There are a few basic requirements that go with every exam, you show up, write your name on the paper and open the booklet. Heck, my teacher always told us that was point one in the bag!
Whether or not that's true, who knows?
I'm writing this article today to help you see where you are guaranteed to pick up points if you just follow the instructions. Even if you go blank because of exam fear or you get a question you feel underprepared for. If you follow these tips you're sure to pick up basic points.
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
- Thomas A. Edison
Read the Comprehension Questions More Than Once
Cannot emphasise the importance of the statement enough, read the comprehension questions articles more than once, and read the questions.
Why?
It's really simple, the answers are given to you in the text. The word comprehend means to understand, that's all. This question is worth 100 marks just to prove that you understand what you've read.
You will be given several pieces to choose from, you must not answer questions A and B on the same text that's fair enough this is why you read and re-read. This way when you do choose to answer your questions A and B in the different texts you are confident in doing so.
I recommend you completely read the text, and then read the questions. The second time around using a highlighter highlight anything you noticed in the question while you are reading the text again. Re-read the questions, highlight anything in the question you are unsure of whether it's A or B then you know that question is not for you, proceed like this with the following text and do the same thing again.
Most importantly, remember to write something down. Answer any A and B once they're not on the same text. You never lose points by trying, but you do by leaving a blank space. This is about what you understood the text to say so by writing things like my understanding or what I feel or what I think at least you're attempting to answer it and referring to the text you've just read and the question of just read at least getting you some of the marks so always try to answer the question at least you're getting some marks.
There is no Wrong Way to Answer the Composition Section
A lot of people fear this section! But the truth is, there is no wrong way to answer it, honestly, the only thing you can do wrong is to not try at all.
It really helps to have a plan before you commit pen to paper. Your plan doesn't have to be overly complicated, but it should be a rough guide of what points you plan on covering in your story, speech, or article.
This can be a lifesaver if you forget about your most important point or plot twist halfway through your composition and really keeps you focused while you're writing.
I recommend reading the topics and then noting your plan at the back of your answer book. This way if for some unknown reason you don't get to finish the examiner can see where your answer was going. It may just get you that extra point or two.
When it comes to Leaving Cert English it is important you learn where your strength lies early on and you lean into it.
If you're a creative type musical, artistic or imaginative? Maybe stick with the short story route, let your mind juices flow! Just remember, make sure to give your story a beginning, middle and end. Examiners tend to enjoy reading good plot twists if you have time to write one or a moral conflict within a story. 3-6 handwritten pages for a short story is usually standard.
If imagination and creativity terrify you stick to the more structured and formal compositions like a speech or an article. But still, try and make at least 2-3 pages!
Remember if you decide to go for a news or speech style piece give a personal opinion The English examiners absolutely love to see that you have engaged with the real world, and the way to do this is through personal opinion.
You will be rewarded for using phrases like "I believe", "I disagree", and "I can relate to" if you are writing a speech. If you are writing a newspaper piece try "it has been reported", "one local said" and "as stated". This will make your answer stand out from all the rest.
One last thing I'll say is, usually the 7 options you are given to choose from in the composition section will reference the texts read in the comprehension section of paper 1. Don't let this throw you off. In fact, I recommend only reading the question asked of you ignore the part referenced in the text it's only there to elongate the question and see if you're actually paying attention to what is asked of you and that is to write a piece about something here is a sample question:
TEXT 2 is based on a series of edited extracts from the novel, Travelling in a Strange Land.
Write a short story which captures the evolving relationship between two characters – one young and one old – as they travel in a strange land
All you really have to answer is the bold text, a story about an older and younger character as they travel in a strange (new) land.
Again... read and reread the question. If you read and answer what it required, you will pick up points as you go.
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