OCR A Level History A Y205/01 Exploration, Encounters and Empire 1445–1570
Combined Question Paper and Mark Scheme
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
A Level History A
Y205/01 Exploration, Encounters and Empire 1445–1570
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 gains was more important for explorers and their patrons during the period
from 1445 to 1570?
(i) Prestige
(ii) Wealth
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* To what extent were the routes taken by explorers determined by trade during the period from
1445 to 1570? [20]
2
(a) Which of the following was more important in encouraging exploration?
(i) Technological change
(ii) Internal developments in Portugal and Spain
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* ‘The settlement of Brazil was the most significant feature of Portuguese expansion during the
period from 1445 to 1570.’
How far do you agree? [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y205/01 Jun25
Combined Question Paper and Mark Scheme
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
A Level History A
Y205/01 Exploration, Encounters and Empire 1445–1570
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 gains was more important for explorers and their patrons during the period
from 1445 to 1570?
(i) Prestige
(ii) Wealth
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* To what extent were the routes taken by explorers determined by trade during the period from
1445 to 1570? [20]
2
(a) Which of the following was more important in encouraging exploration?
(i) Technological change
(ii) Internal developments in Portugal and Spain
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* ‘The settlement of Brazil was the most significant feature of Portuguese expansion during the
period from 1445 to 1570.’
How far do you agree? [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y205/01 Jun25
