Actual 2026 AQA A-level ENGLISH LITERATURE B 7717/1B Paper 1B Question Paper + Mark Scheme

Actual 2026 AQA A-level ENGLISH LITERATURE B 7717/1B Paper 1B Question Paper + Mark Scheme

Section A
Answer one question in this section.
Either
0 1 The Taming of the Shrew – William Shakespeare
Read the extract below and then answer the question.
Explore the significance of this extract in relation to the comedy of the play as a whole.
Remember to include in your answer relevant analysis of Shakespeare’s dramatic
methods.
[25 marks]
BAPTISTA
I have a daughter, sir, called Katherina.
GREMIO
You are too blunt, go to it orderly.
PETRUCHIO
You wrong me, Signor Gremio, give me leave.
I am a gentleman of Verona, sir,
That hearing of her beauty and her wit,
Her affability and bashful modesty,
Her wondrous qualities and mild behaviour,
Am bold to show myself a forward guest
Within your house, to make mine eye the witness
Of that report which I so oft have heard.
And for an entrance to my entertainment
I do present you with a man of mine,
(presenting Hortensio)
Cunning in music and the mathematics,
To instruct her fully in those sciences,
Whereof I know she is not ignorant.
Accept of him, or else you do me wrong.
His name is Licio, born in Mantua.
BAPTISTA
Y’are welcome, sir, and he for your good sake.
But for my daughter Katherine, this I know,
She is not for your turn, the more my grief.
PETRUCHIO
I see you do not mean to part with her,
Or else you like not of my company.
BAPTISTA
Mistake me not, I speak but as I find.
Whence are you, sir? What may I call your name?
PETRUCHIO
Petruchio is my name, Antonio’s son,
A man well known throughout all Italy.