OL Past Exam Questions


Ordinary Level – Sample Questions Sample Questions A


Answer all of the questions. 1. (a) How does Othello convince the Duke that he is innocent of Brabantio’s charge of witchcraft?


(10) (b) Would you agree that Iago treats Roderigo badly in the play? Explain your answer. (10)


(c) In your opinion, does Iago offer any convincing reasons to explain his hatred of Othello? Explain your answer by referring to the text.


(10)


2. Answer ONE of the following: [Each part carries 30 marks] (i) In the final scene of the play, Othello describes himself as ‘one that loved not wisely, but too well’. Do you think this is an accurate description of his behaviour throughout the play? Give reasons for your answer based on your knowledge of the play. OR


(ii) Imagine you were asked to direct a new film based on Shakespeare’s play Othello. Which two actors would you cast in the main roles of Othello and Iago? Explain your choices with reference to the play.


OR


(iii) Othello continues to be one of the most performed and popular of Shakespeare’s plays. Do you think it deserves to remain so popular? Give reasons for your answer by referring to the text and/or your experience of watching the play performed.


Sample Questions B


Answer all of the questions. 1. (a) Explain how Othello becomes convinced that his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with Cassio.


(b) Would you agree that Othello is a victim of racism in the play? Explain your viewpoint by making reference to the play.


(10) (10)


2. ‘Desdemona is a loyal and loving wife.’ Do you agree with this statement? Refer to the text in your answer.


(10)


3. Answer ONE of the following: [Each part carries 30 marks] (i) Based on your reading of the play, write a piece beginning with one of the following statements: – Othello is a fascinating play for a modern audience . . . – Othello is irrelevant to a modern audience . . . OR


(ii) Imagine you are a director. Choose one important moment from Othello and describe how you would show it on stage or on film. Explain your reasons for showing it this way, pointing out the effect you would like it to have on the audience. OR


(iii) At the end of the play Lodovico says of Othello: ‘O thou Othello, thou wert once so good, / Fallen in the practice of a damned slave.’ Do you think this is an accurate description of Othello’s behaviour in the play? Give reasons for your viewpoint. Support your answer with reference to the play.


210


Othello


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