Eduqas GCSE English Literature
Eduqas GCSE English Literature Romeo and Juliet Exam Questions
Free Eduqas GCSE English Literature practice questions for Romeo and Juliet. Covers Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo, Juliet, the feud, the Nurse, Friar Laurence, love, conflict, fate and extract analysis.
Romeo and Juliet practice questions
1 pack of exam-style practice questions for Romeo and Juliet. Plan and write as many answers as you can under timed conditions, then compare them with the guidance on this page and your notes.
About Eduqas GCSE English Literature Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is one of the Shakespeare set texts in Component 1, Section A of the Eduqas GCSE in English Literature. Shakespeare's tragedy follows two young lovers from the feuding Montague and Capulet families in Verona. The section has two parts: part (a) asks you to analyse a printed extract, and part (b) asks about a character, relationship or theme across the whole play. It assesses AO1, AO2 and AO4 (spelling, punctuation and grammar); context is not assessed in this section. Part (a) extracts often come from scenes of high emotion, such as the balcony, the fight in Act 3 or Juliet's quarrel with her father.
Key themes, characters and context
- The lovers Romeo's love for Juliet is expressed in religious and light imagery, such as their shared sonnet at the feast. Juliet often appears more practical, asking about marriage.
- Conflict The opening brawl and Act 3 Scene 1, where Mercutio and Tybalt die, show how the feud destroys young lives. Romeo's banishment follows.
- Parents and authority Capulet's fury when Juliet refuses Paris shows his power. The Nurse's advice to marry Paris leaves Juliet alone.
- Fate and haste The Prologue's 'star-cross'd lovers' frames the play; haste and chance, such as the undelivered letter, bring the tragedy.
- Extract skills for part (a) Analyse imagery, contrasts of light and dark, oxymorons, insults, imperatives and how the mood changes. Note who speaks most and why.
Common mistakes in Romeo and Juliet
- Bringing in Elizabethan context in this section. It is not assessed here; focus on language and structure.
- Quoting from across the play in part (a). Keep to the extract.
- Assuming Juliet is passive. She often drives the action, for example in the balcony scene and the potion plan.
- Writing in a rush and ignoring SPaG, which is assessed in this section.
Try three Romeo and Juliet practice questions
1. (a) Read the extract from Act 3 Scene 5. Look at how Lord Capulet speaks and behaves here. What does it reveal about his relationship with Juliet? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer. (15 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would analyse Capulet's insults and threats; his commands; Juliet's pleading; Lady Capulet's coldness; how the extract shows patriarchal power and Juliet's isolation.
2. (b) Write about the Nurse and how she is presented at different points in the play. (25 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would analyse her comic, rambling speech in Act 1; her role as go-between; her grief for Tybalt; her advice to marry Paris; evaluate how her relationship with Juliet changes.
3. (b) Write about how conflict is presented in Romeo and Juliet. (25 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would analyse the opening brawl, Act 3 Scene 1, Capulet and Juliet's quarrel and Romeo's inner conflict; show how violence and love are linked; consider the ending's reconciliation.
Romeo and Juliet FAQs
What does Eduqas GCSE English Literature Romeo and Juliet cover?
It covers Shakespeare's tragedy for the Shakespeare section: Romeo, Juliet, the Nurse, Friar Laurence, Mercutio and Tybalt, and themes of love, conflict, family and fate.
Which component is Romeo and Juliet examined in?
It is in Component 1, Section A (Shakespeare). You answer a two-part question: (a) on a printed extract, worth 15 marks, and (b) an essay on the whole play, worth 25 marks.
Which quotations should I learn for Romeo and Juliet?
Learn short lines such as 'star-cross'd lovers', 'My only love sprung from my only hate', 'A plague o' both your houses' and 'These violent delights have violent ends'.
