OCR A-Level English Literature Past Papers & Mark Schemes

OCR A-Level English Literature (H472) organises its study chronologically, dividing the canon into pre-1900 and post-1900 literature. This structure ensures students engage with the full historical range of English literary tradition — from Shakespeare and the Romantics through to contemporary fiction and drama. Component 1: Drama and Poetry Pre-1900 (H472/01, 2 hours 30 minutes, 60 marks, 30%) examines two set texts — one Shakespeare play and one pre-1900 poetry collection (such as the selected poems of John Donne, Christina Rossetti, or John Keats). Questions require close reading of specific passages alongside broader knowledge of the whole text. The Shakespeare section always includes a passage-based question, demanding both close textual analysis and awareness of the play's wider concerns. Component 2: Comparative and Contextual Study (H472/02, 2 hours 30 minutes, 60 marks, 30%) focuses on a literary topic such as 'The Gothic,' 'American Literature 1880–1940,' or 'Women in Literature.' Students study two set texts from within their chosen topic and answer a comparative question that requires them to explore connections, contrasts, and the influence of historical, social, and literary context. An unseen extract from a third text within the same topic area is also provided for comparison. Component 3: Literature Post-1900 (H472/03, 2 hours 30 minutes, 60 marks, 20%) examines one prose fiction text and one drama text, both published or first performed after 1900. The prose question is passage-based, requiring close reading integrated with whole-text knowledge. The drama question focuses on performance and stagecraft as well as literary analysis. Component 4: Close Reading (NEA, 40 marks, 20%) is a coursework piece requiring close reading analysis of two texts — one poetry and one prose — connected by a theme or literary concern chosen by the student.