0493_s26_gt — 2026 May-June Islamiyat 0493 Grade Threshold · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

Paraphrasing Quranic translations instead of analysing themes

“Responses that merely paraphrased the translation or offered generic themes were often limited to mid-range marks.”— Paper 1, June 2025

How to fix: Do not retell the passage in your own words. Instead, identify the specific themes (e.g. God's mercy, human accountability, monotheism) and explain how the passage's language and imagery convey those themes. Support your analysis with precise references to the text.

Repeating part (a) content in part (b) instead of evaluating or applying

“Candidates answering Part (b) tend to write about the importance of the Hadiths. They must be alerted to the fact that Part (b) answers are evaluative.”— Paper 2, June 2023

How to fix: Part (b) is a different question from part (a). It requires you to evaluate, apply to modern life, or give a personal response with reasons. Structure: State your position, give at least two reasons with evidence, consider an alternative view, then conclude. Never simply repeat what you wrote in part (a).

Confusing similar battles and historical events

“Few wrote about the Battle of Qadissiya instead of Nihawand.”— Paper 2, June 2023

How to fix: Create a timeline with each battle's date, location, opponents, cause, and outcome. Key distinctions: Nihawand (642 CE) = against Persians, Nahrawan (658 CE) = against Kharijites. Battle of the Camel (656 CE) = Aisha vs Ali in Basra, Siffin (657 CE) = Muawiya vs Ali in Syria. Learn each battle's unique details to avoid mixing them up.