AS LEVEL HISTORY A: Actual May 2025 PAST PAPER 1: Russia 1894–1941. All
Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y249/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The AS Level History A May 2025 Russia 1894–1941 Paper (OCR Y249/01) combines the
complete official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a focused and
practical revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of political, social, and
economic developments in Russia from the late Tsarist period through the revolutions of 1917 and
the early years of Soviet rule under Lenin and Stalin. Candidates are required to analyse primary
and secondary sources, evaluate differing historical interpretations, and construct coherent,
evidence-based arguments. By presenting each question alongside its marking criteria, the resource
offers clear guidance on examiner expectations, analytical depth, and the structured responses
required for higher-band marks. This integrated format supports targeted revision, strengthens
source evaluation and essay-writing skills, and prepares students thoroughly for the May/June 2026
OCR AS Level History A Russia 1894–1941 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1* To what extent did the Russian economy improve in the period from 1894 to the outbreak of war
in 1914? [30]
2* ‘The use of terror was the most important reason for the Bolsheviks increasing their control of
Russia during the period from 1918 to Lenin’s death in 1924.’
How far do you agree? [30]
© OCR 2025 Y249/01 Jun25
, 3
Section B
3 Read the interpretation and answer the question that follows.
© S. A. Smith, Russia in Revolution: An Empire in Crisis, 1890 to 1928, pp. 78-79, Oxford University Press, 2017. Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of this interpretation, making reference to other
interpretations you have studied. [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y249/01 Jun25
Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y249/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The AS Level History A May 2025 Russia 1894–1941 Paper (OCR Y249/01) combines the
complete official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a focused and
practical revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of political, social, and
economic developments in Russia from the late Tsarist period through the revolutions of 1917 and
the early years of Soviet rule under Lenin and Stalin. Candidates are required to analyse primary
and secondary sources, evaluate differing historical interpretations, and construct coherent,
evidence-based arguments. By presenting each question alongside its marking criteria, the resource
offers clear guidance on examiner expectations, analytical depth, and the structured responses
required for higher-band marks. This integrated format supports targeted revision, strengthens
source evaluation and essay-writing skills, and prepares students thoroughly for the May/June 2026
OCR AS Level History A Russia 1894–1941 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1* To what extent did the Russian economy improve in the period from 1894 to the outbreak of war
in 1914? [30]
2* ‘The use of terror was the most important reason for the Bolsheviks increasing their control of
Russia during the period from 1918 to Lenin’s death in 1924.’
How far do you agree? [30]
© OCR 2025 Y249/01 Jun25
, 3
Section B
3 Read the interpretation and answer the question that follows.
© S. A. Smith, Russia in Revolution: An Empire in Crisis, 1890 to 1928, pp. 78-79, Oxford University Press, 2017. Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of this interpretation, making reference to other
interpretations you have studied. [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y249/01 Jun25
