What grade do I need to pass GCSE?

Grade 4 is the Standard Pass (equivalent to the old grade C). Grade 5 is the Strong Pass and is increasingly required by sixth forms and employers. Most university requirements start at grade 4 or 5.

How are AQA GCSEs graded?

AQA GCSEs are graded on a 9–1 scale, where 9 is the highest grade. Grades 9, 8, and 7 broadly correspond to the old A* and A grades.

How many GCSE subjects do students typically take?

Most students take 9–10 GCSE subjects. English Language, English Literature, and Mathematics are compulsory. Students then choose from History, Geography, Sciences, Languages, and other options.

When are AQA GCSE exams held?

The main AQA GCSE exam series runs in May and June each year. Results are published in August. There is a smaller November resit series for English Language and Mathematics.

ExpertMinds

AQA GCSE

AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies Paper 2

28 free questions · No sign-up required to browse

AQA General Tier exam-style practice paper with complete mark schemes, hints, and detailed explanations.

Questions

Medium

Difficulty

48%

Pass mark

Difficulty breakdown

Easy(16)

Medium(8)

Hard(4)

Topics covered

Browse all topics →

Life in Modern Britain Rights and Responsibilities

Sample questions

Q01.1Easy1 mark

Why is tolerance an important value in modern Britain?

Shade in the one correct answer.

Because modern British society is...

View question with guidance →

Q01.2Easy2 marks

Using one example, explain the term 'rule of law'.

View question with guidance →

Q01.3Medium4 marks

SOURCE A:
The key British value of democracy

Democracy is a key British value. However, in 2020 the YouGov Democracy Study found that 70% of Britons thought democracy had weaknesses and that modern British society could be more democratic.

The criticisms of democracy in modern Britain include the beliefs that:

• the public should be better informed about politics and government
• the public should have more say in political decision-making and government
• the media should provide reliable information to citizens
• the government should protect all citizens against poverty.

QUESTION:
With reference to Source A, discuss two ways the British value of democracy could be strengthened.

View question with guidance →

Q02.1Easy1 mark

What does 'freedom of the press' mean?

Shade in the one correct answer.

Newspapers should be free from...

View question with guidance →

Q02.2Easy2 marks

Explain the term 'citizen journalist'.

View question with guidance →

Ready to Practice the full exam?

All 28 questions with worked answers, mark schemes, and AI tutoring.

All questions (28)

Free to browse · no sign-up required

Q01.1Why is tolerance an important value in modern Britain? Shade in the one correct answer. Because modern British soci...Easy Q01.2Using one example, explain the term 'rule of law'.Easy Q01.3SOURCE A: The key British value of democracy Democracy is a key British value. However, in 2020 the YouGov Democracy...Medium Q02.1What does 'freedom of the press' mean? Shade in the one correct answer. Newspapers should be free from...Easy Q02.2Explain the term 'citizen journalist'.Easy Q02.3SOURCE B: Media responsibilities and the public interest In January 2022, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, won ...Medium Q03.1Which of the following states the aims of the United Nations (UN)? Shade in the one correct answer.Easy Q03.2Define the term 'hard power'.Easy Q03.3Explain how mediation can be used as a way to resolve international disputes and conflicts.Easy Q03.4SOURCE C: Making sanctions effective Sanctions are a method to resolving international disputes and conflicts. Howev...Medium Q04.1In 2010, 116 pieces of legislation were brought together to form a single law. This law protects UK citizens from dis...Easy Q04.2'The actions of government, not citizens, are the best way to promote respect and understanding in British society.' ...Hard Q05.1What is meant by the term 'equal opportunities'?Easy Q05.2'British citizens have a duty to participate in democracy even if they feel apathetic about politics.' Considering a...Hard Q06.1Which of the following courts hears the majority of civil law cases in England and Wales? Shade in the one correct a...Easy Q06.2Which two of the following could be prosecuted as criminal offences? Shade in the two correct answers. A Defamation...Medium Q06.3SOURCE D: Civil Law in the UK • Civil law cases are brought by private parties. • The decision of the court is liabl...Medium Q07.1Which one of the following is a trade union? Shade in the one correct answer.Easy Q07.2Explain one way a trade union can influence government policy.Easy Q07.3SOURCE E: Trade unions and employers' associations • Employers' associations represent businesses and the people who...Medium Q08.1SOURCE F: Types of Crime A – Arson B – Assault C – Fraud D – Theft QUESTION: Which one of the crimes in Source F is...Easy Q08.2SOURCE F: Types of Crime A – Arson B – Assault C – Fraud D – Theft QUESTION: Which one of the crimes in Source F is...Easy Q08.3Identify two of the purposes of sentencing.Easy Q08.4SOURCE G: Hate crimes Reported hate crimes have risen by 9% to a record number of more than 124 000 across England a...Medium Q09.1Which of the following international organisations established the European Court of Human Rights? Shade in the one ...Medium Q09.2'The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has done more to protect children than any other international agreemen...Hard Q10.1Define the term 'justice'.Easy Q10.2'When there is conflict between rights and responsibilities, the individual liberty of the citizen should come first....Hard