A LEVEL HISTORY A: Actual May 2025 PAST PAPER: The Ascendancy of the Ottoman Empire
1453–1606. All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y309/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The A Level History A May 2025 The Ascendancy of the Ottoman Empire 1453–1606 Paper (OCR
Y309/01) combines the full official exam paper with its detailed mark scheme to create a focused, high-
value revision and practice resource. This unit examines the rapid rise, consolidation, and regional
dominance of the Ottoman Empire from the conquest of Constantinople to the early 17th century, analysing
themes such as military expansion, administrative reforms, the role of key sultans, religious structures,
diplomacy, and relations with European and Middle Eastern powers. Students are required to engage with
source material, evaluate differing historical interpretations, and craft structured, analytical arguments
grounded in precise factual knowledge. By placing each question alongside the examiner’s marking criteria,
the resource clearly illustrates the depth of analysis, contextual understanding, and evaluative judgement
expected for top-band answers. This integrated structure supports targeted revision, enhances thematic and
source-based skills, and equips candidates for success in the May/June 2026 OCR A Level History A
Ottoman Empire 1453–1606 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
Read the two passages and answer Question 1.
1 Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages.
Explain which you think is more convincing as an explanation of the consequences of the battle
of Lepanto for the Ottomans. [30]
Passage A
© Geoffrey Parker, Imprudent King: A New Life of Philip II, p204-5, Yale University Press, 2014. From first line "Don John led the largest Christian fleet ever seen in the Mediterranean to Corfu." to last line "Instead, the Christian victory sparked uprisings, which for a time threatened Turkish control, and tempor
Passage B
© Roger Crowley, Empires of the Sea, p 285, 288-92, Faber & Faber, 2008. From first line "[Lepanto] was a scene of staggering devastation," to last line "It had recognised the importance of consolidating its victory, but proved unable to do so." Item removed due to additional party third party copyright re
© OCR 2025 Y309/01 Jun25
, 3
Section B
Answer two questions.
2* ‘Ottoman expansion in the Balkans was more successful than in the Mediterranean.’
How far do you agree with this view of the period from 1453 to 1606? [25]
3* To what extent did the principles of Ottoman conquest remain the same throughout the period
from 1453 to 1606? [25]
4* How serious was the Ottoman threat to the Austrian Habsburgs throughout the period from 1453
to 1606? [25]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y309/01 Jun25
1453–1606. All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y309/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The A Level History A May 2025 The Ascendancy of the Ottoman Empire 1453–1606 Paper (OCR
Y309/01) combines the full official exam paper with its detailed mark scheme to create a focused, high-
value revision and practice resource. This unit examines the rapid rise, consolidation, and regional
dominance of the Ottoman Empire from the conquest of Constantinople to the early 17th century, analysing
themes such as military expansion, administrative reforms, the role of key sultans, religious structures,
diplomacy, and relations with European and Middle Eastern powers. Students are required to engage with
source material, evaluate differing historical interpretations, and craft structured, analytical arguments
grounded in precise factual knowledge. By placing each question alongside the examiner’s marking criteria,
the resource clearly illustrates the depth of analysis, contextual understanding, and evaluative judgement
expected for top-band answers. This integrated structure supports targeted revision, enhances thematic and
source-based skills, and equips candidates for success in the May/June 2026 OCR A Level History A
Ottoman Empire 1453–1606 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
Read the two passages and answer Question 1.
1 Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages.
Explain which you think is more convincing as an explanation of the consequences of the battle
of Lepanto for the Ottomans. [30]
Passage A
© Geoffrey Parker, Imprudent King: A New Life of Philip II, p204-5, Yale University Press, 2014. From first line "Don John led the largest Christian fleet ever seen in the Mediterranean to Corfu." to last line "Instead, the Christian victory sparked uprisings, which for a time threatened Turkish control, and tempor
Passage B
© Roger Crowley, Empires of the Sea, p 285, 288-92, Faber & Faber, 2008. From first line "[Lepanto] was a scene of staggering devastation," to last line "It had recognised the importance of consolidating its victory, but proved unable to do so." Item removed due to additional party third party copyright re
© OCR 2025 Y309/01 Jun25
, 3
Section B
Answer two questions.
2* ‘Ottoman expansion in the Balkans was more successful than in the Mediterranean.’
How far do you agree with this view of the period from 1453 to 1606? [25]
3* To what extent did the principles of Ottoman conquest remain the same throughout the period
from 1453 to 1606? [25]
4* How serious was the Ottoman threat to the Austrian Habsburgs throughout the period from 1453
to 1606? [25]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y309/01 Jun25
