There are three types of question, generally corresponding to (a), (b) and (c). It is really important to understand what sort of answer each type of question expects. You should know your stuff by now - here is where you can show the examiner this!
(a) Knowledge and understanding of Christian teaching (examples from 1999 paper) [8 marks]
All questions seem to begin Describe and explain. Generally this is followed by Christian teaching about... So they want you to:
Describe the teaching
where is the teaching from - you can quote chapter and verse if you know it, but give any information you can e.g. Jesus said that... The Old Testament taught... The Church of England's position on euthanasia is...
what is the teaching - you can give a direct quote - Job 1:21 says: "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away", or you can paraphrase - Paul taught that all authority comes from God so you should do what the leaders of the country say. If you are paraphrasing, never include speech marks. The Bible does not say "All people are equal", but it does say that mankind, including men and women, were "made in God's image".
Explain the teaching
what does the passage mean - for example, "God created man in His own image" is not self-explanatory. It doesn't mean we look like God!
how does this passage apply to this issue - you can use the opening chapter of Genesis in questions on the environment, equality, sanctity of life etc, but you must explain how it relates to the issue. Read the question carefully to tailor your answer to the specific words used. Look above at the question about the importance of taking care of the environment. Your answer must use these words!
Note that Christian teaching includes Biblical passages, Church teaching (position statements, encyclicals etc.) and quotes from individual Christians. Try to include all of these if you can!
(b) Application [7 marks]
This is where you think about how the teaching in (a) might affect a Christian's attitudes or behavior. You will be asked to think about a specific situation or issue. You may need to explain what a Christian may feel about this issue, and how he/she would respond. Try to include specific, practical examples. Try to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the issue - you should avoid saying that ALL Christians would feel this or react that way. Recognize the diversity in Christian responses where possible.
(c) Evaluation [5 marks]
Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
The question is misleading - it always asks 'do you agree?', but however well you back up your answer, just giving your own opinion will only get a couple of marks. It should say: 'Discuss all of the issues raised by this comment, making your own opinion clear.' Imagine you were back in school, and the question came up in class. Everyone would have different things to say about it, giving their own reasons to support their views. Try to write down everyone's responses, organizing them as carefully as possible, but do make clear what YOU think. You could do this in a summary at the end.
You may want to develop a set approach. For example, imagine you disagree strongly with the quote. Why not give arguments for the quote first, saying "Many people would agree because... Some Christians, for example Vicars for choice, would support this position. They would focus on the teaching in..." By this stage you will probably be bursting with responses and can give a convincing argument against the quote.
If this style doesn't suit you, you can bat arguments back and forth, giving an argument and a response. This can lack structure and organization. It does mean, however, that you can deal with both sides of one issue before moving to another issue.
Whatever your style, you get marks for demonstrating a thorough understanding of a range of opinions, and for recognizing the complexity of the issues. Back up positions with reference to Christian teaching, and make sure your position is clearly stated and coherent!