Merchant of Venice (WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions

Exam code: C720

3 hours5 questions
1a
15 marks

Read the extract and then answer the following question:

Look at how the characters speak and behave here. How do you think an audience might respond to this part of the play? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer.

A script excerpt from Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," featuring a dialogue between Morocco and Portia about choosing from caskets, with themes of gold and deception.
1b
25 marks

Write about Antonio and how he is presented in The Merchant of Venice.

*5 of this question’s marks are allocated for accuracy in spelling, punctuation and the use of vocabulary and sentence structure.

2a
15 marks

Read the extract and then answer the following question:

Look at how the characters speak and behave here. How do you think an audience might respond to this part of the play? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer.

Text from Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice": dialogue between characters Shylock, Portia, and Antonio discussing justice, mercy, and the Venetian law.
2b
25 marks

The Merchant of Venice is a play about the importance of wealth. Write about how Shakespeare presents the importance of wealth at different points in the play. Refer to characters and events from the play in your answer.

*5 of this question’s marks are allocated for accuracy in spelling, punctuation and the use of vocabulary and sentence structures.

3a
15 marks

Read the extract and then answer the following question:

What does this extract show about Portia and Bassanio at this point in the play? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer.

Text from a play featuring Portia expressing devotion and transformation for Bassanio, offering a ring as a token. Bassanio responds with astonishment.
3b
25 marks

The Merchant of Venice is a play about revenge. Write about how Shakespeare presents revenge at different points in the play. Refer to characters and events from the play in your answer.

*5 of this question’s marks are allocated for accuracy in spelling, punctuation and the use of vocabulary and sentence structures.

4a
15 marks

Read the extract and then answer the following question:

Look at how Bassanio and Antonio speak and behave here. What does it reveal about them at this point in the play? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer.

A dialogue excerpt from Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice," featuring characters Bassanio and Antonio discussing love and financial arrangements.
4b
25 marks

‘In The Merchant of Venice appearances can be deceptive.’ Write about some of the times in The Merchant of Venice when appearances are not what they seem and how this theme is presented at different points in the play.

*5 of this question’s marks are allocated for accuracy in spelling, punctuation and the use of vocabulary and sentence structures.

5a
15 marks

Read the extract and then answer the following question:

What does this extract show an audience about Shylock’s thoughts and feelings here? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer.

Text from Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" featuring a dialogue between Salarino and Shylock discussing vengeance and justice.
5b
25 marks

Write about Portia and how she is presented at different points in the play.

*5 of this question’s marks are allocated for accuracy in spelling, punctuation and the use of vocabulary and sentence structures.