Basic 8 · Religious and Moral Education · Term Revision
Term Revision in Religious and Moral Education
In this topic you will recall and summarise what you have learned this term about creation stories and rites of passage, and prepare for your end-of-term assessment and the vacation.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Recall and summarise the term's work on creation stories
- Recall and summarise the term's work on rites of passage
- Answer end-of-term assessment questions
What you already know
- All topics covered in Religious and Moral Education this term
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Revision
- Sub-strand
- Term Revision
Introduction
This term began with one of humanity's biggest questions: where did everything come from? Let us review what the three religions teach.
1. Creation Stories in Summary
| Point | Christianity | Islam | ATR |
|---|---|---|---|
| source | Genesis | the Qur'an | oral tradition |
| Creator | God | Allah | Onyame, Mawu, Nyɔŋmɔ and others |
| method | God speaks | "Be, and it is" | varies by people |
| first people | Adam and Eve | Adam and Hawwa | ancestors, from the earth or the sky |
| human role | steward | khalifah | keeper of land and custom |
| main lesson | responsibility | humility and repentance | respect for God and land |
2. Key Stories to Remember
You should be able to narrate the six days of creation and God's rest on the seventh, and the story of Adam and Eve in Eden. You should also be able to tell how Iblis refused to bow and how Adam and Hawwa repented. Remember the Akan story of the old woman's pestle, which explains why God seems far away. When narrating, keep events in order and say what the story teaches.
3. Moral Values to Remember
The stories teach many values. These are stewardship of the earth, the equal worth of people, obedience, honesty and responsibility, humility and gratitude. In an examination, do not only list a value. Explain where it appears in a story and how a learner could practise it today. For example, you might write, "Stewardship means caring for the earth. In Genesis, Adam was told to look after the garden. A learner can show it by not littering."
4. Revision Tips
Make short tables comparing the religions. Use the correct terms, such as tawhid, khalifah and oral tradition. Test yourself by telling a story to a friend or relative without looking at your notes. If you make a mistake, write a correction. A small amount of daily revision is more effective than trying to learn it all in one night. Answer the question that has actually been asked, and mention the correct religion when you give your answer.
New words
- narrate
- To tell a story in order.
- compare
- To show similarities and differences.
- steward
- A person who cares for what belongs to another.
- revision
- Studying again what has been learned.
Summary
- All three religions teach that a Supreme Being created the world.
- The stories have different details and shared values.
- Explain values by linking them to stories and daily life.
Class activity: Story Relay
- One learner begins a creation story.
- Others continue it in turn.
- The group states its moral lesson.
You need: Bible, Qur'an, Printed photograph of a Ghanaian traditional shrine
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The Christian account of creation is found in…
- A. Genesis
- B. Exodus
- C. Psalms
- D. Acts
Show answer
Answer: GenesisFirst book.2. Who refused to bow to Adam?
- A. Iblis
- B. Michael
- C. Gabriel
- D. Eve
Show answer
Answer: IblisQur'an.3. ATR creation stories are passed on orally.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueOral tradition.4. In Islam, the human role on earth is ______.
Show answer
Answer: khalifahCaretaker.5. Give one similarity between the Christian and Islamic stories.
Show answer
Answer: Both teach that God created the world and made Adam first.Comparison.6. Explain stewardship with an example.
Show answer
Answer: Caring for the earth as God's property, for example by planting trees and not littering.Application.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Revision
- Sub-strand
- Term Revision
Introduction
In the second half of the term you studied how people mark life's great moments. Let us review this work and then think ahead to the holidays.
1. Rites of Passage in Summary
| Rite | ATR | Christianity | Islam |
|---|---|---|---|
| naming | outdooring, eighth day | baptism or dedication | aqiqah, seventh day |
| puberty | Bragoro, Dipo | confirmation in some churches | duties begin at bulugh |
| marriage | knocking, head drink | banns, vows, rings | nikah, mahr, walimah |
| death | wake, libation, anniversaries | service, burial, thanksgiving | ghusl, kafan, janazah |
2. Sample Examination Questions
Sample question 1
Describe two stages of the Akan naming ceremony and state the meaning of one of them.
- The baby is brought out early in the morning on the eighth day.
- An elder gives the child a name and places water and drink on the child's lips.
- The water and drink teach truthfulness.
Answer: Two stages and one meaning are given.
Sample question 2
State three requirements for a valid Islamic marriage.
- Consent of both partners.
- Two witnesses.
- Mahr given to the bride.
Answer: Consent, witnesses and mahr, or a wali.
3. Examination Tips
Read each question twice. Words such as "describe" ask for steps, while "explain" asks for reasons. Name the religion and the people, for instance "among the Krobo". Write in clear paragraphs and leave a line between your answers. Use your time wisely, and review your paper before handing it in.
4. Preparing for the Vacation
The holidays are a chance to rest, help at home and grow in character. Keep up your reading and take part in worship according to your faith. Be careful with friends and social media, and keep yourself safe. Help your parents, respect elders and practise the values you have studied. Use your time to serve your community, perhaps by cleaning a public place. Remember that good character does not take a holiday.
5. Keep Learning
Take your Bible, Qur'an or other reading with you if your family uses one. Ask an elder about a rite you have studied, and note what you learn for next term.
New words
- describe
- To give details or steps.
- explain
- To give reasons or meanings.
- vacation
- A holiday from school.
- service
- Helping other people.
Summary
- Rites of passage mark naming, puberty, marriage and death.
- Read examination questions carefully and name the religion.
- Use the vacation well and keep practising good values.
Class activity: End-of-Term Quiz
- Answer ten questions on the term's work.
- Check your answers with the teacher.
- Write a vacation plan.
You need: Bible, Qur'an, Printed photograph of a Ghanaian traditional shrine
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is a puberty rite?
- A. Dipo
- B. aqiqah
- C. nikah
- D. ghusl
Show answer
Answer: DipoKrobo.2. Which word asks for reasons in a question?
- A. explain
- B. list
- C. name
- D. state
Show answer
Answer: explainReasons.3. Mahr is part of Islamic marriage.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueGift to bride.4. The last rite of passage is ______.
Show answer
Answer: deathLife cycle.5. Match Bragoro to its people and purpose.
Show answer
Answer: Akan; it marks a girl's change to womanhood.Puberty rite.6. Write two things you will do to practise good values during the vacation.
Show answer
Answer: Help at home and serve the community, or respect elders.Application.
Homework
- Write a plan for your vacation, including learning, chores and rest.