plumiRichard III: OCR A‑Level English Literature questions
Every OCR A-Level English Literature exam question on Richard III, 2021–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.
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All 18 questions on Richard III, as a list
- June 2025, Component 1, Q4(a) (15 marks): and (b). (a) Discuss the following passage from Act 1, Scene 3, exploring Shakespeare’s use of language and dramatic effects.
- June 2025, Component 1, Q4(b) (15 marks): ‘The royal court is portrayed as a dangerous combination of family troubles.’ Using your knowledge of the play as a whole, show how far you agree with this view
- June 2025, AS Component 1, Q4(a) (30 marks): ‘A tragedy with plenty of laughs.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of the play Richard III?
- June 2025, AS Component 1, Q4(b) (30 marks): ‘Richard’s disability is the key to his character and behaviour.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of the role of Richard in the play Richar
- June 2024, Component 1, Q4(a) (15 marks): and (b). (a) Discuss the following passage from Act 1 Scene 2, exploring Shakespeare’s use of language and dramatic effects.
- June 2024, Component 1, Q4(b) (15 marks): ‘The power of Richard’s personality dominates the events of the play.’ Using your knowledge of the play as a whole, show how far you agree with this view of the
- June 2024, AS Component 1, Q4(a) (30 marks): ‘This is a world where honesty gets you nowhere.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of Richard III?
- June 2024, AS Component 1, Q4(b) (30 marks): ‘The wise and witty Buckingham’s one mistake is to trust Richard.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of the role of Buckingham in Richard III
- June 2023, Component 1, Q4(a) (15 marks): and (b). (a) Discuss the following passage from Act 1 Scene 1, exploring Shakespeare’s use of language and its dramatic effects.
- June 2023, Component 1, Q4(b) (15 marks): ‘Richard’s great talent is to make villainy attractive.’ Using your knowledge of the play as a whole, show how far you agree with this view of the character Ric
- June 2023, AS Component 1, Q4(a) (30 marks): ‘A symbolic triumph of Richmond’s good over Richard’s evil.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of the play Richard III?
- June 2023, AS Component 1, Q4(b) (30 marks): ‘Richard’s victims are little more than fools.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of the roles of those who suffer at Richard’s hands in Rich
- June 2022, Component 1, Q4(a) (15 marks): and (b). (a) Discuss the following passage from Act 3 Scene 7, exploring Shakespeare’s use of language and its dramatic effects.
- June 2022, Component 1, Q4(b) (15 marks): ‘The office of kingship is continually devalued in this play.’ Using your knowledge of the play as a whole, show how far you agree with this view of the play Ri
- June 2022, AS Component 1, Q4(a) (30 marks): ‘The play Richard III suggests it is easier to get a kingdom than to keep it.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of the play?
- June 2022, AS Component 1, Q4(b) (30 marks): ‘Richard’s brothers, King Edward and Clarence, are portrayed as weak, guilty men.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of the roles of King Edw
- November 2021, Component 1, Q4(a) (15 marks): and (b). (a) Discuss the following passage from Act 3 Scene 1, exploring Shakespeare’s use of language and its dramatic effects.
- November 2021, Component 1, Q4(b) (15 marks): ‘The play offers a masterclass in how to manipulate people.’ Using your knowledge of the play as a whole, show how far you agree with this view of the play Rich
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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