Romeo and Juliet Past Exam Questions – Edexcel English Literature IGCSE (4ET1/02) Paper 2: Heritage Texts
For students doing Romeo and Juliet for IGCSE English Literature, essay writing practise especially on past exam questions is essential as this allows you to practise the ability to outline quickly, make connections between the text (using quotes and supporting facts and context) and write a complete and coherent essay effectively and efficiently. Timed practise of actual exam questions becomes more important as the exam draws closer.
Here in this blog post, we have collated and organised all the past exam questions for Romeo and Juliet for Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Paper 2 exam. These are listed in reverse order with the most recently available at the top.
What you need to know
Romeo and Juliet is one of six options for <strong>Section B Heritage Texts</strong> in Paper 2 of the Edexcel English Literature IGCSE.
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 11 or 12).
Total marks = 30 marks. Recommended time 45 Minutes
Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
Prescribed Edition
| Book Cover | Book Title | Author | Publisher | Date Published | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romeo and Juliet | William Shakespeare | OUP Oxford; New Edition | 01 July 1998 | 9780198321668 |
Romeo and Juliet Past Exam Questions by Year
May 2024
EITHER
11 How are the parents of Romeo and Juliet presented in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 In what ways does Shakespeare use humour in Romeo and Juliet?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
May 2024 R
EITHER
11 How does Shakespeare present Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 Discuss the significance of the different deaths in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Nov 2023
EITHER
11 Discuss the presentation of Mercutio in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 ‘The tragic and dramatic events in the final scenes provide the audience with an
effective ending to 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.
May 2023
EITHER
11 Discuss the presentation of one character who you admire in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 Mercutio: ‘A plague o’ both your houses!’
Explore the significance of revenge in Romeo and Juliet.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
May 2023 Resit
EITHER
11 How does Shakespeare present Benvolio in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 ‘The Prologue provides the audience with important information before the
play begins.’
In what ways is the Prologue significant in Romeo and Juliet?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Jan 2023
EITHER
11 ‘Friar Lawrence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet in the hope of ending the feud.’
In what ways is hope important in Romeo and Juliet?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 How does Shakespeare present the Nurse as a motherly figure to Juliet in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Jan 2023 Resit
EITHER
11 How does Shakespeare present Tybalt in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 Explore the significance of marriage in Romeo and Juliet.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
May 2022
EITHER
11 Explore the theme of anger in Romeo and Juliet.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 ‘Friar Lawrence acts with good intentions.’
How far do you agree with this view of the play?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
May 2022 Resit
EITHER
11 ‘Juliet is shown to be a character who is determined to have her own way.’
To what extent do you agree with this view of Juliet in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 Explore the theme of conflict in Romeo and Juliet.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Jan 2022
EITHER
11 ‘Romeo is never really in love in 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
12 Explore the different settings in Romeo and Juliet.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Jan 2022 Resit
EITHER
11 Discuss the presentation of one character you sympathise with in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 Mercutio: ‘O calm, dishonourable, vile submission!’ Explore the theme of honour in Romeo and Juliet.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Nov 2021
EITHER
11 How does Shakespeare present the relationship between Romeo and Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 ‘Some characters in Romeo and Juliet are quick to forgive whilst others do not forgive at all.’ Explore the theme of forgiveness in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
May 2021
EITHER
11 How does Shakespeare present the relationship between Juliet and her father, Lord Capulet?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 Prologue: ‘From ancient grudge break to new mutiny.’ Explore the significance of the feud in Romeo and Juliet.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Nov 2020
EITHER
11 ‘Tybalt and Mercutio are very similar characters in Romeo and Juliet.’ 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.
OR
12 Mercutio: ‘A plague o’ both your houses!’ Explore the idea of blame in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Nov 2020 Resit
EITHER
11 How does Shakespeare present the relationship between Juliet and her mother, Lady Capulet, in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 Explore the theme of loyalty in this play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Jan 2020
EITHER
11 Explore the importance of the Nurse in this play.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer and refer to the context of the play.
OR
12 How does Shakespeare present the theme of power in Romeo and Juliet?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer and refer to the context of the play.
Jan 2020 Resit
EITHER
11 ‘Despite some foolish behaviour, Romeo is presented as a hero in 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
12 Explore the theme of romantic love in Romeo and Juliet.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
May 2019
EITHER
11 Explore the importance of Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 How does Shakespeare use time 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
11 ‘Shakespeare presents many characters who could be considered responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.’ In your opinion, who is most responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 Explore the use of humour in Romeo and Juliet.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Jan 2019
EITHER
11 How is Friar Lawrence presented as an important character in Romeo and Juliet?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 Explore the theme of death in this play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
Jan 2019 Resit
EITHER
11 How does Juliet change in Romeo and Juliet?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
OR
12 Friar Lawrence: ‘These violent delights have violent ends’. Explore the theme of violence in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the play in your answer.
