A LEVEL HISTORY A: Actual May 2025 PAST PAPER: China and its Rulers 1839–1989. All
Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y317/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The A Level History A May 2025 China and its Rulers 1839–1989 Paper (OCR Y317/01) provides a fully
integrated resource that combines the complete official question paper with the corresponding detailed
mark scheme for focused, exam-ready preparation. This unit explores 150 years of profound political,
social, and ideological transformation in China—from the Opium Wars and the fall of the Qing dynasty to
the rise of the Chinese Republic, the Chinese Civil War, the establishment of the PRC, and major reforms
and upheavals under Mao and post-Mao leadership. Students are required to analyse sources, assess
contrasting historical interpretations, and construct well-evidenced, coherent arguments across themes
including imperial decline, revolution, nationalism, communism, governance, and modernization. By
pairing each question directly with examiner marking criteria, the resource clarifies expectations for
higher-band responses, demonstrating the analytical precision, contextual depth, and evaluative judgement
needed for top marks. This structured, comprehensive format supports strategic revision and equips
candidates for strong performance in the May/June 2026 OCR A Level History A China and its Rulers
1839–1989 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 nature and course of
the Cultural Revolution. [30]
Passage A
© Michael Lynch, The People's Republic of China since 1949, pps 47-48, Hodder & Stoughton, 1998. From first line "The sheer enthusiasm of the Red Guards soon led the movement to turn in on itself." to last line "Army units travelled throughout China in a campaign to impress upon the people the inte
Passage B
© Jon Halliday; Jung Chang, Mao: The Unknown Story, pps 652-653, Vintage Books, 2007. From first line "The commander [in W uhan] General Chen was deeply opposed to the Cultural Revolution," to last line "who took a fearsome beating." Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
© OCR 2025 Y317/01 Jun25
, 3
Section B
Answer any two questions.
2* ‘Throughout the period from 1839 to 1989, changes to the nature of government in China were
only possible through violence.’
How far do you agree? [25]
3* ‘The most important change in the Chinese economy during the period from 1839 to 1989 was
the growth of industry.’
How far do you agree? [25]
4* ‘The Korean War (1950 –1953) was the most important turning point in Chinese relations with the
wider world during the period from 1839 to 1989.’
How far do you agree? [25]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y317/01 Jun25
Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y317/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The A Level History A May 2025 China and its Rulers 1839–1989 Paper (OCR Y317/01) provides a fully
integrated resource that combines the complete official question paper with the corresponding detailed
mark scheme for focused, exam-ready preparation. This unit explores 150 years of profound political,
social, and ideological transformation in China—from the Opium Wars and the fall of the Qing dynasty to
the rise of the Chinese Republic, the Chinese Civil War, the establishment of the PRC, and major reforms
and upheavals under Mao and post-Mao leadership. Students are required to analyse sources, assess
contrasting historical interpretations, and construct well-evidenced, coherent arguments across themes
including imperial decline, revolution, nationalism, communism, governance, and modernization. By
pairing each question directly with examiner marking criteria, the resource clarifies expectations for
higher-band responses, demonstrating the analytical precision, contextual depth, and evaluative judgement
needed for top marks. This structured, comprehensive format supports strategic revision and equips
candidates for strong performance in the May/June 2026 OCR A Level History A China and its Rulers
1839–1989 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 nature and course of
the Cultural Revolution. [30]
Passage A
© Michael Lynch, The People's Republic of China since 1949, pps 47-48, Hodder & Stoughton, 1998. From first line "The sheer enthusiasm of the Red Guards soon led the movement to turn in on itself." to last line "Army units travelled throughout China in a campaign to impress upon the people the inte
Passage B
© Jon Halliday; Jung Chang, Mao: The Unknown Story, pps 652-653, Vintage Books, 2007. From first line "The commander [in W uhan] General Chen was deeply opposed to the Cultural Revolution," to last line "who took a fearsome beating." Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
© OCR 2025 Y317/01 Jun25
, 3
Section B
Answer any two questions.
2* ‘Throughout the period from 1839 to 1989, changes to the nature of government in China were
only possible through violence.’
How far do you agree? [25]
3* ‘The most important change in the Chinese economy during the period from 1839 to 1989 was
the growth of industry.’
How far do you agree? [25]
4* ‘The Korean War (1950 –1953) was the most important turning point in Chinese relations with the
wider world during the period from 1839 to 1989.’
How far do you agree? [25]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y317/01 Jun25
