For each of your five Part 1 religions, you need secure introductory knowledge organized around the three fundamental questions, not the detailed thematic knowledge required for Part 2. You should be able to explain beliefs accurately, connect them to believers’ practices, and recognize internal diversity.
IB allocates approximately 10 teaching hours to each religion. Your knowledge should cover the syllabus-specified answers to:
- What is the human condition?
- Where are we going?
- How do we get there?
| Required knowledge | Appropriate depth |
|---|---|
| Core beliefs | Explain each religion’s answers to all three fundamental questions. For Buddhism, for example, connect dukkha, craving and samsara with nibbana and the Noble Eightfold Path. |
| Technical vocabulary | Define and apply the religion’s own terms accurately, such as tawhid, moksha, mitzvot, or haumai. |
| Belief and behaviour | Show how beliefs affect adherents’ actions. For example, Sikh belief in equality is expressed through langar and sewa. |
| Internal diversity | Where applicable, know at least two denominational or school interpretations, such as Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism or Catholic and Protestant Christianity. |
| Supporting examples | Prepare specific practices, teachings, sacred texts, or rituals that demonstrate each major belief. |
| Historical context | Know enough context to identify foundational figures and explain contemporary practice, but avoid turning the answer into a detailed historical narrative. |
A common misconception is that Part 1 requires only memorized definitions. In fact, Paper 1(b) tests AO2 through the command term Explain, so you must develop reasons and connections between the stimulus, belief and lived religion.
For Paper 1, answer five questions with at least one from each section. In part (a), give three distinct knowledge points for 3 marks. In part (b), build a developed explanation using accurate terminology and at least one relevant example. Revise all five studied religions because your section requirements may leave little safe choice.