OCR A Level History A The Rise of Islam c.550–
750 (Y201/01)
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
June 2026 – Morning
A Level History A
Y201/01 The Rise of Islam c.550–750
Time allowed: 1 hour
You must have:
• the OCR 12-page Answer Booklet
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers must
be clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Choose one question and answer all the parts of that question.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 30.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
, 3
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1
(a) Which of the following contributed more to the expansion of the Umayyad Empire?
(i) The establishment of Syria and Damascus
(ii) Systems and methods of government
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* How effective was the rule of Abu Bakr? [20]
2
(a) Which of the following was of greater importance in the early growth of Islam?
(i) The role of Muhammad
(ii) Economic factors
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* How successfully did Muʾawiya overcome the problems he faced? [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
750 (Y201/01)
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
June 2026 – Morning
A Level History A
Y201/01 The Rise of Islam c.550–750
Time allowed: 1 hour
You must have:
• the OCR 12-page Answer Booklet
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers must
be clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Choose one question and answer all the parts of that question.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 30.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
, 3
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1
(a) Which of the following contributed more to the expansion of the Umayyad Empire?
(i) The establishment of Syria and Damascus
(ii) Systems and methods of government
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* How effective was the rule of Abu Bakr? [20]
2
(a) Which of the following was of greater importance in the early growth of Islam?
(i) The role of Muhammad
(ii) Economic factors
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* How successfully did Muʾawiya overcome the problems he faced? [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
