GCSE (9–1) LATIN — May 2025 PAST PAPER: Prose Literature B
Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J282/03]
Exam Resource Summary
The May 2025 GCSE (9–1) Latin Prose Literature B Paper (OCR J282/03) provides a fully
merged resource combining the complete examination paper with its official mark scheme.
This format enables learners to see exactly how each question is assessed, clarifying
examiner expectations and highlighting the criteria for achieving top-band marks. This
component focuses on the comprehension, translation, and analysis of Latin prose texts.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate accurate translation skills, interpret stylistic and
contextual nuances, analyse authorial methods, and provide evidence-based evaluations of
passages. The paper also assesses understanding of literary conventions and the ability to
construct coherent, well-supported written responses. By presenting each question alongside
detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens linguistic, analytical, and critical reading
skills. It supports structured, precise responses and provides targeted revision, preparing
students thoroughly for the 2026 OCR GCSE Latin (Prose Literature B) examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 Read the passage and answer the questions.
Messalina novo et quasi insano amore incensa est. nam in C. Silium, iuventutis Romanae pulcherrimum, ita
exarserat ut Iuniam Silanam, nobilem feminam, matrimonio eius exturbaret liberoque adultero potiretur.
neque Silius flagitii aut periculi nescius erat: sed intellexit exitium, si abnueret, fore certum et, si consentiret,
nonnullam facinoris celandi
spem esse. 5
Tacitus, Messalina, lines 1–7
(a) Messalina … incensa est (line 1): what do we learn about Messalina here?
..........................................................................................................................................................
. .................................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) nam … potiretur (lines 1–3): what did Messalina do because of her love for Gaius Silius? Make
two points.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(c) neque … nescius erat (line 3): what was Silius aware of?
..........................................................................................................................................................
. .................................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(d) sed intellexit … esse (lines 3–5): why do you think Silius chose to continue the affair?
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
© OCR 2025
,
, 4
* Read the passage and answer the question.
illa non furtim sed multis cum comitibus ventitat domum, egredienti adhaeret, dat opes
honoresque; postremo servi, liberti, paratus principis apud adulterum saepe videbantur. at
Claudius matrimonii sui ignarus. iam Messalina propter facilitatem adulteriorum ad novas
libidines versa est. Silius, sive fatali insania an ipsa pericula remedium imminentium
periculorum ratus, abrumpi dissimulationem urgebat: quippe non exspectandum, dum 5
princeps senesceret.
Tacitus, Messalina, lines 8–17
What makes this such a vivid description of the affair between Messalina and Silius?
In your answer you may wish to consider:
• the increasingly bold actions of Messalina;
• the way Tacitus describes Silius responding.
You should refer to the Latin and discuss Tacitus’ use of language. [8]
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© OCR 2025
Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J282/03]
Exam Resource Summary
The May 2025 GCSE (9–1) Latin Prose Literature B Paper (OCR J282/03) provides a fully
merged resource combining the complete examination paper with its official mark scheme.
This format enables learners to see exactly how each question is assessed, clarifying
examiner expectations and highlighting the criteria for achieving top-band marks. This
component focuses on the comprehension, translation, and analysis of Latin prose texts.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate accurate translation skills, interpret stylistic and
contextual nuances, analyse authorial methods, and provide evidence-based evaluations of
passages. The paper also assesses understanding of literary conventions and the ability to
construct coherent, well-supported written responses. By presenting each question alongside
detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens linguistic, analytical, and critical reading
skills. It supports structured, precise responses and provides targeted revision, preparing
students thoroughly for the 2026 OCR GCSE Latin (Prose Literature B) examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 Read the passage and answer the questions.
Messalina novo et quasi insano amore incensa est. nam in C. Silium, iuventutis Romanae pulcherrimum, ita
exarserat ut Iuniam Silanam, nobilem feminam, matrimonio eius exturbaret liberoque adultero potiretur.
neque Silius flagitii aut periculi nescius erat: sed intellexit exitium, si abnueret, fore certum et, si consentiret,
nonnullam facinoris celandi
spem esse. 5
Tacitus, Messalina, lines 1–7
(a) Messalina … incensa est (line 1): what do we learn about Messalina here?
..........................................................................................................................................................
. .................................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) nam … potiretur (lines 1–3): what did Messalina do because of her love for Gaius Silius? Make
two points.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(c) neque … nescius erat (line 3): what was Silius aware of?
..........................................................................................................................................................
. .................................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(d) sed intellexit … esse (lines 3–5): why do you think Silius chose to continue the affair?
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
© OCR 2025
,
, 4
* Read the passage and answer the question.
illa non furtim sed multis cum comitibus ventitat domum, egredienti adhaeret, dat opes
honoresque; postremo servi, liberti, paratus principis apud adulterum saepe videbantur. at
Claudius matrimonii sui ignarus. iam Messalina propter facilitatem adulteriorum ad novas
libidines versa est. Silius, sive fatali insania an ipsa pericula remedium imminentium
periculorum ratus, abrumpi dissimulationem urgebat: quippe non exspectandum, dum 5
princeps senesceret.
Tacitus, Messalina, lines 8–17
What makes this such a vivid description of the affair between Messalina and Silius?
In your answer you may wish to consider:
• the increasingly bold actions of Messalina;
• the way Tacitus describes Silius responding.
You should refer to the Latin and discuss Tacitus’ use of language. [8]
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
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© OCR 2025
