Free AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062) Exam Questions and Answers
AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062) is AQA's GCSE Religious Studies A qualification, specification 8062, taken in England. The questions here come from AQA's published question papers from November 2020 to June 2025, plus its specimen papers, with answers and marking guidance taken from AQA's own mark schemes. Written-answer questions let you work out your answer and then reveal what the mark scheme accepts; diagrams, graphs and source material appear with the questions that use them.
Candidates comparing AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062) exam dumps, ExamTopics and other practice tests use this page for the answers and explanations behind each question. Download the free PDF, then sit the timed exam simulation before booking with AQA.
Last updated: October 16, 2026
- Provider
- AQA
- Questions in our bank
- 1000+
- Free to read
- First 10, with answers
- Our test mode duration & pass mark
- 130 mins · 70%
- Verified answers
- Reviewed weekly
- Practice format
- Written answers & multiple choice
Recommended: Switch to Test Mode to start a practice test that simulates the real exam experience.
Question #1
Buddhism: Beliefs Which one of the following is not one of the Five Aggregates (skandhas)?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
One mark for the correct answer: B Ignorance.
Continue with AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062)
Unlock the full question bank
You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062), the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
Single exam
$19.99for 30 days
Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
$49.99for 1 year
One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
Full access
$39.99/mo
Every exam in the catalogue, month to month.
Full access
$199.99/yr
Every exam in the catalogue for a year.
Already subscribed? Sign in to pick up where you left off.
Question #2
Give two reasons why Siddhartha Gautama rejected his life in the palace.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Any two reasons, e.g. he was unhappy or dissatisfied with palace life; he was becoming too attached to luxury; he grew curious about the outside world; he saw the four sights (old age, illness, death, a holy man); he wanted to find the answer to the problem of suffering; he knew he would not find answers if he stayed in the palace.
Explanation
One mark for each of two correct points. If more than two are given, only the first two are considered. Two of the four sights given as separate points can earn two marks. Other relevant points are credited.
Continue with AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062)
Unlock the full question bank
You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062), the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
Single exam
$19.99for 30 days
Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
$49.99for 1 year
One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
Full access
$39.99/mo
Every exam in the catalogue, month to month.
Full access
$199.99/yr
Every exam in the catalogue for a year.
Already subscribed? Sign in to pick up where you left off.
Question #3
Explain two ways in which belief in the Pure Land influences some Buddhists today.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Two ways the Pure Land influences some Buddhists, e.g. (1) Faith in Amitabha (Amida Buddha) gives hope of rebirth in his paradise, so faith matters more than actions or behaviour. (2) They believe there is no suffering there, and they can be taught by Amitabha, so they have a better chance of becoming a Buddha. (3) They chant Amitabha's name, meditate on him, recite scriptures, worship or make offerings, believing this will let them enter the Pure Land at death and make enlightenment more accessible.
Explanation
Two ways, each worth up to 2 marks. A simple explanation of a relevant and accurate influence gets 1 mark. A detailed explanation gets 2 marks, and it must clearly show the influence on Buddhists. Other relevant points are credited.
Continue with AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062)
Unlock the full question bank
You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062), the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
Single exam
$19.99for 30 days
Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
$49.99for 1 year
One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
Full access
$39.99/mo
Every exam in the catalogue, month to month.
Full access
$199.99/yr
Every exam in the catalogue for a year.
Already subscribed? Sign in to pick up where you left off.
Question #4
Explain two temptations the Buddha experienced immediately before he became enlightened. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Buddhist belief and teaching in your answer.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Two temptations, e.g. Mara sent his daughters to seduce Siddhartha; Mara sent armies/storms to attack and frighten him (arrows turned to flowers); Mara offered him rule of a kingdom/universal king; Mara argued it was his duty as father, ruler and husband, and used fear and doubt. Plus a relevant source, e.g. Samyutta Nikaya: 'swept them away… as the wind, a fallen cotton tuft'.
Explanation
5 marks. First temptation: simple explanation 1 mark, detailed 2 marks. Second temptation: simple 1, detailed 2. One further mark for a relevant and accurate reference to sacred writing or another source of Buddhist belief and teaching (e.g. Samyutta Nikaya; the Buddha saying one man's wants are so insatiable that even two golden mountains would not satisfy him; Deepak Chopra's 'Buddha: A story of enlightenment'). Other relevant points are credited.
Continue with AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062)
Unlock the full question bank
You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062), the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
Single exam
$19.99for 30 days
Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
$49.99for 1 year
One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
Full access
$39.99/mo
Every exam in the catalogue, month to month.
Full access
$199.99/yr
Every exam in the catalogue for a year.
Already subscribed? Sign in to pick up where you left off.
Question #5
‘For Buddhists, craving is the main cause of suffering.’ Evaluate this statement. In your answer you should: • refer to Buddhist teaching • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • reach a justified conclusion.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Extended evaluation, no single correct answer. Support: craving (tanha) is the dominant link in dependent origination; taught in most detail by the Buddha (three types: sensory craving, craving to be something else, craving to stop something); removing craving takes one halfway to enlightenment; it links to greed, hatred and delusion; rooted in ignorance; keeps the wheel of life spinning in samsara. Other views: craving is only one cause; ignorance (avijja) may be the main cause; the three poisons/fires; any of the 12 nidanas; attachment to what one already has; physical and mental pain, war, poverty; the Three Marks of Existence (anicca, anatta). Finish with a justified conclusion.
Explanation
12 marks (AO2), plus 3 for SPaG. Level 4 (10–12): well-argued, reasoned consideration of different points of view; logical chains of reasoning leading to judgements supported by relevant knowledge; religion applied to the issue. Level 3 (7–9): reasoned consideration of different points of view; logical chains of reasoning; clear reference to religion. Level 2 (4–6): reasoned consideration of one point of view, OR recognition of different views each supported by relevant reasons; maximum Level 2 if there is no reference to religion. Level 1 (1–3): a point of view with reason(s) stated. 0: nothing worthy of credit.
Continue with AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062)
Unlock the full question bank
You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062), the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
Single exam
$19.99for 30 days
Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
$49.99for 1 year
One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
Full access
$39.99/mo
Every exam in the catalogue, month to month.
Full access
$199.99/yr
Every exam in the catalogue for a year.
Already subscribed? Sign in to pick up where you left off.
Question #6
Buddhism: Practices Which one of the following is insight meditation?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
1 mark for C, Vipassana.
Continue with AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062)
Unlock the full question bank
You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062), the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
Single exam
$19.99for 30 days
Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
$49.99for 1 year
One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
Full access
$39.99/mo
Every exam in the catalogue, month to month.
Full access
$199.99/yr
Every exam in the catalogue for a year.
Already subscribed? Sign in to pick up where you left off.
Question #7
Give two different items which might be seen on a Buddhist shrine.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Any two different items, e.g. Buddharupa/statue of the Buddha, Bodhisattva statue, thangka image, flowers, garlands, water, candles, incense and holder, mala beads, food offerings (Mahayana), seven brass offering bowls, shrine cloth.
Explanation
1 mark for each of two correct, different items. If more than two are given, only the first two are marked. Other relevant items are credited.
Continue with AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062)
Unlock the full question bank
You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062), the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
Single exam
$19.99for 30 days
Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
$49.99for 1 year
One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
Full access
$39.99/mo
Every exam in the catalogue, month to month.
Full access
$199.99/yr
Every exam in the catalogue for a year.
Already subscribed? Sign in to pick up where you left off.
Question #8
Explain two contrasting ways Buddhists might show compassion (karuna).
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Two contrasting ways of showing karuna, e.g. practical help for people who are physically, mentally or emotionally distressed (dana, giving material goods, counselling, charity such as Rokpa) contrasted with meditation developing concern for all suffering and the wish that others be free of it; or staying calm and stable and being happy for others, as one of the four sublime states.
Explanation
4 marks. First contrasting way: simple explanation 1 mark, detailed 2 marks. Second contrasting way: simple 1, detailed 2. Contrast means opposing or different views/ways. If the ways are similar, only one is credited, up to 2 marks maximum. Other relevant points are credited, e.g. the bodhisattva ideal, compassion developed with wisdom in Mahayana, dana paramita, compassion as different from pity, avoiding samsara.
Continue with AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062)
Unlock the full question bank
You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062), the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
Single exam
$19.99for 30 days
Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
$49.99for 1 year
One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
Full access
$39.99/mo
Every exam in the catalogue, month to month.
Full access
$199.99/yr
Every exam in the catalogue for a year.
Already subscribed? Sign in to pick up where you left off.
Question #9
Explain two reasons why believing in kamma (karma) is important for Buddhists today. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Buddhist belief and teaching in your answer.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Two reasons, e.g. intentional actions have consequences, so Buddhists are mindful of their decisions and can reduce suffering; what they do now affects rebirth (including which of the six realms), so they cultivate skilful actions; kamma is empowering because they can change their future; it supports the ethical behaviour of the Eightfold Path. Plus a source, e.g. Dhammapada verses 1 and 2 or Anguttara Nikaya: 'I am the owner of my karma…'
Explanation
5 marks. First reason: simple explanation 1 mark, detailed 2 marks. Second reason: simple 1, detailed 2. One mark for a relevant and accurate reference to sacred writing or another source of Buddhist belief and teaching (e.g. Dhammapada verse 1 or 2; Anguttara Nikaya; the Tibetan Wheel of Life). Other relevant points are credited.
Continue with AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062)
Unlock the full question bank
You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062), the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
Single exam
$19.99for 30 days
Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
$49.99for 1 year
One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
Full access
$39.99/mo
Every exam in the catalogue, month to month.
Full access
$199.99/yr
Every exam in the catalogue for a year.
Already subscribed? Sign in to pick up where you left off.
Question #10
‘Rituals associated with death have little importance to Buddhists.’ Evaluate this statement. In your answer you should: • refer to Buddhist teaching • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • reach a justified conclusion.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Extended evaluation, no single correct answer. The mark scheme page for this question is not included, so no indicative content can be given.
Explanation
12 marks (AO2) plus SPaG, marked using the same level descriptors as the other 12-mark question: Level 4 (10–12) well-argued with judgements; Level 3 (7–9) different views with clear reference to religion; Level 2 (4–6) one view, or different views recognised; Level 1 (1–3) a view with reasons. AO2, 12 marks, levels. Level 4 (10–12): well-argued response with reasoned consideration of different points of view; logical chains of reasoning leading to judgement(s) supported by relevant knowledge; religion applied to the issue. Level 3 (7–9): reasoned consideration of different points of view, logical chains of reasoning drawing on relevant evidence, clear reference to religion. Level 2 (4–6): reasoned consideration of one point of view with a logical chain of reasoning, OR recognition of different points of view each supported by relevant reasons/evidence. Maximum Level 2 if there is no reference to religion. Level 1 (1–3): a point of view with reason(s) stated in support. 0: nothing worthy of credit. All relevant evidence and arguments must be credited, not just those listed.
Continue with AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062)
Unlock the full question bank
You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062), the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
Single exam
$19.99for 30 days
Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
$49.99for 1 year
One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
Full access
$39.99/mo
Every exam in the catalogue, month to month.
Full access
$199.99/yr
Every exam in the catalogue for a year.
Already subscribed? Sign in to pick up where you left off.
Discussion
Explain your reasoning, not just the letterOther AQA certifications
- AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) (opens in a new tab)
- AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300) (opens in a new tab)
- AQA GCSE Combined Science: Synergy (8465) (opens in a new tab)
- AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) (opens in a new tab)
- AQA GCSE Physics (8463) (opens in a new tab)
- AQA GCSE Biology (8461) (opens in a new tab)
- AQA GCSE Spanish (8698) (opens in a new tab)
- AQA GCSE Geography (8035) (opens in a new tab)
- AQA GCSE German (8668) (opens in a new tab)
- AQA GCSE French (8658) (opens in a new tab)
- AQA GCSE Psychology (8182) (opens in a new tab)
- AQA GCSE History (8145) (opens in a new tab)
Reviews
Write a review★★★★★
Exam Practice is worth every penny. The mock exams are realistic, and the feedback helped me focus on key areas.
Amit SharmaVerified buyer
★★★★★
I highly recommend Exam Practice. The feedback after each test helped me improve significantly, and I passed my exams easily.
Oscar NyströmVerified buyer
★★★★★
This platform is a lifesaver. The practice questions and explanations are so detailed. It’s the best study tool I’ve ever used.
Hannah SmithVerified buyer