Answering exams

Explain the different attitudes to the Buddha in Theravadan Buddhism and Mahayana buddhism (25 Marks)

...and how to hit those high marks!

Explain = Knowledge and understanding

   This means you must show your knowledge about the two different branches of Buddhism then contrast and compare them! 

The introduction

• This should be about 1 paragraph and should contain the two different descriptions. The first paragraph MUST layout what the essay will be about. 
• It SHOULD NOT contain any facts or new information on Buddhism. It is concerned with the layout of the essay only
• For example,  "This essay will demonstrate the key differences between Theravadan and Mahayana Buddhism, particularly focusing on the key ideals and traditions. In addition, it will briefly touch on...."

The definition

• Some of the exam marks rely on your knowledge and understanding of the topic you are going to talk about.
• Make sure your second paragraph concerns itself with defining the two major topics.
• You DO NOT need to define every single thing you are going to talk about in the essay, this is something which you must do as you go along and introduce new topics.
• For example "Mahayana Buddhism often defines the scriptures as ... ! They do this, this and that  differently to other traditions. (eg, beliefs, traditions, etc) Theravandan however, do this, this and that differently"
• Now we have the main set up of your exam essay!

The argument

• Now that you have defined the main topics, it's time to go in-dept.
• Pick multiple topics such as
• Who the Buddha was to each branch? His life, stories, how each one see's it differently
• His teachings, each branch interprets them differently! Eg. Compassion, reincarnation
• Political factors, economical, Buddhism support, even something as simple as the weather can affect how Buddhists train. (A Buddhist couldn't walk around in traditional garments in Scotland for example)
• Did the Buddha die? Will there be another? Arhat vs. Bodhisatva
• Briefly define each thing as you go along. Remember, this is AO2, which means you get more points for your arguments then you definitions. Don't spend too much time on defining each topic. Get the balance right!

The similarities

• Don't forget to talk about the similarities between the two!
• For example, it could just be Buddhism in action, adaptation is important?
• This constant contrast between the two will help demonstrate that  knowledge and understanding! 
• The more complex the argument, the higher grades you will get. However, part of the skill is being able to make it understandable to the reader. If you can not explain an idea, sometimes it may be better the steer away from the topic to a more advanced one.

The conclusion

• This is essentially a paragraph in which you sum up what you have all ready said. For example, "This essay has demonstrated that this, and this are true and this and that are not."
• Make sure you pick a side. No one likes a movie that doesn't have a good ending! Your essay is just like this, try to avoid ending on the fence. Instead pick the side which was the strongest one in the argument, even if you do not agree with it!
• A good way to pick your side, is to count the positives for each side and go with the one that is strongest!
• Answer questions such as "Is this argument coherent?", "Has it answered the question?" and "How has this impacted Buddhism?"
• Do not add new information into your conclusion. It will destroy your argument and you probably won't get any marks. 
• Most of all, use your common sense!

Tips

• Always make sure you answer the question and make that answer clear. Try to keep everything logical and in order. If making a plan works for you, then do it before you start. If planning isn't your thing, make a list of topics to touch. You will forget something during the exam!
• Try not to get sidetracked by one in-depth topic but touch on many topics.
• Avoid repeating yourself. Yes you've all ready said the Buddha is enlightened, they don't need to hear it every paragraph - you got the mark the first time you wrote it!
• Don't forget the evidence to support your claims, link back to scholars for those higher marks!
• Use as many technical terms as you can but make sure the reader understand the topic.
• Discuss! Discuss! and ANALYSE!
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