: AQA past-paper questions pack

Ideology, science and religion

Past-paper questions pack

Name
Class
Date set
Date due
Score	/ 120

Questions are numbered; the mark schemes (the answer key) follow on separate pages so the question pages can be handed out alone. www.alevelsociologytutor.com

AQA AQA AS and A-level Sociology past-paper questions since 2016 · 8 parts · mark schemes follow the questions · www.alevelsociologytutor.com · Questions and mark schemes © AQA

1. June 2025 · Paper 2 · Q15 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6

1 5
Read Item J below and answer the question that follows.
Item J
Some sociologists, such as Marxists and feminists, argue that religion serves the
interests of powerful groups. For example, religion transmits ideology that reinforces
the position of powerful groups, such as the ruling class, and excludes other groups,
such as women, through its beliefs and practices.
However, other sociologists disagree and argue that religion instead serves the needs
of society as a whole.
Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the view that religion serves
the interests of powerful groups.
[20 marks]

2. June 2024 · Paper 2 · Q14 · 10 marks · AO1=3,AO2=4,AO3=3

1 4
Read Item I below and answer the question that follows.
Item I
Ideologies can be oppressive forces that protect the interests of powerful groups in
society. Ideologies can also inspire protest and social change.
Religion may be seen as an ideology.
Applying material from Item I, analyse two ways in which religion may be seen as an
ideology.
[10 marks]

3. June 2023 · Paper 2 · Q14 · 10 marks · AO1=3,AO2=4,AO3=3

1 4
Read Item I below and answer the question that follows.
Item I
Religion claims to provide answers to life’s ultimate questions. Religion can also
provide support in times of change.
Religion may have a greater influence than science on some people’s lives.
Applying material from Item I, analyse two reasons why religion may have a greater
influence than science on some people’s lives.
[10 marks]

4. June 2022 · Paper 2 · Q15 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6

1 5
Read Item J below and answer the question that follows.
Item J
Defining religious belief and practice often creates problems. Some sociologists argue
that religion should be defined in terms of its belief in a higher power. However, others
argue that it should instead be defined in terms of the social role the belief system
plays.
Measuring religious belief and practice can also pose problems. Whilst many
individuals may claim to hold religious beliefs, the way they practise these beliefs may
be difficult for sociologists to measure.
Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the problems that
sociologists may face when defining and measuring religious belief and practice.
[20 marks]

5. November 2020 · Paper 2 · Q15 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6

1 5
Read Item J below and answer the question that follows.
Item J
Some sociologists argue that religion acts as a force for social change. It can be used
to challenge mainstream beliefs and values, and inspire protest against the existing
social order.
However, other sociologists suggest that the relationship between religion and social
change is not straightforward and that religion can even prevent social change.
Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the view that religion acts as
a force for social change.
[20 marks]

6. June 2019 · Paper 2 · Q14 · 10 marks · AO1=3,AO2=4,AO3=3

1 4
Read Item I below and answer the question that follows.
Item I
Globalisation involves the spread of a worldview based on science and rationality. In
some places people have rejected this worldview and have revitalised religious
traditions.
Applying material from Item I, analyse two ways in which globalisation may affect the
extent of secularisation.
[10 marks]

7. June 2017 · Paper 2 · Q15 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6

1 5
Read Item J below and answer the question that follows.
Item J
The development of modern society has been accompanied by a scientific approach
to understanding and controlling the world. Scientific explanations, based on
evidence and reason, have challenged religious explanations based on faith.
However, religion continues to play an important role in many people’s lives today.
Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the view that science has a
greater influence than religion on people’s lives today.
[20 marks]

8. Specimen set 1 · Paper 2 · Q14 · 10 marks · AO1=3,AO2=4,AO3=3

1 4
Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.
Item A
Both science and religion are belief systems that involve sets of knowledge-claims:
that is, statements that claim to offer explanations of why things are as they are.
For example, science uses concepts such as germs to explain why people fall ill
from infectious diseases, while some religions use ideas such as the will of God to
explain human illness and suffering.
Applying material from Item A, analyse two differences between science and
religion as belief systems.
[10 marks]

Mark schemes

1. June 2025 · Paper 2 · Q15

Mark scheme June 2025 Paper 2 Q15

2. June 2024 · Paper 2 · Q14

Mark scheme June 2024 Paper 2 Q14

3. June 2023 · Paper 2 · Q14

Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 2 Q14

4. June 2022 · Paper 2 · Q15

Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 2 Q15

5. November 2020 · Paper 2 · Q15

Mark scheme November 2020 Paper 2 Q15

6. June 2019 · Paper 2 · Q14

Mark scheme June 2019 Paper 2 Q14

7. June 2017 · Paper 2 · Q15

Mark scheme June 2017 Paper 2 Q15

8. Specimen set 1 · Paper 2 · Q14

Mark scheme Specimen set 1 Paper 2 Q14