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What is the author implying by the phrase comforting but dogmatic in line 8?[2]
Points from the Passage
.human rights are turning
into a comforting but
dogmatic belief that we
invoke relentlessly so we
can try to escape the painful
dilemmas of war and
politics. (lines 7 9)
Inferred
The author is implyingthat having recourse to rights is
comforting because it gives us a sense of solace and
security.
However, this thinkingis flawed/problematic/not always
applicable
because it has become so rigid and inflexible (dogmatic)
that we do not acknowledge alternatives.
3 pts 2 marks, 2 pts 1 mark, 1 pt - 0
In paragraph 3, what reasons does the author offer for what he deems to be the main
weakness of human rights? Use your own words as far as possible. [3]
Points from the Passage
(Inferred)
According to the author, the primary limitation of human
rights is that it applies to all regardless of culture or
context (1)
--------------------------------------------------------------This is because while it was originally believed that
rights were sacred / crucial for everyone because they
were God-given and their legitimacy was based on our
devotion to God / power of the spiritual realm (1)
How does the author illustrate his claim that rights are constructs of civilisation, not a
natural human condition? (line 29) Use your own words as far as possible. [2]
Points from the Passage
Inferred
Suggest one reason for the authors questions at the end of paragraph 4.[1]
Inferred
He disagrees with the commonly accepted belief that rights are a given
(1)
OR
To overturn / invalidate / nullify the now-commonly accepted belief that
rights are a given (1)
OR
What if many
people do not
want human
rights? (lines 36
38)
6
a. What does the writer mean when he says that a world in which all rights are protected
is simply impracticable?[1]
Points from the Passage
Inferred
10 Using material from paragraphs 3-6, summarise the authors reasons for not supporting
the universality of human rights.This is because while it was originally believed that
rights were sacred / crucial for everyone because they were God-given, and we as Gods
creation are bound to follow Gods rules,
Write your summary in no more than 120 words, not counting the opening words which
are printed below. Use your own words as far as possible.
4
The author believes that human rights are not universal because
Points from the Passage
[8]
1/a
2/b
3/c
4/d
5/e
6/f
7/g
8/h
9/i
10/j
11 / k
12 / l
13/m
14/n
15 /o
16 / p
17/ q
18 / r
19 / s
20 / t
Mark Scheme
15 20 points:
13 - 14 points:
10 12 points:
7 - 9 points:
5 6 points:
4 points:
3points:
1 - 2points:
8 marks
7 marks
6 marks
5 marks
4 marks
3 marks
2 marks
1 mark
11 In his article, John Gray claims that the freedom from conflict that people seek in rights is
just an illusion. How far do you agree with his view? In giving your views, explain where
and why you agree or disagree with the author.
6
Question Requirements:
Students must
show an understanding of the authors position on the value of human rights.
evaluate the validity of his arguments by bringing in relevant examples to support their
view.
Key Ideas in the passage:
The belief that human rights is universal cannot stand because it originates from and rests
on religious conviction and many today no longer believe in the existence of God.
The state and quality of governance have big roles to play in the implementation of human
rights. Only if the state is committed to the welfare of its citizens and has good policies that
ensure social stability can any measure of human rights be upheld.
Upholding human rights is not instinctive to man. It can only thrive within when
many/enough people agree on its value and will stand up for it.
The inherent flaws in our society and the lack of clarity on what an ideal society might
constitute make it difficult to pro
It is simply not practical to protect everyones rights equally because the rights / demands of
different people / interest groups will invariably conflict.
Human rights are not the necessarily the best solution for conflict or violence. Other
approaches such as the practice of tolerance or implementing structures which facilitate
peaceful co-existence of different groups may be more effective than rigidly advocating
equal rights for everyone.
We are most likely deluding ourselves if we believe that human rights can remove
aggression and disagreements. Their main value lies in the fact that they are a part of mans
heritage / human tradition.
From
Passage
the
Paragraph
[Lines 13 22]
such
universality
rights
is
of
their
principal attraction,
but for me it is also
their
chief
weakness,
believed
that
rights
were
grounded in our
duties to the one
God who created a
set of moral laws
for
all
human
beings
the
validity of human
rights depends on
religious
commitment and
the
acknowledgement
that they are not
merely
mans
invention
but
founded
on
something beyond
the human world.
many
people
today
are
indifferent
or
hostile
to
institutionalised
religionrenders
null and void any
universal authority
proponents claim
for the institution of
rights.
Read:
Religious Hostilities Reach six-year high (Pew Research Jan
2014)http://www.pewforum.org/2014/01/14/religious-hostilities-reach-sixyear-high/
Paragraph
[Lines 24 35]
they
are
fundamentally
created
and
enforced by states.
In many parts of
the world today,
human
rights
simply do not exist
because the state
is
weak
or
collapsed,
rendered so by
authoritarian rule
or
ineffective
governanceIf a
new state could be
installed in any of
these conditions,
would it be one
that
respected
human rights?
Paragraph
[Lines 35 38]
Paragraph
[Lines 41 45]
For instance, when the uprising in Libya degenerated into violence as leader
Moammar Gadhafi's forces marched on the opposition-stronghold of
Rights only exist Benghazi, the UN Security Council authorized the use of force to protect
if enough people civilians. Just 30 days after the Libyan government's crackdown began, an
accept that they international military coalition initiated airstrikes to stop Gadhafi's advance.
exist What if
many people do The Security Council is also increasingly using the International Criminal
not want human Court to investigate war crimes, as in the case of Libya. Overall there is a
better understanding of the value assigned to protecting civilians and the
rights?
prevention of war crimes has become a central aim of the international
community.
This
in
turn
upholds
the
conviction that only
one way of life can
be
goodIn
essence,
both
evangelical religion
and human rights
movements
express
the
perennial dream of
a
life
without
irreconcilable
conflicts.
Paragraph
[Lines 46 48]
Unfortunately,
human life as we
know
it
is
imperfectevery
society is bound to
have
inherent
problems. It is also
because we lack
any coherent idea
of what an ideal
society
would
actually be like.
Paragraph 6
[Lines 49 61]
As such, a world
in which all rights
are protected is
simply
impracticable
The two freedoms
will always be at
odds, for they
protect different
and competing
human interests.
Both are universal
human values, but
they will never be
reconciled in any
kind of harmonious
whole.
All these provide the legal framework within with marginalised or minority
groups can be accorded due recognition and dignity, reducing the possibility
10
Paragraph
[Lines 62 71]
Instead of relying
on human rights
as the ultimate
panacea
for
various forms of
conflict
or
oppression they
are not the only
way to protect
universal values
the practice of
tolerance proves to
a
far
more
powerful approach
in
reconciling
differences
and
sustaining
order
compared to any
rigid enforcement
of equal rights for
all.
AQ Banding
Band 1
8-10
Band 2
4-7
Band 3
1-3
Requirements:
requirements.
An
incomplete
and/or
unbalanced
treatment
of
the
and
organisation
are
haphazard;
arguments
12