There are no two ways about it; The Leaving Cert is one of the scariest and most stressful periods of life.
Having to juggle a minimum of six different subjects for a number of exams that are all to be sat over a two-week period comes with an extensive workload that can be difficult to keep up with.
However, certain things can be done to ensure that your preparations are used optimally. At the very top of that list, you could spend time learning the format of the assessment.
By gaining an understanding of how your test is constructed and the topics that can feature in the assessment, you will rid yourself of any confusion and put yourself in the best position possible to achieve.
Let's face it, you don't have time to spend learning topics that are either unlikely or guaranteed not to feature on your exam. Nor will you have time in the exam hall to spend trying to decipher between what questions you should be answering.
This is something that you should know long in advance of sitting down in the exam hall and only comes with preparation.
By familiarising yourself with the different topics on the English course and the number of marks that each section is worth, you can better target your preparations in the months leading up to the exam.
In this article, I will walk you through the different sections of the assessment, so that you know exactly what you need to cover in order to achieve the grade that you deserve in the subject.
How is the Leaving Cert English Paper Structured?
The Leaving Certificate English exam consists of two papers. Each aims to evaluate your understanding of the subjects and skills covered in the curriculum.
Paper One focuses on comprehension and composition. It includes text excerpts centred around a theme, where you must respond to both Question A and Question B. The test also requires you to select a composition topic from the provided options and write an essay within the given guidelines.
Regardless of the level, the questions aim to assess your ability to categorise pieces accurately, recognise techniques used, and produce writing that, above all else, answers the question that is being asked!
Moving on to the other paper of the assessment, which is generally the most popular among students across the country, focusing on literature revision.
It involves analysing a single text or three different texts for comparison purposes, as well as studying poetry throughout the course.
Are you ready to revise, but aren't sure where to start? Take a peek at a number of ways you can study for the English exam!
What Sections Feature in English Paper One
So, Now that you know that in your test booklet, you will be answering a composition piece as well as reading comprehension. Let's have a look at how these sections will appear on the big day.
The kind of unseen texts that are likely to feature in reading comprehension may include prose, poetry, journalistic pieces or fictional excerpts. You will need to read the text thoroughly and answer questions based on your comprehension.
In this section, you can expect to be asked to interpret the theme that surfaces throughout your reading. It’s not at all uncommon for a question to appear that asks you to evaluate the writer’s use of language.
So make sure to practice looking at how authors employ language to express their messages when you are going about any sample papers, examining imagery, tone, vocabulary and style.
Another question that often works its way into this section is one that evaluates your interpretation abilities, critical thinking capabilities and your capacity to delve deeper into the text.
In Paper 1, you will find a page of prompting sentences that allow you to take your creative writing in a variety of directions. Some of the most common prompts that students typically answer in this section are stories, personal essays or speech topics.
You’ll be glad to hear that you will have a degree of choice in this section, giving you the freedom to choose the composition style that aligns best with your strengths and interests.
Personal essays often prompt individuals to reflect on their experiences, viewpoints or observations of the world. When it comes to speech writing, you are tasked with creating an informative speech focused on an issue, demonstrating your ability to effectively argue a point or present information clearly.
Do you need some more resources that aren't available in class? We have done the work for you, and compiled a list of revision aids for the English leaving cert paper!
What Topics Are Covered on Paper Two?
Paper Two is the paper that you will likely spend more time preparing for since it examines the studied texts that you will explore throughout your education in the classroom.
We know studying can be a stressful time, so the more relaxed you are, the better you will perform.
The Poetry Section
One of the main topics that will be covered throughout the course is poetry. This is something that you will have already been introduced to from the Junior Certificate course, only the required depth of your analysis will be much greater.
At this level, the poetry component is significant, contributing 50 marks to your overall grade. To do well in this part, it's essential to grasp the assigned poets and their literary works.
In order to find out what topics will feature in this section of the test we can look at the featured pool Poets for this year's exam.
With poets like Emily Dickinson, John Donne, Seamus Heaney, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Paula Meehan, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Sylvia Plath and W.B. Yeats making the list, you can make an educated guess on some of the themes which may feature.
If you choose to cover at least five poets, you are guaranteed to have some choice in the assessment. From this selection of poets, you might expect a question on the vivid imagery cast throughout their works, the fondness of any of the Irish poets for the Emerald Isle, or the exploration of death from poets such as Dickenson and Plath.
The Unseen Poetry Question
You will also have to answer questions on a piece of poetry that you are seeing for the very first tine on the day of the exam.
Instead of having knowledge of the poet's personal life and what each of the key quotes means in advance of the exam, you will need to rely on your eye for detail and a deep understanding of the various poetic techniques.
In this part, you will encounter a poem that's new to you and your job is to examine its language, imagery, mood, theme, tone and sensory aspects.
Succeeding in this segment depends on your ability to recognise and interpret the devices employed by the poet and how they contribute to the poem's overall meaning and emotional impact.
The study of English, a core subject in the curriculum, is not only about meeting the basic requirements but also about achieving a level of understanding and appreciation that will be considered for higher-level qualifications, such as diplomas or degrees.
Whether the course is international or follows the Cambridge standard, the goal is to achieve grades that reflect a high level of competency in English language and literature.
The Comparative Section
When preparing for the single text section of the Leaving Cert English exam, students should aim to incorporate a broad range of study techniques that align with the rigorous requirements of this qualification.
This course, integral to securing a higher grade and suitable for applicants to university, demands a deep understanding of language and literature. Engaging with the text at an advanced level is required, applying critical analysis and interpretation skills that go beyond the general standard.
To excel, students should immerse themselves in the subject matter, taking note of how themes are relevant to both the text and the wider world. This approach is considered essential for those applying to courses in English, whether at college or university, where a high score in English is a key requirement.
Applicants should focus on enhancing their comprehension and analytical skills, considering the application of themes, characters, and motifs within the text, and how these elements contribute to the overall narrative and its significance.
In this section, higher-level students are expected to analyse three different texts. This is a lot of content to cover, but it is also generally a favourite of students across the country.
Your school will choose three other texts for comparative study. Higher level students might look at the Shakespeare play under this heading, instead of as a single text. You’ll cover a novel or a memoir, a drama, and a film for comparative study. You’ll be given modes for comparison. Higher level and ordinary level are given different modes.
The Comparative question asks you to draw on your learnings from the classroom and compare and contrast differences and similarities that surface in your revision.
The Department of Education released that the modes of comparison in this year's assessment are: (i) Literary Genre, (ii) Theme or issue, (iii) Cultural Context at Higher-Level, and: (i) Hero, heroine, villain, (ii) Theme, and (iii) Social Setting at Ordinary-Level.
Bear in mind that the question is worth 70 marks! You will have some choice in whether you answer the longer question that will require a single answer with 70 marks, or one that is constructed of three more focused questions that also total the same marks. This means that your answer should be about the same length, regardless of what option you opt for on the day.
The Single Text Section
In the Single Text component of your Paper 2 you will explore a play. While there is some choice in the text that you opt to explore as part of the course, almost every secondary school across the country is teaching Hamlet.
This makes it a safe bet when you consider how this will, of course, be considered when the exam is being constructed.
Questions may center around how women are depicted in the play focusing on characters like Gertrude and Ophelia. You can also bank on a question inquiring about Hamlet's characters and an analysis of techniques used including Hamlet's madness and the integration of supernatural elements.
Your preparation should focus less on understanding the text as a whole and more on understanding it within the scope of the potential questions that appear each year!
We know that this is an important subject, so we've compiled a list of articles that can help! Keep an eye on these articles to see links to other ones! For example, we have a guide to leaving cert English, where we help prepare you for the test before you revise!
Prepare Effectively for all Topics with Superprof
Now that you know what topics are covered in the different sections of the test, you are set up to achieve your academic potential in the subject. Whether it's analysing poetry or writing essays, each section on the syllabus aims to enhance thinking and clear expression.
Getting support from a tutor using Superprof can really enhance your preparation and offload some of that stress. These seasoned teachers customise their lessons to suit your learning style helping you understand the intricacies of challenging topics.
The personalised guidance that comes with working alongside an experienced tutor who has guided students just like yourself through the exam will have you well prepared by the time the exams approach.
The Leaving Cert English exam is a crucial part of your final school year, determining your qualification and suitability for college courses. This assessment covers a wide range of subjects, requiring applicants to demonstrate their proficiency in English language skills.
From Cambridge diplomas to international qualifications, achieving a high grade is essential. Superprof tutors can help you apply advanced study techniques, focusing on relevant topics and ensuring you meet all requirements.
Their insights can boost your overall score, making your application to higher education institutions more competitive.
Whether you’re aiming for a university degree or a diploma, understanding the standard and expected topics will help you excel. Superprof tutors provide the guidance needed to achieve the grades required for your desired course.
Your tutor will help you to tackle any sections that you consider to be a weakness, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus. Superprof tutors also place an emphasis on exam strategies, offering the knowledge and encouragement needed to make the most of your revision time and excel in the assessment.
Still feeling a bit nervous? Fear not, we have found some last minute exam tips that can boost your grades, and fast!
Applicants are encouraged to take a structured approach to their study, focusing on the language, structure, and themes of the text. This involves taking courses or engaging in study sessions that are specifically designed to address the levels of analysis required for the exam.
By doing so, students can ensure they are well-prepared, making their application to further education as strong as possible.
We know this can be a stressful time for students, so we have done a lot of the research for you, so you have one less thing to worry about!
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