakes” is to see the enemy before it arrives. Familiarizing yourself with the wording of these questions will give you a massive head start.