Cambridge Past Paper Questions

THOMAS HARDY: Far from the Madding Crowd Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it: Bathsheba said very little to her husband...

'Boldwood has only himself to blame.' How far do you agree? Support your ideas with details from the novel.

You are Gabriel shortly after Bathsheba has agreed to marry you. Write your thoughts.

BESSIE HEAD: When Rain Clouds Gather Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it: Matenge had not expected this. He stood in th...

How does Head make the love story of Makhaya and Paulina so compelling? Support your answer with details from the novel.

You are Gilbert. You have just informed Dinorego that you are going to marry Maria and he has sent her to Mma-Millipede to arrange the wedding. Wri...

EDITH WHARTON: Ethan Frome Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it: When Ethan was called back to the farm by his father's ...

What do you find so memorable about Wharton's portrayal of life in Starkfield? Support your ideas with details from the novel.

You are Zeena on the train home after having hired the girl to take Mattie's place. Write your thoughts.

from STORIES OF OURSELVES Read this extract from The Taste of Watermelon (by Borden Deal), and then answer the question that follows it: Mr Wills w...

How does the writer make any one of the following characters particularly memorable? Aunt Mary in Secrets (by Bernard MacLaverty) Mrs Croft in The ...

You are John in The Yellow Wallpaper. Your lease on the house will expire in three weeks' time and your wife has asked you to take her away. Write ...

Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it. JACK thunders up the stairs. GIORGIO, hearing this, dives for the near bedroom, l...

What do you think makes Harriet and Desmond such an amusing pair of characters? Support your ideas with details from Ayckbourn's writing.

You are Jack coming home at the beginning of the play. Write your thoughts.

Either *4 CHARLOTTE KEATLEY: My Mother Said I Never Should Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it. The Wasteground, a p...

Explore how Keatley presents the changes in the relationship between Jackie and Rosie as the play develops. Refer in detail to the play in your ans...

You are Doris. You have just learnt that your husband, Jack, has bequeathed everything to your granddaughter, Jackie. Write your thoughts.

ARTHUR MILLER: The Crucible Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it. Putnam: [at the moment he is intent upon getting PAR...

A loyal and loving wife A cold and unforgiving woman Which is closer to your view of Elizabeth Proctor? Support your argument with details from Mil...

You are Reverend Parris at the end of the play. Proctor has just been hanged. Write your thoughts.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: Much Ado About Nothing Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it. Leonato: Come, Friar Francis, be bri...

How does Shakespeare make Benedick such a loveable hero? Support your answer by close reference to the play.

You are Borachio. You have just been locked up by Dogberry and the Watch. Write your thoughts.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: Richard III Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it. Gloucester: Your love deserves my thanks, but m...

Explore some of the ways in which Shakespeare vividly portrays the dishonesty and immorality of Buckingham and Hastings.

You are Clarence just after you have been imprisoned in the Tower. Write your thoughts.

R.C. SHERRIFF: Journey's End Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it. Raleigh: I say — Dennis — Stanhope: Yes, old boy? R...

A cruel bully A fine leader of men Which do you think is the more accurate description of Stanhope? Support your ideas with details from Sherriff's...

You are Raleigh. You have left the dugout after Stanhope has seized your letter and ordered you to inspect your rifles. Write your thoughts.

SECTION B: POETRY SONGS OF OURSELVES: from Part 3 Read this poem, and then answer the question that follows it. The Voice Woman much missed, ho...

Explore in detail how the poet memorably conveys delight in nature in either Amends (by Adrienne Rich) or On the Grasshopper and The Cricket (by Jo...

Explore some of the ways poets bring places to life in any two of the poems in this selection from Part 3. (Do not use The Voice if you are also an...

JOHN KEATS: Poems Read this extract from The Eve of St Agnes, and then answer the question that follows it. 39 'Hark! 'tis an elfin-storm from fa...

In what ways does Keats make vivid for you his feelings about melancholy in Ode on Melancholy? Refer in detail to the poem as you respond.

Explore how Keats vividly conveys the feelings of the knight in La belle dame sans merci. Support your ideas with details from the poem.

SECTION C: PROSE JANE AUSTEN: Pride and Prejudice Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it. Mrs Bennet and Kitty walked o...

How does Austen make Elizabeth Bennet such an appealing and lively character? Support your ideas with details from the writing.

You are Mr Bennet after the end of the novel. Elizabeth is married and you are in your study. Write your thoughts.

IAN CROSS: The God Boy Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it. Not sure whether I liked him in such a mood—honestly, you...

How do you think Cross in his portrayal of Jimmy makes a rude and violent child such a sympathetic figure? Support your ideas with details from the...

You are Jack Crannery ('Bloody Jack') after Jimmy has hit you with a stone. You have told him never to come to the wharf again and he has gone. Wr...

ANITA DESAI: Games at Twilight and Other Stories Read this extract from Private Tuition by Mr Bose, and then answer the question that follows it. ...

In Studies in the Park how does Desai vividly convey the pressure that Suno feels he is under and the ways in which he seeks to escape it?

You are the artist in Sale. Your visitors have gone and you have to explain to your wife what has happened. Write your thoughts.

THOMAS HARDY: Far from the Madding Crowd Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it. He looked hard into her eyes when she r...

Caring and considerate Selfish and thoughtless In what ways do you think both descriptions apply to Hardy's portrayal of Bathsheba?

You are Boldwood. You have just left Bathsheba's house after reading the notice of her marriage to Troy. Write your thoughts.

BESSIE HEAD: When Rain Clouds Gather Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it. Makhaya stood up at last, sickened by the c...