OCR A-Level Classical Greek Past Papers & Mark Schemes

OCR A-Level Classical Greek (H444) tests the ability to read, translate, and critically analyse texts written in ancient Greek. It demands both linguistic competence (grammar, syntax, vocabulary) and literary sensitivity (analysis of style, theme, and context), making it one of the most academically demanding A-Level specifications. Component 1: Unseen Translation (H444/01, 1 hour 30 minutes, 50 marks, 33%) presents two passages of ancient Greek that students have not previously encountered. Passage A is typically shorter and more straightforward (narrative prose or simpler verse), while Passage B is longer and more complex (philosophical prose, historical narrative, or dramatic verse). Students must translate both passages into accurate, readable English, demonstrating understanding of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Component 2: Prose Composition or Comprehension (H444/02, 1 hour 15 minutes, 50 marks, 17%) offers a choice between two assessment modes. Prose Composition presents an English passage for translation into classical Greek, testing active grammatical knowledge. Comprehension presents a Greek passage with questions testing understanding without full translation — students answer questions about content, grammar, and style in English. Component 3: Prose Literature (H444/03, 2 hours, 75 marks, 25%) examines prescribed prose texts — typically selections from Herodotus, Thucydides, Plato, Lysias, or Xenophon. Students translate short extracts and answer literary analysis questions on character, argument, rhetorical technique, and historical context. Component 4: Verse Literature (H444/04, 2 hours, 75 marks, 25%) examines prescribed verse texts — selections from Homer, Sophocles, Euripides, or Aristophanes. Questions combine translation with literary criticism, requiring analysis of metre, imagery, dramatic technique, and thematic significance.