plumiPrivate Lives: OCR A‑Level English Literature questions
Every OCR A-Level English Literature exam question on Private Lives, 2021–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.
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All 8 questions on Private Lives, as a list
- June 2025, AS Component 2, Q1(a) (30 marks): ‘The play shows what fun it can be to dominate other people.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of Private Lives?
- June 2025, AS Component 2, Q1(b) (30 marks): ‘Victor is a bully with a bad temper, while Sybil is foolish and immature.’ In the light of this comment, discuss the roles of Victor and Sybil in Private Lives
- June 2024, AS Component 2, Q1(a) (30 marks): ‘Private Lives is an entertaining play without a moral.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of Private Lives?
- June 2024, AS Component 2, Q1(b) (30 marks): ‘Stylish, amusing, cruel.’ In the light of this comment, discuss the role of Amanda in Private Lives.
- June 2023, AS Component 2, Q1(a) (30 marks): ‘The battle of the sexes fought out between equals.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of Private Lives?
- June 2023, AS Component 2, Q1(b) (30 marks): ‘For all his wit and invention, Elyot seems ultimately lost in this luxurious world.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of the role of Elyot
- June 2022, AS Component 2, Q1(a) (30 marks): ‘The play presents four characters in need of love and care.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of Private Lives?
- June 2022, AS Component 2, Q1(b) (30 marks): ‘In some ways the two women are more allies than rivals.’ In the light of this comment, discuss the roles of Sybil and Amanda in Private Lives.
Questions, mark schemes and examiner’s reports are © OCR, from their published past papers. Plumi isn’t affiliated with any exam board. Want whole papers? Every OCR A-Level English Literature paper.
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