Edexcel English Literature IGCSE (4ET1/01) Paper 2 – Heritage Texts Past Exam Questions – Macbeth, William Shakespeare
This is one of six options for Section B Heritage Texts in Paper 2 of the Edexcel English Literature IGCSE.
Here, you will need to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the text, including the ways in which writers use language, form and structure to create effects. You should also understand the relationship between the text and the context in which it was written.
You must be able to:
- demonstrate a close understanding of their heritage text
- maintain a critical style
- present an informed personal engagement
- understand how writers create literary effects
- understand and use appropriate literary terminology
- understand the influence of contextual factors on the interpretation of texts
- identify and use relevant examples from the text.
The assessment objectives tested in this section are:
AO1 Demonstrate a close knowledge and understanding of texts, maintaining a critical style and presenting an informed personal engagement.
AO2 Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects.
AO4 Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.
Instructions: Choose one of two questions (Question 13 or 14).
Total marks = 30 marks. Recommended time 45 Minutes
Section A Modern Drama Compiled Exam Questions
- A View from the Bridge
- An Inspector Calls
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
- Kindertransport
- Death and the King’s Horseman
Section B Heritage Texts Compiled Exam Questions
- Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
- Macbeth, William Shakespeare
- The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare
- Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
- Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
- The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne
Related
Macbeth, William Shakespeare
Prescribed Edition
| Book Cover | Book Title | Author | Publisher | Date Published | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macbeth | William Shakespeare | OUP Oxford; 1 Edition | 01 September 2008 | 9780198324003 |
June 2022
EITHER
13 In what ways are the Witches important in Macbeth?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
14 Explore the theme of ambition in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
June 2022 Resit
EITHER
13 Discuss the presentation of one character you think changes most in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
14 Explore the theme of power in Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Jan 2022
EITHER
13 Discuss the presentation of one admirable character in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
14 Explore the theme of violence in Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Jan 2022 Resit
EITHER
13 ‘Even from the beginning of the play, it is clear that the unfolding events are unavoidable.’ Discuss the significance of fate in Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play
in your answer.
OR
14 Explore the character of Macduff in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Nov 2021
EITHER
13 Macbeth: ‘I dare do all that may become a man…’ Explore the significance of masculinity in Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
14 Discuss the presentation of characters who influence Macbeth in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
May 2021
EITHER
13 Lennox (talking of Duncan’s guards): ‘No man’s life was to be trusted with them.’ Discuss the theme of trust in Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
14 How does Macbeth change as the play progresses?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Nov 2020
EITHER
13 Discuss the theme of appearance and reality in Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
14 ‘Lady Macbeth is presented as a powerful character in the play.’ How far do you agree with this view?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Nov 2020 Resit
EITHER
13 How is the relationship between Macbeth and King Duncan important in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
14 Lady Macbeth: ‘What, will these hands ne’er be clean?’ Discuss the theme of guilt in Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Jan 2020
EITHER
13 Explore the theme of madness throughout Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer and refer to the context of the play.
OR
14 How does Shakespeare present Macbeth’s relationship with the Witches in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer and refer to the context of the play.
Jan 2020 Resit
EITHER
13 Explore the importance of family in Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
14 ‘Macbeth shows courage throughout the play.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
May 2019
EITHER
13 Explore the theme of death in Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
14 How does Shakespeare present powerful men in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
May 2019 Resit
EITHER
13 Explore Shakespeare’s use of the supernatural in Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
14 How is the character of Banquo presented in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Jan 2019
EITHER
13 Explore the theme of loyalty in Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
14 Explore the significance of Macduff and his family in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Jan 2019 Resit
EITHER
13 ‘Lady Macbeth does not change throughout the play.’
How far do you agree with this statement?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
14 Explore how Shakespeare presents settings in Macbeth.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
