Practice questions for the OCR GCSE English Literature (J352) specification, for teaching in England. Every answer is explained, so you can see why the right option is right. It covers the knowledge and reading skills that suit multiple choice; extended writing is not assessed here.
About this practice. Revision Robin is built and maintained by Bloor Engineering Ltd, a UK-registered company. Our GCSE English Literature (OCR) questions are written and reviewed in-house to match the current syllabus, each with a plain-English worked explanation. They are original practice material, not the official exam questions and not affiliated with or endorsed by OCR. Always confirm current test rules, fees and content with the official provider. See our Terms and Privacy.
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Q1. In J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls', which character is the first of the Birling family to show genuine remorse for their actions towards Eva Smith?
A. Eric Birling
B. Arthur Birling
C. Sybil Birling
D. Sheila Birling
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✓ Answer: D. Sheila Birling
Sheila is the first to accept her responsibility, stating, 'I know I'm to blame - and I'm desperately sorry'.
Q2. In J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls', what is the name of the charitable organisation Mrs Birling chairs?
A. The Brumley Women's Suffrage Society
B. The Brumley and District Orphanage Fund
C. The Brumley Women's Charity Organisation
D. The Brumley Parish Council
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✓ Answer: C. The Brumley Women's Charity Organisation
Mrs Birling uses her position on this committee to deny help to Eva Smith, a key event in the play's chain of responsibility.
Q3. Mary Shelley's *Frankenstein* begins and ends with the letters of Robert Walton. What is this literary device, where a main story is enclosed within another story, called?
A. A framing narrative
B. An unreliable narrator
C. A linear plot
D. An epistolary novel
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. A framing narrative
A framing narrative (or frame story) is a structural technique where an introductory story is used to set the stage for a second, main narrative.
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Who has to sit the GCSE English Literature (OCR)
Who needs a GCSE English Literature (OCR)?
GCSE English Literature is not a compulsory qualification in the UK; English Language is compulsory. Most schools teach it, but it is an optional choice.
The real GCSE English Literature (OCR): format
How long is the GCSE English Literature (OCR)?
The real GCSE English Literature (OCR) lasts 240 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What is the GCSE English Literature (OCR) pass mark?
Real exam pass mark: The pass mark is a Grade 4. In June 2026, 47 marks out of 160 were needed for a Grade 4. A Grade 5 required 66 marks. Our mock marks you at 24 out of 40, the threshold we mark against.
What it costs, and what a resit costs
How much does the GCSE English Literature (OCR) cost?
Real exam fee: For private candidates, fees typically range from £120 to £350 per subject, plus centre admin charges. A quoted standard fee is £275 + booking fee. Resit fee: Resit fees are generally the same as a first entry, typically ranging from £120 to £350, plus centre admin charges.
How hard is it
What is the GCSE English Literature (OCR) pass rate?
Real exam first-time pass rate: In June 2026, 84.6% of OCR GCSE English Literature candidates achieved Grade 4 or above.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the GCSE English Literature (OCR)?
Not effectively integrating contextual information into essays.
Using overly long quotations instead of shorter, relevant evidence.
Failing to address the specific focus of the exam questions.
Figures for the real exam from vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com, checked October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the test provider before you book.
GCSE English Literature (OCR): common questions
Frequently asked
How many questions are in the GCSE English Literature (OCR)?
The exam has 40 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 40-question format so your practice matches the real thing.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with OCR.