A LEVEL HISTORY A: Actual June 2025 PAST PAPER 1: The Rise of Islam c.550–750. All
Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y201/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The A Level History A June 2025 The Rise of Islam c.550–750 Paper (OCR Y201/01) brings
together the complete official exam paper and its detailed mark scheme to create a structured, high-
value revision resource. This paper assesses candidates’ understanding of the Arabian Peninsula
before Islam, the life and prophethood of Muhammad, the development of the early Muslim
community, and the rapid expansion of the Rashidun and Umayyad Caliphates. Students must
demonstrate both factual depth and analytical skill as they engage with themes such as political
consolidation, religious and social transformation, military expansion, and the administrative
systems that shaped the early Islamic world. Each question is paired with its mark scheme, offering
clear insight into examiner expectations—ranging from source evaluation and interpretation
analysis to thematic essays requiring coherent, well-supported arguments. This integrated format
enhances content mastery, builds stronger historical analysis, and prepares learners for success in
the May/June 2026 OCR A Level History A Rise of Islam c.550–750 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
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
© OCR 2025 Y201/01 Jun25
, GCE
History A
Y201/01: Non-British period study: The rise of Islam c.550-750
A Level
Mark Scheme for June 2025
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations
Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y201/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The A Level History A June 2025 The Rise of Islam c.550–750 Paper (OCR Y201/01) brings
together the complete official exam paper and its detailed mark scheme to create a structured, high-
value revision resource. This paper assesses candidates’ understanding of the Arabian Peninsula
before Islam, the life and prophethood of Muhammad, the development of the early Muslim
community, and the rapid expansion of the Rashidun and Umayyad Caliphates. Students must
demonstrate both factual depth and analytical skill as they engage with themes such as political
consolidation, religious and social transformation, military expansion, and the administrative
systems that shaped the early Islamic world. Each question is paired with its mark scheme, offering
clear insight into examiner expectations—ranging from source evaluation and interpretation
analysis to thematic essays requiring coherent, well-supported arguments. This integrated format
enhances content mastery, builds stronger historical analysis, and prepares learners for success in
the May/June 2026 OCR A Level History A Rise of Islam c.550–750 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
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
© OCR 2025 Y201/01 Jun25
, GCE
History A
Y201/01: Non-British period study: The rise of Islam c.550-750
A Level
Mark Scheme for June 2025
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations
