Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B Past Papers | 1RB0
Prepare for Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B (1RB0) with past papers, official mark schemes and practical examiner tips. Find exam materials for Paper 1: Religion and Ethics, Paper 2: Religion, Peace and Conflict, and Paper 3: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice, covering Catholic Christianity, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Sikhism. Jump to the examiner tips or read the frequently asked questions for further exam and revision guidance.
2025 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B (1RB0) Past Papers & Mark Schemes
2025 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B (1RB0) | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
Paper 1A – Catholic Christianity: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1B – Christianity: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1C – Islam: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1D – Buddhism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1E – Hinduism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1F – Judaism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1G – Sikhism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 2B – Christianity: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2C – Islam: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2D – Buddhism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2E – Hinduism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2F – Judaism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2G – Sikhism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 3B – Christianity: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3C – Islam: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3G – Sikhism: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice |
2024 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B (1RB0) Past Papers & Mark Schemes
2024 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B (1RB0) | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
Paper 1A – Catholic Christianity: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1B – Christianity: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1C – Islam: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1D – Buddhism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1E – Hinduism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1F – Judaism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1G – Sikhism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 2B – Christianity: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2C – Islam: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2D – Buddhism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2E – Hinduism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2F – Judaism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2G – Sikhism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 3A – Catholic Christianity: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | — | |
Paper 3B – Christianity: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3C – Islam: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3D – Buddhism: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3F – Judaism: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | — | |
Paper 3G – Sikhism: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice |
2023 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B (1RB0) Past Papers & Mark Schemes
2023 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B (1RB0) | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
Paper 1A – Catholic Christianity: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1B – Christianity: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1C – Islam: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1D – Buddhism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1E – Hinduism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1F – Judaism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1G – Sikhism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 2B – Christianity: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2C – Islam: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2D – Buddhism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2E – Hinduism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2F – Judaism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2G – Sikhism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 3A – Catholic Christianity: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3B – Christianity: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3C – Islam: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3D – Buddhism: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3F – Judaism: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | — | |
Paper 3G – Sikhism: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice |
2022 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B (1RB0) Past Papers & Mark Schemes
2022 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B (1RB0) | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
Paper 1A – Catholic Christianity: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1B – Christianity: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1C – Islam: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1D – Buddhism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1E – Hinduism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1F – Judaism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 1G – Sikhism: Religion and Ethics | ||
Paper 2A – Catholic Christianity: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2B – Christianity: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2C – Islam: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2D – Buddhism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2E – Hinduism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2F – Judaism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 2G – Sikhism: Religion, Peace and Conflict | ||
Paper 3B – Christianity: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3C – Islam: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3D – Buddhism: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3F – Judaism: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | ||
Paper 3G – Sikhism: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice |
Six Examiner Tips for Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B
1. Write Three Separate Statements for Part (a)
For a three-mark “state” or “outline” question, write three distinct pieces of information as three separate sentences. Put each sentence on a new line so the examiner can identify your points easily. Avoid single-word lists, bullet points and unnecessary explanations. These questions test accurate recall, so three short and precise statements are enough.
2. Explain Exactly Two Points in Part (b)
A four-mark “explain two” question requires two different points, with each point developed. Organise your answer into two short paragraphs. State the first reason, belief or way and then add an explanation, consequence or relevant example. Repeat this structure for the second point. Do not waste time adding a third or fourth idea because only two points can receive credit.
3. Integrate Your Source of Wisdom and Authority in Part (c)
In a five-mark question, your source of wisdom and authority must support one of your explanations. Do not attach a random quotation to the end of the answer. Introduce the teaching and explain how it proves or develops your point. An accurate, recognisable paraphrase can receive credit, but the source must be relevant and attributed to the correct scripture, religious figure or authority.
4. Appraise Arguments Throughout Part (d)
A 12-mark answer needs more than a list of arguments for and against the statement. After presenting an argument, assess how convincing it is. Consider the authority of its evidence, whether its reasoning is logical and whether another religious or non-religious viewpoint challenges it successfully. Genuine appraisal explains why one argument is stronger, more relevant or more authoritative than another.
5. Follow Every Mandatory Instruction in Part (d)
Read the bullet points printed beneath the 12-mark statement carefully because your answer must address them. These may require religious teachings, non-religious views, ethical theories or different traditions within a religion. Underline the requirements before writing and check them off as you complete your answer. Missing a required element can prevent the response from reaching the highest mark levels.
6. Answer the Exact Question and Reach a Justified Conclusion
Circle the most important words in the question, such as “causes”, “responses”, “victims”, “family” or “poverty”. A detailed answer about the wrong aspect of the topic cannot receive credit. Keep every paragraph focused on the precise statement. Finish a 12-mark response with a justified conclusion that explains which position is most convincing and why, using the arguments and evidence already evaluated in your essay.
Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B 2027: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B?
Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B is a Pearson qualification with the specification code 1RB0. It is sometimes called “Beliefs in Action” because students examine how religious beliefs influence ethical decisions, practices and responses to contemporary issues. It is different from Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A, so always check that revision guides and past papers display the code 1RB0.
2. How many Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B exams will I take in 2027?
Students take two written examination papers selected from three possible Areas of Study:
Paper 1: Religion and Ethics
Paper 2: Religion, Peace and Conflict
Paper 3: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice
Your school chooses two of these three papers. Each examination lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes, carries 102 marks and contributes 50% of the final GCSE grade. You do not take all three papers.
3. What topics are covered in Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B Paper 1?
Paper 1 is called Religion and Ethics. It contains four sections:
Religious Beliefs
Marriage and the Family
Living the Religious Life
Matters of Life and Death
Topics may include the nature of God, marriage, divorce, family life, worship, life after death, abortion, euthanasia and environmental issues. The precise religious teachings studied depend on the religion selected by your school.
4. What topics are covered in Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B Papers 2 and 3?
Paper 2, Religion, Peace and Conflict, covers:
Religious Beliefs
Crime and Punishment
Living the Religious Life
Peace and Conflict
Paper 3, Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice, covers:
Beliefs in God
Philosophy of Religion
Living the Religious Life
Equality
Your school will enter you for either two of the three available Areas of Study, so confirm your exact combination before revising.
5. Which religions can be studied for Edexcel GCSE RS B?
Each Area of Study can be examined through Catholic Christianity, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism or Sikhism. You must study a different religion for each of your two papers. Catholic Christianity and Christianity cannot be combined as the two religions. Check your paper codes carefully because, for example, Christianity and Islam papers contain different content and sources of authority.
6. What is the question structure for Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B?
Each paper contains four questions, with one question for each content section. Every question is divided into four parts:
Part (a): a three-mark “state” or “outline” question
Part (b): a four-mark “explain two” question
Part (c): a five-mark explanation requiring a source of wisdom and authority
Part (d): a 12-mark evaluation question
Additional marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology are attached to designated questions. You must answer every question on the paper; there is no choice between questions.
7. Do I need to memorise quotations for Edexcel GCSE RS B?
You should learn a manageable collection of short, flexible religious teachings and sources of authority. Exact verse numbers and perfectly memorised quotations are not always necessary; an accurate and recognisable paraphrase can still demonstrate knowledge. However, you must attribute the teaching correctly and explain its relevance. Never confuse sources such as the Bible, Qur’an, Hadith, Torah, Guru Granth Sahib or teachings from religious leaders.
