You are Richard, riding on your way to face Richmond at Bosworth Field. Write your thoughts.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2010). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [25] There are likely to be many things going through Richard's mind.
2. [25] Perhaps he is something of a prototype of Macbeth in that he thinks that he will prevail.
3. [25] Certainly his foes do not seem invincible, he is a fearsome warrior; it is very likely he will have flashes of the old confidence.
4. [25] Buckingham has just been defeated and executed.
5. [25] Elizabeth has given hope of an alliance with her daughter.
6. [25] However, he is a realist and knows just how fallible his support is, particularly from Stanley.
7. [25] He trusts no-one with the possible exception of Catesby.
8. [25] Adequate reward should go to those who can present something of this mixture of content.
9. [25] However, given Richard's absolutely individual voice, reserve higher reward for answers which convey his characteristic tones of witty irony coupled with ruthless disdain for most of the human race.
10. [25] Refer to the band descriptors in arriving at your mark.