Transcript Analysis and Evaluation Questions

Analysis and Evaluation
Questions
Setting Out Your Answer
Learning Intentions and Outcomes
You will look at:
 How to structure a 15 mark answer
 How to write an introduction, main argument
and conclusion
You will be able to:
 Construct a well set out answer to question 2
of an exam question paper
 Argue clearly
“Some people claim that Buddhism is a selfish religion because
it concentrates on individual enlightenment”
Discuss two possible responses to this claim.
5KU 10AE
 You should set your answer out like you would an
essay
 Introduction
 Main body
 Short conclusion (this is the least important part)
 I would suggest that you DO NOT start you answer by
saying “Buddhism is not a selfish religion”
 This shows lack of sophistication in your writing skills
 Nor should you be saying “ so how can Buddhism be
selfish?”
 If this is what you are claiming then it must be shown
through your knowledge and argument
Introduction
 “The two responses that I will give will be from the
Theravada and the Mahayana schools of Buddhism”
 Now go on to explain a little bit about each
 Their origins: when and how they began
 Some of the major differences
 You could have written something like “ I will attempt
to argue against the claim that Buddhism is a selfish
religion”
 You will not start doing this until you get on to the
main body of the essay
 The introduction will set the scene, show the direction
that you are going
Main Body







Here you need to set out your arguments clearly
For this question you could be arguing that Buddhism is not
a selfish religion by comparing the differences between the
Arhat and Bodhisattva as the Buddhist ideals
You must explain what the arhat is and state his qualities
Arhats are not reborn after death, their enlightenment has
been for themselves alone
They have achieved this state by their own efforts
They are compassionate selfless beings, they have
overcome the illusion of self, they are no longer bound to
samsara by the Three Poisons
Compassion is a fundamental element in attaining this
state, without it would not be achieved
Main Body of the Essay cont
 The arhat and the bodhisattva have similar qualities
 Now you must explain the bodhisattva’s qualities
 Bodhisattvas take a vow to remain in samsara in
order to help all sentient beings
 You should also talk about Buddhism being a Middle
Way to support your argument
 The moral discipline of the Noble Eight Fold Path
means acting towards others in a way that causes no
harm
 You may also discuss the nature of impermanence and
the doctrine of no self to show that Buddhism is not
focussed on the individual self
Conclusion
 If you have argued well enough and run out of time this
is the part that you can leave out
 However, if you have time, add a conclusion to tie
everything together
 It leaves the reader in no doubt as to what you were
saying before
 It should be short as you have already made the points
before in the main part of the answer
 Pick out the main point in your argument that precisely
addresses the question or statement for example
Final Word!



“Although Theravada Buddhism is concerned with the
enlightenment of the individual it cannot be considered selfish;
as the perfect ideal the arhat is a wise compassionate being
with no concept of a self, his actions are completely selfless
and performed for the sake of others. The Noble Eight Fold
Path encourages moral actions towards all beings, animals
included, for all Buddhists. It is a path between all extremes
which cultivates moderation and compassion, making
Buddhism one of the least selfish religions”
The above applies to all 15 mark questions
Questions where you are asked to list the benefits and
difficulties would be set out in the same way, you do not need
to have a balance between the two but you won’t get full
marks unless you include both