GCSE CLASSICAL GREEK: Actual May 2025 PAST PAPER — Prose Literature B.
All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J292/03]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Classical Greek May 2025 Prose Literature B Paper (OCR J292/03) combines the full
official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to create a focused and practical revision
resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of the set prose texts, including narrative content,
thematic development, characterisation, cultural context, and authorial technique. Candidates are
required to demonstrate accurate comprehension of the Greek language, interpret key passages, and
analyse how meaning is constructed through style, structure, and vocabulary. By presenting each question
alongside its marking criteria, the resource clarifies examiner expectations for translation accuracy,
analytical depth, and textual interpretation. This integrated format strengthens critical reading, supports
targeted revision, and helps students build the skills necessary for achieving high-band responses in future
OCR GCSE Classical Greek Prose Literature B examinations.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 Read the passage and answer the questions.
© edited by Antrich & Usher, Xenophon: The Persian Expedition, pages 45-58, Bristol Classical Press, 2003. From first line "καὶ ἤδη τε ἦν ἀμφὶ ἀγορὰν" to last line "προσέρχεται ὡς εἰς μάχην παρεσκευασμένος." Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
(a) Pick out and translate the three-word Greek phrase which indicates the time of day at this point
in the narrative.
Greek phrase: ..................................................................................................................
English translation: ..................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) Πατηγύας … πιστῶν (line 2): what are we told here about Pategyas in addition to the detail that
he was a Persian?
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ............................................................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) ἐλαύνων … ἐβόα (line 3): what makes it clear that Pategyas was in a hurry? Make two points.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(d) ἐβόα … παρεσκευασµένος (lines 3–5):
(i) what news did Pategyas bring?
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
(ii) why did he report his news in two languages?
..........................................................................................................................................................
© OCR 2025
, 3
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 2
2 Read the passage and answer the question.
© edited by Antrich & Usher, Xenophon: The Persian Expedition, pages 45-58, Bristol Classical Press, 2003. From first line "ἔνθα δὴ σὺν πολλῇ σπουδῇ καθίσταντο," to last line "δεξιῷ καὶ τὸ Ἑλληνικὸν πελταστικόν." Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
How does Xenophon, by his use of language, show that the various troops took up their positions
in a quick and orderly way?
You should make two points, each supported by close reference to the Greek.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[4]
© OCR 2025
All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J292/03]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Classical Greek May 2025 Prose Literature B Paper (OCR J292/03) combines the full
official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to create a focused and practical revision
resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of the set prose texts, including narrative content,
thematic development, characterisation, cultural context, and authorial technique. Candidates are
required to demonstrate accurate comprehension of the Greek language, interpret key passages, and
analyse how meaning is constructed through style, structure, and vocabulary. By presenting each question
alongside its marking criteria, the resource clarifies examiner expectations for translation accuracy,
analytical depth, and textual interpretation. This integrated format strengthens critical reading, supports
targeted revision, and helps students build the skills necessary for achieving high-band responses in future
OCR GCSE Classical Greek Prose Literature B examinations.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 Read the passage and answer the questions.
© edited by Antrich & Usher, Xenophon: The Persian Expedition, pages 45-58, Bristol Classical Press, 2003. From first line "καὶ ἤδη τε ἦν ἀμφὶ ἀγορὰν" to last line "προσέρχεται ὡς εἰς μάχην παρεσκευασμένος." Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
(a) Pick out and translate the three-word Greek phrase which indicates the time of day at this point
in the narrative.
Greek phrase: ..................................................................................................................
English translation: ..................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) Πατηγύας … πιστῶν (line 2): what are we told here about Pategyas in addition to the detail that
he was a Persian?
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ............................................................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) ἐλαύνων … ἐβόα (line 3): what makes it clear that Pategyas was in a hurry? Make two points.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(d) ἐβόα … παρεσκευασµένος (lines 3–5):
(i) what news did Pategyas bring?
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
(ii) why did he report his news in two languages?
..........................................................................................................................................................
© OCR 2025
, 3
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 2
2 Read the passage and answer the question.
© edited by Antrich & Usher, Xenophon: The Persian Expedition, pages 45-58, Bristol Classical Press, 2003. From first line "ἔνθα δὴ σὺν πολλῇ σπουδῇ καθίσταντο," to last line "δεξιῷ καὶ τὸ Ἑλληνικὸν πελταστικόν." Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
How does Xenophon, by his use of language, show that the various troops took up their positions
in a quick and orderly way?
You should make two points, each supported by close reference to the Greek.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[4]
© OCR 2025
