GCSEEnglish LiteratureOCRExam QuestionsModern ProseDNA

DNA (OCR GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions

Exam code: J352

2 hours3 questions
1a
20 marks

DNA by Dennis Kelly and Invincible by Torben Betts

Read the two extracts and then answer both part (a) and part (b).

Case Study

Extract from "DNA" by Dennis Kelly showing a dialogue between Leah and Phil. Leah expresses her intention to leave while Phil butters a waffle.

Case Study

Dialogue between Alan, an army veteran, and Oliver, a government worker, discussing the need for risk and self-respect in life and work.

You should spend about 45 minutes on part (a) and 30 minutes on part (b).

For part (a), you should focus only on the extracts here rather than referring to the rest of your studied text.

Compare how characters feel about their lives in these two extracts. You should consider:

  • the situations and experiences faced by the characters

  • how the characters react to these situations and experiences

  • how language and dramatic features create effects.

How did you do?

1b
20 marks

Explore another moment in DNA where characters worry about something.

How did you do?

2a
20 marks

DNA by Dennis Kelly and Decky Does a Bronco by Douglas Maxwell

Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b).

Case Study

Text from Dennis Kelly's "DNA" where Brian is pressured to speak to police. Characters discuss their fears and Phil insists Brian goes, despite his refusal.
Script excerpt showing a tense dialogue between characters Brian, Phil, Richard, and Danny, discussing drastic measures and seeking urgent help.

Case Study

Text from "Decky Does a Bronco" play extract; dialogue between Barry, David, and Chrissy about a boy named Decky who has run away to join the army.
Three characters, David, Chrissy, and Barry, discuss going to Decky's house. Barry exits with his bike as David and Chrissy talk about joining him.

You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on part a) and 30 minutes on part b).

For part a), you should focus only on the extracts here rather than referring to the rest of your studied text.

Compare the difficulties characters have in facing the truth in these two extracts. You should consider:

  • the situations and experiences faced by the characters

  • how the characters react to these situations and experiences

  • how language and dramatic features create effects.

How did you do?

2b
20 marks

Explore another moment in DNA where characters avoid the truth.

How did you do?

3a
20 marks

DNA by Dennis Kelly and Brixton Stories by Biyi Bandele

Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b).

Case Study

Text from a play extract with characters discussing finding a man. Dialogue includes Danny, Lou, and Leah, referencing the kidnapping of Adam.
Text dialogue showing Leah saying "Right. No", Lou saying "Yes", Leah repeating "No", and Danny responding "Yes".

Case Study

Excerpt from "Brixton Stories" by Biyi Bandele. Dialogue between Ossie and Apha about a joke, Apha’s dad Max, and a shocking revelation.
Script excerpt showing a tense dialogue between Apha and Ossie involving a pistol and a car stop, ending with police lights surrounding them.

You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on part a) and 30 minutes on part b).

For part a), you should focus only on the extracts here rather than referring to the rest of your studied text.

Compare how getting involved in crime is presented in these two extracts. You should consider:

  • the situations and experiences faced by the characters

  • how the characters react to the situations and experiences

  • how language and dramatic features create effects.

How did you do?

3b
20 marks

Explore another moment in DNA where characters are shocked.

How did you do?