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
integrated format allows learners to understand precisely how each question is assessed, clarifying
examiner expectations and highlighting the standards required for high-band responses. This
component assesses students’ ability to read, comprehend, and analyse Latin prose passages.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate accurate translation skills, interpret literary and contextual
nuances, analyse authorial techniques, and provide evidence-based evaluations of the text. The
paper also requires learners to engage critically with language, style, and meaning in context. By
pairing each question with detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens translation,
analytical, and interpretative skills. It supports the development of structured and precise written
responses and provides focused revision to prepare 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?
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. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) nam … potiretur (lines 1–3): what did Messalina do because of her love for Gaius Silius? Make
two points.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
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2 .......................................................................................................................................................
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[2]
(c) neque … nescius erat (line 3): what was Silius aware of?
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. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(d) sed intellexit … esse (lines 3–5): why do you think Silius chose to continue the affair?
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. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
© OCR 2025
, 3
BLANK PAGE
DO NOT WRITE ON THIS PAGE
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
2* 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
integrated format allows learners to understand precisely how each question is assessed, clarifying
examiner expectations and highlighting the standards required for high-band responses. This
component assesses students’ ability to read, comprehend, and analyse Latin prose passages.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate accurate translation skills, interpret literary and contextual
nuances, analyse authorial techniques, and provide evidence-based evaluations of the text. The
paper also requires learners to engage critically with language, style, and meaning in context. By
pairing each question with detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens translation,
analytical, and interpretative skills. It supports the development of structured and precise written
responses and provides focused revision to prepare 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
, 3
BLANK PAGE
DO NOT WRITE ON THIS PAGE
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
2* 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
