What the Research Says

AQA RS frequently asks you to compare beliefs, practices, or attitudes. Comparison tables force you to identify similarities and differences, which is exactly what the exam demands. This structured approach deepens understanding and makes retrieval easier.

Step-by-Step Method

1. 1
   Choose what to compare — E.g. Christian vs Muslim beliefs about the afterlife.
2. 2
   Create columns — One for each religion or denomination.
3. 3
   Add rows — Key criteria: what happens after death, judgement, heaven/hell, scripture.
4. 4
   Fill from memory — Combine comparison with retrieval practice.
5. 5
   Write comparison sentences — Turn table rows into exam-style paragraphs.

When and How Often

25 minutes per table.

Common Mistakes

• ❌
  Copying from notes — Fill from memory first.
• ❌
  Too many rows — 5–7 criteria is enough.
• ❌
  Not writing sentences — Tables are a tool; practise turning them into prose.