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NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
RELIGION STUDIES P1
NOVEMBER 2023
MARKING GUIDELINES
MARKS: 150
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Religion Studies Grade 12 P1 NSC November 2023 Memo (Eng)
Grade 12 Religion Studies Paper 1 memorandum from the NSC November Exam 2023 (English), 12 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Religion Studies · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2023. Memorandum. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Religion Studies
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- Memorandum
- Year
- 2023
- Exam period
- NSC November Exam
- Paper
- 1
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 12
- File size
- 524.1 KB
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This exam
NSC November Exam 2023
Questions in this paper
- Question 1.1The Variety of Religions10 marks
- Question 1.2The Variety of Religions6 marks
- Question 1.3The Variety of Religions6 marks
- Question 1.4The Variety of Religions10 marks
- Question 1.5The Variety of Religions12 marks
- Question 1.6The Variety of Religions6 marks
Show all 27 questions
- Question 2.1The Variety of Religions12 marks
- Question 2.2The Variety of Religions16 marks
- Question 2.3Common Features of Religion6 marks
- Question 2.4The Variety of Religions8 marks
- Question 2.5Common Features of Religion8 marks
- Question 3.1Topical Issues in Society28 marks
- Question 3.2Topical Issues in Society10 marks
- Question 3.3Topical Issues in Society12 marks
- Question 4.1Research Into and Across Religions20 marks
- Question 4.2Topical Issues in Society10 marks
- Question 4.3Common Features of Religion10 marks
- Question 4.4The Variety of Religions10 marks
- Question 5.1Examinable Prior Grade Content2 marks
- Question 5.2Topical Issues in Society4 marks
- Question 5.3Examinable Prior Grade Content4 marks
- Question 5.4Topical Issues in Society6 marks
- Question 5.5Examinable Prior Grade Content6 marks
- Question 5.6Common Features of Religion6 marks
- Question 5.7Topical Issues in Society6 marks
- Question 5.8Examinable Prior Grade Content8 marks
- Question 5.9The Variety of Religions8 marks
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Religion Studies/P1 2 DBE/November 2023
NSC – Marking Guidelines
SECTION A (COMPULSORY)
QUESTION 1
1.1 1.1.1 B√ (1)
1.1.2 B√ (1)
1.1.3 D√ (1)
1.1.4 A√ (1)
1.1.5 B√ (1)
1.1.6 A√ (1)
1.1.7 B√ (1)
1.1.8 C√ (1)
1.1.9 C√ (1)
1.1.10 D√ (1)
1.2 1.2.1 Ahimsa√ (1)
1.2.2 Tripitaka/Pali Canon/Sutras√ (1)
1.2.3 Hermeneutics√ (1)
1.2.4 Rituals√ (1)
1.2.5 Veneration√ (1)
1.2.6 Bodhisattva√ (1)
1.3 1.3.1 C√ (1)
1.3.2 F√ (1)
1.3.3 E√ (1)
1.3.4 G√ (1)
1.3.5 B√ (1)
1.3.6 D√ (1)
1.4 1.4.1 Buddhism√
The other three are Middle Eastern religions/. all the others are
monotheistic religions √ OR
Judaism√
All the others are missionary religions. √ (2)
1.4.2 Lao-tzu√
The other three are sacred books from different religions.√ (2)
1.4.3 Sanskrit√
The other three are subdivisions in Hinduism.√ (2)
1.4.4 Shabbat√
The other three are Islamic terms.√ (2)
1.4.5 Hajj√
The other three are African Traditional Religion terms.√ (2)
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Religion Studies/P1 3 DBE/November 2023
NSC – Marking Guidelines
1.5 1.5.1 False√
According to the Taoist view, the Tao produces the One, the One
produces the Two. The Two produces the Three. And the Three
produces the ten thousand things. Everything originates from the
One. √/
All of the world‟s processes originate from the forces of yin and
yang (2)
1.5.2 False√
Sufi are those Muslims who emphasise mysticism. √
The Imam leads congregational prayers in Islam. √ (2)
1.5.3 False√
Syncretism is the mixing of different religious beliefs, resulting in a
new belief system. √
Pluralism is a situation in which members embrace the teachings of
other religions. √
(2)
1.5.4 False√
'Shruti' in Hinduism means what is heard. √
The 'Smriti' are religious books written by individuals./ refers to
„what is remembered‟√ (2)
1.5.5 True√√ (2)
1.5.6 False√
The Buddhist religion originated in India.
Taoism and Confucianism originated in China. (2)
1.6 1.6.1 Comes from the saying 'umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu'
(terminology to this effect from other language is accepted) √
This concept is central to teachings in African Traditional
Religion. √
It is a philosophy of communal spirit. √
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited (2)
1.6.2 Ramakrishna is a Hindu saint. √
He was a follower of Smartism, and said 'Truth is one. The wise
call it by different names.' √
His disciple, Vivekananda, brought Vedantic thought to the United
States, through the Ramakrishna Mission. √
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited (2)
1.6.3 Refers to a belief in one god. √
It is a characteristic of Abrahamic faiths./Middle Eastern
Religions √
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited (2)
TOTAL SECTION A: 50
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Religion Studies/P1 4 DBE/November 2023
NSC – Marking Guidelines
SECTION B
QUESTION 2
2.1 2.1.1 Characteristics that define a religion.
An exclusive self-image.
A religion sets boundaries that separate one religion from all
others.
When we are talking about identity in religion, we are saying
that that particular religion has a certain individuality.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited (4)
2.1.2 This refers to the differences that are present within and across
religions.
This concept is also used in the comparison of a variety of
religions.
A point at which religions are not the same.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited (4)
2.1.3 The concept is used as a substitute for religion.
It has to do with the prevailing, overarching world views that
shape meaning and overall patterns of existence.
It is a fixed religious belief.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited (4)
2.2 2.2.1 Muslims believe in all the prophets, with the final messenger
being Prophet Muhammed.
The Qur'an comprises exclusively what Muslims believe to be
the Word of God, while the Hadith are the teachings of the
Prophet Muhammad..
The Qur'an, that was revealed in Arabic, remains unchanged to
this day.
Islam has no intermediary between the worshipper and God.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited (4)
2.2.2 They believe in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
(Trinity).
At the heart of Christianity is the belief in Jesus Christ as the
Son of God.
Christian scriptures teach that Jesus was resurrected from the
dead after he was crucified.
Christians believe Jesus is the only true Messiah that God sent
to Earth and that He will one day return.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited (4)
2.2.3 Non-being is the ultimate or the starting point of everything – it
is bigger, in a sense, than being.
Taoists should live life in harmony with the Tao.
Taoists do not exert their will against the universe (Wu-wei), but
accept it.
It is one of the only religions to have given rise to martial arts, in
particular Neijia.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited (4)
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Religion Studies/P1 5 DBE/November 2023
NSC – Marking Guidelines
2.2.4 In the heart of Hindu thinking is a deep belief in the possibility of
both spiritual evolution and spiritual regression (reincarnation).
It is the only religion that says 'you can be god'.
It does not have unifying beliefs or teachings.
It is a religion made up of many different schools and traditions
that have been free to develop their own ideas and practices.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (4)
2.3 A religious teaching is systematic information about a religion.
If the teaching is accepted by faith, it becomes a person's religious belief.
Therefore, teaching and belief are connected – teaching leads to belief
and behind a belief there is a teaching.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (6)
2.4 The idea of a go-between or intermediary is very important in this religion.
The ancestors are intermediaries between the spirit world and the human
world.
The sangomas or diviners are intermediaries between humans and the
ancestors.
Interaction between the Supreme Being and humans takes place through
the ancestors, because the Supreme Being is remote from humans.
The ancestors play a very important role because they are mediators and
protectors of the clan.
A respected and credible elderly person in the family can be understood
as an intermediary.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (8)
2.5 The experience of being human is painful and causes suffering (The
existence of dukkha)
The cause of pain is desire or craving. (The beginning of dukkha)
The only way to stop suffering is to become 'non-attached'. (The reality of
the cessation of dukkha)
The only way to become 'non-attached' is through the Eightfold Path.
(The end of dukkha) (8)
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Religion Studies/P1 6 DBE/November 2023
NSC – Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 3
3.1 3.1.1 It means permitting gay people to be appointed as priests/
ministers or pastors in the United Methodist Church. (2)
3.1.2 (a) The 'One Plan' stream was of the opinion that, gender
issues must be a decision of a local diocese. (2)
(b) The 'Traditional Plan' stream intended to ban the ordination of
gay clergy and clergy performing wedding ceremonies of
same-sex couples. (2)
3.1.3 Most African believers live in rural areas and are more
traditional.
The United Methodist Church is one of the mainline churches,
which is dominated by conservative followers in Africa.
Methodist Churches in Africa are led by conservative leaders
such as the Liberian Methodist prelate.
African countries/leaders/communities view homosexuality as a
pervasion and abomination.
Same sex relations are seen as evil and merit lengthy prison
sentences prescribed under existing laws
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (6)
3.1.4 NO, because it is against the following humans' rights:
Freedom from discrimination based on gender, sex or sexual
orientation
Every human being has the right to freedom from
discrimination. This include the lesbians, bisexuals, gays and
transgenders.
Every human being has the right to equality. Even in the
church.
Every human being has the right to marriage and family. This
includes same sex marriage.
Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion,
thought, belief and opinion.
YES, because it is in line with the following humans' rights:
Every organisation has the right to freedom of belief and
religion. The decision was in line with their constitution.
The LGBT movement must look for a Church whose
constitution is in line with their lifestyle.
Every church organisation has a right to peaceful assembly and
association.
The Church subscribes to Biblical teachings which condemn
homosexuality.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (8)
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Religion Studies/P1 7 DBE/November 2023
NSC – Marking Guidelines
3.1.5 YES:
He wrote more about the views of African conservatives.
He does not put forth the counter arguments by the
progressive minority as he may be pro-conservatism
He called the decision a victory for the conservative wing of the
Church.
He only quoted an African leader from West Africa who is a
conservative.
He said Methodists now have to work to heal the hurt and
divisions and reconcile.He does not acknowledge that the “gay”
issue remains a challenge.
NO:
He was reporting objectively about what happened in the
Conference.
The Conference was dominated by the conservatives. That is
why he wrote more about the conservative view.
He is writing for African readers who wanted to know the
contribution of their leaders in the Conference.
The liberal groups were outvoted. There is no bias.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (8)
3.2 Prior to 1994, Christianity was the state religion, and received exclusive
coverage on TV/radio.
In 1994, South Africa became a secular state with a democratic
constitution.
All state media (e.g. SABC, radio stations, etc.) had to give recognition to
all religions.
Many independent religious media houses sprang up, e.g. Day Star,
Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), Issues of Faith on SABC, Radio
Hindvani.These provide coverage of various religions and not just
Christianity.
Community radio stations and magazines give coverage to local religious
events.
The public can complain about unfair religious coverage to the HRC and
BCCSA.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (10)
3.3 They are some of the minority religions in South Africa.
Journalists have no knowledge about these religions.
Their leaders are not involved in scandalous behaviour, which attract
media attention. .
Politicians are not using their gatherings to campaign for voters.
Taoism is not a missionary religion, and do not publicise themselves.
The Baha'í faith is very active in environmental matters, but the religion
itself is not promoted.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (12)
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Religion Studies/P1 8 DBE/November 2023
NSC – Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 4
4.1 4.1.1 Europe (2)
4.1.2 Protestant and Catholic (4)
4.1.3 The Protestant loyalists want to keep Northern Ireland as part
of the United Kingdom.
The Catholic nationalists want the whole of Ireland to be
independent and united. (4)
4.1.4 Intra-religious conflict refers to conflict between two groups
within a religion. (2)
4.1.5 The conflict is between two branches of Christianity.
This gives the notion that it is a religious conflict.
However, the main cause of this conflict is political.
Religious differences merely highlight the political differences.
This conflict was seemingly solved in 1998, but current political
affairs have caused a renewed resurgence of this conflict.
The conflict is mainly about political control and economic
factors. (8)
4.2 Religious leaders are respected and through their religion usually have
contacts and connections in many parts of the world.
They must liaise with political parties to find a solution, as the conflict is
more political than religious.
Thus they have access to a network of people from other parts of the
world who can also assist in the resolution of the conflict.
Most religions teach peace and compassion. Therefore, members are
willing to contribute materially and financially to the victims of conflict.
Religious leaders can call an interreligious summit for dialogue on the
conflict.
The dialogue should lead to practical steps that can be taken on both
sides, regardless of religion, towards alleviating the situation.
Religious organisations can use their religious conviction about peace in
the world and the sacredness of life, to lead and model peaceful
behaviour.
Religious organisations can cooperate to alleviate human sufferings, such
as shortage of food, medical supplies or other necessities.
Religious organisations must network with the African Union, the United
Nations and other international aid agencies in order to try and protect
and support civilians.
Organisations like the Islamic Relief Agency and the Catholic Agency for
Overseas Development should focus on practical support such as medical
supply, shelter for victims and the supply of food.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (10)
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Religion Studies/P1 9 DBE/November 2023
NSC – Marking Guidelines
4.3 EXAMPLE 1: CHRISTIANITY
'All who take the sword, will perish by the sword.' (Mat. 26:52)
This quotation means that violence is discouraged.
Although Christians are supposed to be peacemakers, war can be
waged under certain circumstances.
In Christianity only a legitimate ruler of a state can declare a war.
There must be a just cause for Christians to involve themselves.
The intentions should be honourable. Wars for securing peace, punishing
evildoers and uplifting the good are permitted.
Wars for greed, power or land are not allowed.
EXAMPLE 2: ISLAM
'Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but aggress not.'
(Qur'an 2, 190)
Wars of self-defence and revenge are permissible, but no abuse should
be committed.
Islam also has the concept of jihad, which is often misunderstood as war.
Jihad simply means to strive or to struggle in the way of God.
The following are different types of jihad:
o Inner spiritual and moral striving to become a better Muslim.
o Good behaviour, to set an example of what it means to be a Muslim.
o Calm preaching to spread the word of God.
o Wars against those who oppress or persecute Muslims.
The first three types are seen as greater jihad, while the last is seen as the
lesser.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (10)
4.4 South Africa is a secular state; no state religion.
All religions are represented at state events.
All religions have equal status in the constitution.
Freedom of religion, belief and opinion is enshrined in the Constitution of
South Africa.
All religions are represented in the interreligious national and international
organisations in South Africa.
There is a Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of
Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities which work with other
organs of civil society to promote the protection of individual cultural,
religious and linguistic communities.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (10)
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Religion Studies/P1 10 DBE/November 2023
NSC – Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 5
5.1 Democratic/Secular government (2)
5.2 Religious freedom may be explained as the act of enabling persons or a
community to pursue the religions of their choice.
Religious freedom, for example, is illustrated by legislation that
recognises both religious and civil marriages.
Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief
and opinion.
The state allows for personal observance of religious holidays or rituals
Allows for inter-religious dialogue and cooperation in resolving
issues/creating peace and harmony.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited.
Two marks are awarded for the explanation, and two marks are awarded
for the example. (4)
5.3 In a secular state the government and morality are not based on religion,
and religious laws are not part of the state's laws.
The French government claims that the wearing of religious attire on
government property breaks the French rules/laws on secularism.
The government wants to accommodate all its citizens equally,
irrespective of their different religions.
Secular world views are accommodated and are given the same
recognition as any religion.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (4)
5.4 Religious organisations can organise themselves and stand against
religious intolerance.
They can draw up and sign a petition, and submit it to government
officials.
Religious leaders must engage the government to amend that rule.
Religious organisations must emphasise that religion is part of everyday
life, and not mere rituals.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (6)
5.5 YES
Every government has an obligation to protect its citizens from
exploitatiion..
This includes members of religious organisations.
Government should intervene only if the law is being broken.
The law would be broken if there was any form of discrimination,
restriction of freedom of association, force, injury or damage, etc.
Regulation of religion could protect the vulnerable from being exploited by
those who would prey on them in the name of religion.
Government regulation will allow all religions to have equal rights.
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Religion Studies/P1 11 DBE/November 2023
NSC – Marking Guidelines
NO
Religious organisations believe they have been inspired by God.
Therefore, they do not need to be regulated by any human agency.
They would see regulation as infringing on their freedom of religion.
Members themselves will be aware of their rights and be able to resist any
abuse.
Over-regulation can lead to resistance against the state.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (6)
5.6 YES
All religions are treated the same.
The state has the right to interfere in matters of religion if they have a
negative impact on communities.
Religions which used to influence the state in the past are now treated the
same as other religions.
A religious state imposes the state religion on non-believers.
NO
Human rights are rooted in religious teachings.
Human rights can be respected and abused by both secular and religious
states.
State religion can adopt human rights without changing to a secular state.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited.
Where candidates answer both YES AND NO, a maximum of FOUR
marks may be awarded for either justification.
(6)
5.7 Human rights are inalienable rights and apply to all.
Freedom of expression is one of these rights, but is not absolute.
It must be balanced with sensitivities of other religious groups.
This right means that everyone has the right to freedom of the press and
other media, freedom to receive or impart religious information or ideas.
Freedom of expression does not extend to propaganda for war, incitement
of violence, advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender or
religion.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (6)
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Religion Studies/P1 12 DBE/November 2023
NSC – Marking Guidelines
5.8 5.8.1 People do not have a choice about their religion.
They are forced into a particular religion.
They may not reach the point of personal conversion and
conviction.
People will be discriminated against on the basis of their religion.
It could lead to armed conflict.
It violates the principle of neutrality in religious affairs.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (4)
5.8.2 There is less accountability of religious leaders.
Freedom and lack of boundaries can lead to strange explorations
and experimentation.
The spirit of freedom, almost of 'anything goes', loosens the grip
of religion.
Religion may be growing weaker as the world becomes
increasingly secular.
There is an erosion of morality, as society becomes secular.
NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (4)
5.9 Inter-religious dialogue has many benefits such as the opportunity to find
out about, and think more deeply about different religions.
They should cooperate on multi-faith projects that deal with issues that
affect the youth
They must meet at least three people from religions other than their own.
Ask them about their beliefs, rituals, diet, rites of passage, etc.
Youth should attend weddings of different religions.
Arrange open day at various places of worship.
Understand various belief systems, so that there is tolerance of diversity. (8)
s [50]
TOTAL SECTION B: 100
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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