personal essay leaving cert marking scheme

The Leaving Cert personal essay is a well loved and virtually permanent feature of Paper 1 (here is some evidence ).

It belongs in the 100 marks Composition section, the single biggest chunk of the English exam.

What is the personal essay?

It calls for a confessional, introspective tone.

Do you like the sound of these questions:

• Remember those times when you did not say what you really thought or felt. Why didn’t you? How do you feel about it now?
• How would you feel about a terrible event of your past if it happened today?
• What did you learn about building family relationships based on the experience of your parents and grandparents?

You get the message – this is serious life stuff! The Leaving Cert personal essay may be one of the only times you truly get to be yourself in a standardised exam.

The marking scheme allows us to interpret the term “personal essay”’ liberally, potentially even entirely or partly as personal (first person) narratives.

How to do well in the personal essay?

Reading such an essay, you should get the feeling that you are learning someone’s deeper thoughts and reflections. It shouldn’t feel like an opinion piece in a newspaper.

Even though a certain stream of consciousness quality is usually acceptable with these essays, remember that clarity (the P of PCLM) always gets priority .

By reading the correct and H1 sample essays below, you will learn how much to write, what kind of themes come up again and again and how you may be able to differentiate yourself from the crowd.

‘To live is the rarest thing in the world, most people just exist.’ – Oscar Wilde

Personal essay: pleasures particular to you for Leaving Cert English #625Lab

• Post author: Martina
• Post published: April 18, 2019
• Post category: #625Lab / English / PCLM / Personal essay

Write a personal essay on what you perceive to be the pleasures particular to you. #625Lab. Corrected by an experienced examiner, graded as 83/100 with feedback on how to improve…

Personal essay: a time in your life in which you felt you were treated unfairly for Leaving Cert English #625Lab

• Post published: March 22, 2019

Write a personal essay on a time in your life in which you felt you were treated unfairly. #625Lab. Corrected by an experienced examiner, graded as 79/100 with feedback on…

Personal essay: moments of insight and revelation for Leaving Cert English #625Lab (Divorce)

• Post published: September 23, 2018
• Post category: #625Lab / English / Personal essay

Write a personal essay in which you reflect on moments of insight and revelation you have experienced. (2017) #625Lab. Theme: divorce. Some parts of this essay are outstanding, but it…

Personal Essay: Uncertain about what you want for Leaving Cert English #625Lab

• Post published: April 23, 2018

Write a personal essay in which you reflect on an occasion in your life when you felt uncertain about what you wanted. #625Lab. Wonderfully reflective, revelatory personal essay dealing with loss.…

Personal essay about significant endings for Leaving Cert English #625Lab

• Post published: April 7, 2018

Write a personal essay about your response to an ending, or endings, in your life that you consider significant. (100 marks)   Stellar stuff via #625Lab. If you want to send…

Personal Essay: Moments of Insight and Revelation for Leaving Cert English #625Lab

• Post published: February 25, 2018

Write a personal essay in which you reflect on moments of insight and revelation you have experienced (2017). This is a good attempt at a personal essay showing a lot…

Write a personal essay about one or more moments of uncertainty you have experienced #625Lab

• Post published: February 15, 2018

This essay below is a beautiful exemplar of the genre of personal essay, full of cathartic confessions, teenage going on middle-aged angst and some incredibly deep insights and lessons learnt.…

Personal Essay: Experience of Dramatic Arts for Leaving Cert English #625Lab

• Post published: November 9, 2017

Write a personal essay about your experience (as a performer and/or audience member) of the dramatic arts; plays, musicals, concerts, comedy etc. (2010) You may also like: Complete Guide to…

Leaving Cert English Personal Essay: Irishness #625Lab

• Post published: October 1, 2017
• Post category: #625Lab / English / Personal essay / Too long

“The shoes of Irishness fit me well.” Write a personal essay in which you explore your sense of what it means to be Irish. (2001) This is a good essay…

Leaving Cert English Personal Essay: Pretence and Unvarnished Truth #625Lab

• Post published: September 18, 2017

“Let’s stop all this pretence and tell each other the unvarnished truth for a change.”   Write a personal essay in response to this statement. (2006) This is an essay…

Leaving Cert English Personal Essay: Useless Clutter #625Lab

• Post published: September 10, 2017

The village shops in Sara Baume’s novel contain a “surplus of useless clutter”.  Write a personal essay in which you reflect on the “useless clutter” that is a feature of…

Write a personal essay on the tension you find between the everyday treadmill and the gilded promises of life

• Post published: June 5, 2017
• Post category: English / Personal essay

Write a personal essay on the tension you find between the everyday treadmill and the gilded promises of life. (2013) Themes: social norms, choice, philosophy, religion ‘To live is the…

Leaving Cert English Personal Essay: one or more moments of uncertainty you have experienced.

• Post published: June 4, 2017

Write a personal essay about one or more moments of uncertainty you have experienced. Themes: social disadvantage, divorce, homelessness Note: this is a personal essay, but it has a plot…

Write a personal essay in which you describe a place that you consider beautiful

• Post published: February 1, 2017

Themes: religion, family Please note that we are apolitical. We just like good essays. This came up on the 2008 paper. This essay is on the short side of the…

Personal Essay: Not all problems are physical

• Post published: October 23, 2016

'Not all problems are physical'. Write a personal essay about your response to this statement in light of experiences your life that you consider significant. Themes: mental health, anxiety ‘It is…

Personal Essay: Moments of Uncertainty

• Post published: September 26, 2016

  Write a personal essay about one or more moments of uncertainty you have experienced.  Themes: sexuality, social conflict Candidates may adopt a variety of approaches (serious, humorous, anecdotal, discursive,…

How To Improve Your Grade If Your Teacher Isn’t Giving You Feedback

• Post published: November 3, 2014
• Post category: Durcan / English / Hamlet / Personal essay / Short Story / T.S. Eliot / Video

- How to write a strong introduction- How to craft impactful sentences- Common grammar, syntax and style problems- How to stay relevant to the question- Examples from Hamlet, Personal Essays,…

Leaving Cert Papers, News, Notes, Tips and Resources

Higher Level Papers

2019 Paper 1 2019 Paper 2 2018 Paper 1 2018 Paper 2 2017 Paper 1 2017 Paper 2 2016 Paper 1 2016 Paper 2 2015 Paper 1 2015 Paper 2 2014 Paper 1 2014 Paper 2 2013 Paper 1 2013 Paper 2 2012 Paper 1 2012 Paper 2 2011 Paper 1 2011 Paper 2 2010 Paper 1 2010 Paper 2 2009 Paper 1 2009 Paper 2 2008 Paper 1 2008 Paper 2 2007 Paper 1 2007 Paper 2 2006 Paper 1 2006 Paper 2 2005 Paper 1 2005 Paper 2 2004 Paper 1 2004 Paper 2 2003 Paper 1 2003 Paper 2 2002 Paper 1 2002 Paper 2

Ordinary Level Papers

Higher Level Marking Schemes

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Ordinary Level Marking Schemes

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

3 thoughts on “English”

no english marking schemes?

Excellent help and support for our country’s certificate exams which we are considering a review for. Thank you.

Would request a print out of the 2009 or 2010 exam paper please, for professional work at the Ministry of Secondary Education, Yaounde Cameroon. Thanks.

Comments are closed.

Leaving Cert English Masterplan  by Paul McCormack

In this article, Paul McCormack takes a look at the Leaving Cert Higher Level English papers and breaks down exactly what you need to cover with tips on what to focus on and the depth required. 

Download the Masterplan in PowerPoint

If you want to be a good writer, you need to concentrate not just on what you say, but also on how you say it.

Marking Scheme - PCLM

• Purpose (30%)
• Coherence of Delivery (30%)
• Language (30%)
• Mechanics (10%)

Paper 1 -200 marks

Timing – 2hrs 50mins = 170 mins

• QA – 60 minutes
• QB – 30minutes
• Composition – 70 minutes
• 10 minutes – ‘wriggle-room’

Comprehension – QA  - 50m = 12.5%

• 3 texts – Answer on 1
• 3 Questions: 2x15m + 1x20 marks
• Expectation – 5 marks = 1 paragraph
• NO opening or closing paragraph required

Expect Q(i) to be very straightforward – often a simple character analysis task.

Based on your reading of the written element of TEXT 3, explain three insights you gain into the character of Ariadne O’Neill. Support your response with reference to the text.

Expect Q(iii) to be a style question – vital to prepare and be able to identify the key qualities of different styles of writing: a)    Argument -----> Discursive  b)    Persuasion ----> Speech / talk c)    Story / narrative d)    Description / Aesthetic e)    Personal writing

Expect Q(ii) to be the most challenging . In recent years, these questions have required candidates to be imaginative . These questions often do not require direct reference to the attached Reading Comprehension passage.  

Example: In TEXT 1, Jeanette Winterson claims that, “We go to Shakespeare to find out about ourselves now.” With reference to a Shakespearean play you have studied for your 2019 Leaving Certificate course, identify an image, moment or episode that revealed something to you about “yourselfnow”. Explain the insight(s) you gained from engaging with this image, moment or episode.

Comprehension – QB - 50m = 12.5%

• 3 tasks – Answer on 1
• Pick QB first
• Imaginative tasks – often requires candidate to adopt a persona
• Task usually involves a ‘framework’ instruction, i.e. A speech; a talk; an introduction to a collection of essays; a magazine article / blog post / article for school website; a formal letter; a Diary entry

Questions will also usually contain a list of tasks that must be addressed across the response. The key here is to be:  1)    Accurate 2)    Consistent 3)    Imaginative 4)    Concise  

Example: In TEXT 1, Jeanette Winterson extols the virtues of the arts, arguing that artistic activities are beneficial both for individuals and for society in general. She also gives her views on the relationship between art and money. Write an opinion piece, suitable for publication in a broadsheet newspaper, in which you extol the varied virtues of sport, put forward a reasoned argument to persuade readers that sport benefits both individuals and society, and give your views on the appropriate relationship between sport and money.

Composition – 100m = 25%

• The most important section of the exam
• 7 choices – select one
• Questions always genre-specific
• A personal essay
• A short story
• A discursive essay

There will also likely be an option to write: 

• A descriptive essay
• A persuasive essay
• A magazine / newspaper article

The style of writing is the most important criteria for assessment here. Tasks are genre-specific, so:

• A short story should contain obvious elements of narrative / aesthetic language
• A speech should display an understanding of persuasive and argumentative techniques
• A discursive essay should display a balanced, informed, considered approach
• A personal essay should be reflective and contain ‘individual observation’

The marking schemes very clearly lay out the expectations related to each style of essay and should be studied closely.

The quality of language and expression  will be closely examined in this task above all others. The expectation is that the candidate will display a strong understanding of the particulars of the selected genre and will write in an articulate and clear style.

Imagination and Originality are key factors in a successful composition.

Paper 2 – 200m – 200 minutes.

Time management: take one hour to write each essay, and then spend 20 minutes on Unseen Poetry at the end.

There is an expectation that all answers on Paper 2 will be:

• Substantial (anywhere between 1,000 & 1,200 words is a reasonable expectation)
• Evidence-based. Quotation is vitally important here. There is an absolute expectation of supporting quotation for answers to Single Text and Studied Poetry answers. Quotation also adds to the quality of comparative answers.
• Analytical – the expectation is that answers will contain thoughtful and considered question-facing commentary. All Paper 2 tasks are exercises in CRITICAL THINKING.
• Properly structured.  

Note: In responses to Single Text and Studied Poetry tasks, opening and closing paragraphs certainly should be written . However, they should be brief and only need to accomplish one task – state the candidate’s response to the statement proposal in the question. Every answer on Paper 2 must be written in the language of argument  so provide your THESIS and move on. Closing paragraphs should again be brief and simply re-iterate the thesis. Candidates do not need to ‘list’ points on the OP or CP.

Single Text – 60m = 15%

Five texts are prescribed for study:

• All the Light We Cannot See
• A Doll’s House
• Frankenstein
• The Picture of Dorian Gray
• There will be 2 questions on each text and candidates must answer one question.
• The question will contain multiple elements

Examples: #1 Discuss how Shakespeare makes effective use, for a variety of purposes, of the contradictions and inconsistencies evident in Othello’s character. Develop your discussion with reference to Shakespeare’s play, Othello.

#2 Discuss how Shakespeare’s use of language, including imagery, plays an important part in developing our understanding of one of the following aspects of his play, Othello: themes; characterisation; setting and atmosphere. Develop your answer with reference to the text.

Expectations:

• Answers will be question-facing.
• Answers will not ‘narrate’ the studied text.
• Answers will be thoughtful, and points and evidence will be contextualised in the light of the question.
• Between 4-6 relevant points will be presented in a logical and structured essay.

Othello – Key Topics for Revision:

• The story-arc of the main characters
• The modern appeal 
• Universal themes like corruption and deception are particularly important.

Comparative Three modes are prescribed for study:

• The cultural context
• Theme and issue
• Literary genre

CANDIDATES MUST ANSWER ON ONE MODE.

• Each mode will offer a choice between two questions.
• One choice will be a stand-alone 70-mark essay. 
• In 2021, candidates could refer to 2 texts when answering this question WITHOUT FEAR OF PENALTY.
• The other choice will be divided into Part A (30) marks and Part B (40 marks).
• Candidates are expected to be able to refer to three texts when answering this question.

Expectations: Answers will

• Be written in the comparative spirit
• Display a detailed knowledge of the selected texts
• Avoid paraphrasing / narrating the selected texts.

When writing a Comparative answer, ensure you clearly identify your selected texts before you begin to write. The list technique is a very effective way to do this.

Try to develop 3-4 points in a thoughtful and analytical style. 

Studied Poetry: Poets Prescribed for Higher Level 2022

• Expect to see at least one poet from each category on your exam. 
• 4 poets are usually examined
• In 2021, 5 poets were examined.
• Candidates have to answer on one poet.
• Questions will usually explicitly refer to  a)    The thematic content of a poet’s work b)    Aspects of the poet’s style of writing  
• Candidates should refer to between 4-6 poems in an answer.
• Candidates will focus in on 3-4 core poems and then refer to another 1-2 other poems in context.
• Candidates will not summarise the poems. 
• Candidates will be selective in choice of evidence. 
• You do not have to tell the examiner the story of the poem.  
• The questions will vary in difficulty . Decision-making is a key skill here.
• A good example if this comes from the 2020 Paper 2:

Emily Dickinson  Discuss how Dickinson’s unique approach to language, and the balance between beauty and horror in her imagery, help to relieve some of the darker aspects of her poetry. Develop your response with reference to the poems by Emily Dickinson on your course. 

Adrienne Rich Discuss how Rich makes effective use of a variety of characters, often in dramatic settings, to probe both personal issues and wider social concerns in her poems. Develop your response with reference to the poetry by Adrienne Rich on your course.

One of these questions was much easier than the other...

Finally, some comments from the Chief Examiner that are worth considering...

The Leaving Certificate English Syllabus states that, “Developing control and power over language is the most essential educational achievement for all students if they are to become confident, thoughtful and discriminating adults and citizens”, (Leaving Certificate Syllabus, English, para. 3.5). The importance of key language skills is emphasised throughout the Marking Schemes for Leaving Certificate English and candidates who exhibit competence and control in the use of language are rewarded. It should be remembered that  candidates’ language skills are continuously assessed in the marking of answers to all questions on both Papers 1 and Paper 2 of the Leaving Certificate English examination. The criteria for assessment are applied in the case of every answer at both Higher and Ordinary Levels. This means that candidates who exhibit fluency appropriate to the task are rewarded in relation to every question answered. It is worth noting that some examiners identified candidates who were able to demonstrate knowledge of a text or texts but were less able to deliver this knowledge in a lucid and coherent fashion. 

An appropriate awareness of grammatical and syntactical conventions contributed to the cohesiveness of better answers in the 2013 examination, as did the use of correct spelling and punctuation. Weaker responses tended to be characterised by an inability to organise answers in a logical and coherent fashion and a lack of clear expression. The syllabus requires that, “all students will be expected to be assiduous in their attention to paragraphing, syntax, spelling and punctuation.” 

Candidates at both Higher and Ordinary Levels benefited when they exhibited an ability to structure their writing, organise paragraphs, spell accurately and correctly employ punctuation. 

The criteria for assessment also make explicit reference to the “use of lively interesting phrasing, energy, style and fluency”. It is essential that candidates are aware of the many purposes for which language is used and the diverse forms it can take, to appropriately serve particular purposes and audiences. Creative and thoughtful users of language were rewarded.

Paul McCormack is a senior English teacher at the Institute of Education, Leeson Street, Dublin. He is the author of Bridge The Gap TY English and Uncovering History.

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• Leaving Cert. English (Higher) 2015: Paper 1 Section II Composing
• Back to the question >

Preparation

• Information
• You must write a short story. You can take a variety of approaches but generally all short stories have a beginning, middle and end, have at least one character, and have some sense of tension, climax and resolution.
• Ask yourself questions to create ideas: -    Where? -    What? -    Who? -    Why? -    When? -    How?
• Beware of creating an over-long timeline. You have limited space and time. It would be impossible to cover a character’s entire life in 2-4 A4 pages.
• Try to have just 1-3 main characters.
• You have a long time to write this essay. Re-read quickly what you have written to check it for mistakes.
• Create atmosphere and images for the reader — it will improve your writing.
• You must write a story in which the main character transforms when facing a daunting challenge.
• You will be rewarded for employing some of the conventions of a magazine or newspaper layout, e.g. headline, sub-headings, etc.
• Shape your response in a manner appropriate to the register of a magazine or newspaper.
• Think about the role played by romance in our lives. You might consider some of the following: -    The media's obsession with romance -    The popularity of romance as a genre in film and books -    The transforming power of romance.  
• Try to make your article interesting and entertaining.
• Provide a ‘hook’ at the start of the article to make your reader want to read your piece.
• Be careful with structure. You should have a clear introduction and a firm conclusion.
• Never forget your purpose, audience and language register (appropriate style, vocabulary and tone).
• Use all rhetorical devices at your disposal. Some effective examples include: -    Using rhetorical questions -    Flattering your audience -    Using emotive language, strong anecdotes, strong imagery -    Involving the listener -    Creating a sense of unity with the audience.
• Remember your audience; you are speaking to the United Nations Youth Conference.
• Your task is to provoke thought around the issues you wish to discuss.
• What would you consider to be the defining struggles of our age. You may consider some of the following: -    Global warming -    Poverty -    Globalisation -    The role of technology.
• You must consider both the causes and possible solutions to these problems.  
• This title gives you the opportunity to take a number of different approaches but remember it must be a personal account. Your ideas should be at the heart of the essay.
• A personal essay should have a degree of personal reflection.
• Think about the endings in your life. What was significant? You could consider some of the following: -    End of school -    A friendship -    Death -    A relationship.
• Your essay must be descriptive. Concentrate on creating images and atmosphere for the reader. Consider a multi-sensory approach.
• Think about what Ireland is like today. What would a time-traveller make of it? It is important to decide at this stage if your traveller is from the past or present. This will greatly influence his/her observations.
• Plan this essay carefully. Try to create a fluid piece.
• Try to create a lively and engaging piece for the reader.
• You must write a short story. You can take a variety of approaches but generally, all short stories have a beginning, middle and end, have at least one character, and have some sense of tension, climax and resolution.
• You have a long time to write this essay. Re-read what you have written quickly to check it for mistakes.
• You must include a closely guarded secret and its discovery in your answer.
• This is a discursive essay. You should be able to discuss the issues. If you have no ideas on people's privacy and its challenges in a modern world, then avoid this essay.
• Spend time properly planning your essay. Clarity is key to an effective discursive essay.
• Is privacy important to you? Why?
• How has the modern world compromised our privacy? Consider some of the following: -    Facebook -    Snapchat -    Google Chrome -    How much information can be gleaned about you from your profile? -    Is anything on the net really private? -    Reality T.V. -    Celebrity privacy.
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 This site aims to give students comprehensive resources and actionable tips to improve their English grades in their Leaving Certificate.

Build confidence and take the guesswork out of essay writing ✍️

Find resources for all sections on both Paper One & Two 📝

Gain practical tips for making noticeable improvements in your grade 📈

Understand how to get the most marks for each question 🤔

Learn HOW to write essays instead of rote learning them 🤌

This website is guided by the framework rolled out by the NCCA.

Improve your grade now!

About the author .

My name is Stephen, and I've been an English teacher for the past seven years. 

I believe that students are too quick to search for as many 'notes' as possible full of content that will either overwhelm or confuse them. My approach is to offer students practical methods to tackle every section on Papers One & Two in their Leaving Certificate using strategies and insights that I've implemented in my classes over the years. I try to take much of the guesswork out of English so that students can improve their confidence, comprehension and execution when it comes to their exams in June. 

Teaching English is something I am passionate about, and I hope this website is a reflection of my keen interest in this subject. Feel free to browse, listen to the podcast episodes, find helpful resources and more. You can also contact me with any specific queries you might have at the bottom of the page.

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Question B - FIVE H1 Colour-Coded Examples

Speech Overview / THREE H1 Examples

Personal Essay Overview / THREE H1 examples

W.B Yeats / Prescribed Poet (50-marks/12.5%)

Sylvia Plath / Prescribed Poet (50-marks/12.5%)

Seamus Heaney / Prescribed Poet (50-marks/12.5%)

Prescribed Poetry & Unseen Poetry (50-marks/20-marks)

Question B / 50-Marks

Question A / 50-Mark

Composing / 100-Marks

Single Text Overview / Shakespeare / 60-Mark

Unseen Poetry Overview / 20-mark

Thanks for submitting!

6th year student 

"I found the online resources to be really helpful. English became a lot more straightforward, as it had always been a subject that didn't quite click with me"

"I liked the way the resources weren't all pure notes, like they show you HOW to write the essays. I was only ever given notes by my teacher and told to learn them."

"The resources have the marking scheme on them which definitely helped. The colour coding was probably the best part because I could actually see how to hit on the specific parts of the marking scheme"

English - Higher

This subject will test your creativity and your comprehension of poets, plays and fiction.

In the exam, it is really important to work to the clock and get your timings correct so that you get all questions finished. Pay attention to your vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and handwriting as this all will play a part in how the examiner marks your exam. Finally, don’t forget to study Paper 1 – there is just as much potential for practice and preparation as the studied material on Paper 2.

Higher Level Course Content

• 1 Composition (Personal Writing)
• 1 Reading Comprehension
• Comparative - Cultural Context (2024)
• Comparative - Literary genre (2023/24)
• Comparative - Theme or Issue (2023/24)
• Comparative - Vision & Viewpoint (2023)
• Hamlet (2024)
• Macbeth (2023)
• Othello (2022)
• Poetry - Bishop (2023)
• Poetry - Dickinson (2023)
• Poetry - Donne (2023)
• Poetry - Heaney (2024)
• Poetry - Hopkins (2024)
• Poetry - Kavanagh (2023)
• Poetry - Mahon (2023)
• Poetry - Meehan (2023/24)
• Poetry - Ni Chuilleanain (2024)
• Poetry - Plath (2024)
• Poetry - Rich (2023)
• Poetry - Yeats (2023)
• Text - A Doll's House
• Text - All the Light We Cannot See
• Text - Frankenstein (2023)
• Text - Pride & Prejudice
• Text - Regeneration
• Text - The CrucibleText - The Handmaid's Tale
• Text - The Picture of Dorian Gray (2023)
• Text - Wuthering Heights
• Text- Days Without End
• Unseen Poetry

Ordinary Level Course Content:

• Comparative - Hero, Villain
• Comparative - Relationships
• Comparative - Social Setting
• Comparative - Theme
• Poetry - Brooks (2023)
• Poetry - Bryce (2023)
• Poetry - Dickinson (2022)
• Poetry - Donne
• Poetry - Duffy (2022/23)
• Poetry - Eliot
• Poetry - France (2022/23)
• Poetry - Hughes (2024)
• Poetry - Joseph (2023)
• Poetry - Meehan (2022/23)
• Poetry - Morrissey (2023)
• Poetry - Muldoon (2023)
• Poetry - Ni Chuilleanain
• Poetry - Rich (2022/23)
• Poetry - Shakespeare (2023)
• Poetry - Shelley (2023)
• Poetry - Williams (2024)
• Poetry - Yeats (2023/24)
• Text - All My Sons
• Text - All the Light We Cannot See (2021)
• Text - Frankenstein
• Text - Never Let me Go
• Text - Philadelphia, Here I Come!
• Text - Room
• Text - The Cove (2023)
• Text - The Crucible
• Text - The Handmaid's Tale (2021)
• Text - The Lauras
• Text - The Picture of Dorian Gray
• Text- A Raisin in the Sun (2023)

The English exam is very understandable and approachable. The exam is designed to let you express what you do know rather than catch you out on things you don't know. The exam consists of two papers, for both Higher and Ordinary levels. 

Higher and Ordinary Level - 170 mins (200 marks)

Three texts (one of which is visual) are presented to you on a general theme.  Two sets of questions, an A and a B follow each text. You must answer a Question A on one text and a Question B on a different text.    (100 marks)

Section II 

Composing - you must write an extended composition in a specific genre of language from a list of seven choices (story, talk, debate, article, essay). (100 marks)

Higher and Ordinary Level - 200 mins (200 marks)

    Section I    The single text    (60 marks)

    Section II   The Comparative study  (70 marks)

    Section III  Poetry     (70 marks)

    (i)  Unseen poem   (20 marks) 

    (ii)  Prescribed poetry  (50 marks)

    (i)  Unseen poem   (20 marks)

    (ii)  Four poems will be printed on the exam paper and you must answer questions on one of the four.   (50 marks)

Future Careers with Leaving Certificate English

A pass in English is a requirement for entry into many CAO courses. Students who like English can follow a wide variety of career paths including; Advertising, Writing, Arts, Business, Management, Journalism, Politics, and Entertainment.

Download the  Leaving Cert English Syllabus

Download the Prescribed texts for the 2022 Examination

Download the Prescribed texts for the 2023 Examination

Download the Leaving Cert  English Guidelines for Teachers

Download the Leaving Cert English Chief Examiner's Report  (2013) 

Past Papers

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• Dec 20, 2022

Understanding the Marking Scheme for the Leaving Cert: Tips and Strategies for Success

Updated: Mar 27, 2023

1. Introduction to the Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for the Leaving Cert is an important aspect of the exam process, as it determines how your exams are graded and what grades you will receive. Understanding the marking scheme and how it works can help you feel more confident and prepared for the exam, and it can also give you a better sense of what you need to do to succeed. In this post, we'll explore some tips and strategies for understanding the marking scheme for the Leaving Cert.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Marking Scheme

One of the first steps in understanding the marking scheme for the Leaving Cert is to familiarize yourself with it. This means knowing what types of questions are asked on the exams and how they are graded.

The marking scheme for the Leaving Cert varies depending on the subject, but in general, exams are divided into two or three sections, with each section worth a specific number of marks. For example, an English exam may be divided into two sections, with Section A worth 50 marks and Section B worth 50 marks.

It's a good idea to ask your teacher or school administration for a copy of the marking scheme for your exams, as this will give you a better understanding of how the exams are graded.

3. Understand the Grading Criteria

In addition to understanding how the exams are divided and how many marks each section is worth, it's also important to understand the grading criteria for each exam. This means knowing what types of answers are expected and what types of answers will earn you higher marks.

For example, on an English exam, you may be expected to provide detailed and well-supported answers that demonstrate your understanding of the material. On a math exam, you may be expected to show your work and explain your solutions in order to earn higher marks.

By understanding the grading criteria for your exams, you'll know what you need to do to earn the highest marks possible.

4. Practice with Past Papers

Practicing with past papers is an important part of preparing for the Leaving Cert exams. By working through past papers, you'll get a sense of the types of questions that are asked on the exams and how to approach them. You'll also get a feel for the time pressure, which can be helpful on exam day.

In addition to helping you understand the types of questions that are asked, practicing with past papers can also help you understand the marking scheme and grading criteria for your exams. By reviewing the answers and marking schemes for past papers, you'll get a sense of what types of answers earn high marks and what you need to do to succeed on the exams.

5. Seek Help When Needed

If you're struggling to understand the marking scheme or are having difficulty preparing for the Leaving Cert exams, don't be afraid to seek help. This could mean asking your teacher for clarification, meeting with a tutor, or seeking support from school resources such as a guidance counselor. It's important to address any challenges or issues you're facing as soon as possible, rather than letting them build up and become overwhelming.

6. Conclusion

The marking scheme for the Leaving Cert is an important aspect of the exam process, as it determines how your exams are graded and what grades you will receive. To understand and succeed on the exams, it's important to familiarize yourself with the marking scheme, understand the grading criteria, practice with past papers, and seek help when needed. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to success on the Leaving Cert exams.

7. Are you a Leaving Certificate student looking to improve your grades and reach your full potential?

Look no further! Our grinds service offers personalized tutoring from experienced and qualified teachers. Our tailored approach ensures that you receive the support and guidance you need to excel in your exams and achieve your goals. With our help, you will be well-prepared and confident on the day of your exams. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity – contact us today to learn more and start achieving your dreams!

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The secrets of my success: how to crack Leaving Cert English

Cillian fahy , who got straight as in his leaving cert, made headlines when he sold his exam notes on ebay for €3,000.

CILLIAN FAHY , who got straight As in his Leaving Cert, made headlines when he sold his exam notes on eBay for €3,000. In this continuing series he shares his study experience with readers (for free), today offering advice to fifth- and sixth-year students on Leaving Cert English

Essay and comprehension

Comprehension: can’t understand it?

Little or no preparation required, just sit back and watch the marks accumulate. Wrong! Don’t forget this question counts for a quarter of your entire English mark! Of all questions, don’t let this attitude take hold here. Do plenty of practice comprehensions over the course of the year, starting now.

Here’s how:

1) Remember you need to do question A and question B from different comprehensions. Which one you choose will depend on your choices on the day and which question you are best at. The best way to find this out, like everything else, is practice!

2) Read the questions before you read the comprehensions. This will give you direction when reading.

3) Highlight the areas you think are worth attention and are relevant to the questions you are asked. If you read the comprehension and find nothing to highlight then maybe you need to look again at the questions or at a different comprehension.

4) Keep an eye on your watch. If you keep within the time it should ensure that you focus rather than daydream.

5) Unlike other questions, when you are practising comprehensions keep strictly to the time allocated for this question.

Composition: a matter of choice!

The composition is a question that seems straightforward. It appears as if the examiner is simply allowing you to express yourself for a quarter of your grade. But the key to this question is choice. You need to ensure you make the right choice for your composition.

1) Read first. In the exam it's important that you read the composition questions before you do anything else on the paper. In this way ideas can be fermenting in the back of your mind while you're tackling comprehensions. It's also a good idea to spend a few minutes when you read the titles writing down a brief idea of those that you think may work. You can return to them later and develop them.

2) Decide on your genre as many of the compositions will require a specific style of writing. One of the key factors in making your choice is identifying which style will suit you best. The main options are a debating piece, a personal essay, a short story or a magazine article. The differences are subtle but important. One of the questions you need to ask yourself is: who is my audience? For example, if you are writing an article, you should probably not refer to yourself as your audience is the magazine's readership, who are looking for objectivity. However, if you go for the personal essay you are invited to give your own perspective, so the tone is different. You should be able to write effectively in two of the different types of composition, thus allowing yourself more choice.

3) Plan ahead. You need to be able to plan the composition before you begin, so your creation has a definite direction and sticks to the point. If you cannot plan an answer properly then you shouldn’t attempt it.

4) Think back. Every essay you write this year (and in fifth year) is practice for the big day. You can make that practice more profitable by approaching compositions in a systematic way. I do not mean learning essays off by heart, which is difficult, time-consuming and stifling of creativity. Here’s what I suggest: after each essay write out a brief summary of that particular composition. These summaries can be categorised in your notes under different headings, such as “personal essays on politics” or “magazine articles on modern living”. One of the compositions on the day might be similar to one that you have written previously. You can then use that summary as a basis for your new composition.

Comparative and drama

Comparative: magic moments

The comparative is an important question on paper two. It’s the one with the most marks on offer and one in which you can really do well.

1) Key moments unlock your full potential here. As you study your comparative texts you should mark everywhere and anywhere that could be a key moment in the text. You should compare the effect of a key moment on the cultural context/general vision and viewpoint/themes and issues of the text with that of other key moments in other texts.

Examples of key moments are: when Fr Jack returns to Donegal in Brian Friel’s play, Dancing at Lughnasa; when Michael is murdered in London in Lies of Silence by Brian Moore; and Rory’s death in Inside I’m Dancing, directed by Damien O’Donnell.

2) Quotes can also be used effectively . They are not always necessary but at the same time it's good to have a few to demonstrate your knowledge of the text.

3) Don't summarise. You should never summarise the plot or story in any way. The examiner is interested in more than that. It can often be difficult to resist this, particularly with key moments. But just keep asking yourself, "am I summarising?" and you'll avoid the biggest pitfall in the English exam.

4) Comparisons need to be clear . Use definite contrasting words that spell it out to the examiner that this is a comparison. This is what they are looking for and you need to make it obvious for them. If in doubt about whether you are being clear enough, then try to make it clearer. Leave nothing to doubt here.

Single text: so it's Shakespeare, so what? The single-text question or, for most people, "the Shakespeare question" is one that candidates lose sleep over. But when you break it down it's not as tough as you think.

1) Rewrite the question. English is all about purpose, so you need to answer the question asked – and only that question. This requires you to understand fully what you are being asked. The best way to do this is to rewrite the question in your own English. This is particularly useful for a Shakespeare question.

Examples of rewriting a question:

(i) In your opinion, what is the appeal of the play Hamlet for a 21st-century audience? Support the points you make by reference to the text. (Leaving Certificate 2005)

Rewrite: Do I think that Hamlet is attractive to people today? What subjects are attractive to today’s audience? What parts of the play talk about those subjects?

(ii) “We admire Hamlet as much for his weaknesses as for his strengths.” Write a response to this view of the character of Hamlet, supporting your points by reference to the text. (Leaving Certificate 2005)

Rewrite: Do I like Hamlet because of his weak points as well as his strong points? Do I like him as much because of both? Where in the play is he weak? Where is he strong?

2) Be clear about the plot. A test to see how well you understand your Shakespeare is to write out the sequence of the text. This will ensure that events are clear in your mind and you can start looking at Hamlet like any other play. If you can't do this, you need to revisit it.

3) Learn "multi-quotes". It's all in the quotes in the Shakespeare question. You will need to learn a large chunk of them. However, rather than learning the entire play word for word, focus on learning quotes which could work in many answers. These "multi-quotes" should be all you need to construct a quality answer.

Examples of Hamlet multi-quotes:

(i) “A little more than kin, and less than kind.” This can be used to describe: Hamlet’s mindset; Hamlet’s relationship with Claudius; Claudius himself; and family as a theme.

(ii) “When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions.”

This quote can be used to describe: whether or not the play is positive/negative overall; Hamlet’s outlook on life; any negative characters/events in the play; and whether or not the play is entertaining.

4) Develop your style. Right now you shouldn't be able to write a great Shakespeare answer. Why? Because you are still perfecting a style. This is something you will develop over time, and by June you should feel comfortable with it. One of the key elements of your style is presenting an answer. Ask yourself now if you are presenting your answer in the best way and using quotes to their best effect. The only way to know which is best is to practise exam questions!

5) Use no added extras. Here, more than in any other question, you need to write only what is relevant to the answer. Purpose is a key part of the marking scheme. Your answers needs to have answered the questions you were asked. Although you might think throwing in extra information, relevant or otherwise, will get you extra marks, it won't. You're more likely to lose marks because you are not answering the question exactly. Don't write a different answer to a different question, no matter how good your answer.

6) Use originality wisely . In English you are allowed to write what you like as long as you are willing to back it up with quotes and logic. Your own interpretation of a text is just as relevant as any other interpretation. You should be brave enough to offer your own viewpoint, but you shouldn't always look for an original outlook when the agreed view is best. If you are looking for resources that may offer a different interpretation the internet is a good start. Also, Trinity College Dublin runs a weekly evening lecture series on selected Leaving Certificate texts. See if your local university has something similar on offer. But don't take your textbooks for granted as sometimes the best answer is there.

The personal touch

For a lot of people the poetry question can be tough. Students believe that poetry is some form of mishmash of complicated words and poetic terms. But it shouldn’t be. With the right strategy the poetry question can be manageable.

1) Be personal. Show the examiner how you have interacted with the work of a poet. Mention personal things about your life and how it has made you think about these. For example, a parent-child theme might make you reflect on the relationship between your own parents and how that is changing as you grow older. There's no need to go into too much detail but personal examples will show that you have engaged with the poetry on a meaningful level and not just learned it off. Despite all the talk about the Leaving Cert and rote learning, examiners do look for a personal response, in the right context, on the English paper. It will set you apart if you take on the challenge.

2) Know whether to write your paragraphs poem by poem or theme by theme . Focusing on themes generally leads to better-rounded answers because they demonstrate your ability to think about the work as a whole, but sometimes you may be required to answer poem by poem. Look closely at the question you're asked in the exam to ensure that the question doesn't imply that you should write in a certain way.

3) Resist "Eavan Boland syndrome" . The strategy of large numbers of students who put their eggs in one basket and only learn one poet has failed over and over again. There are no patterns and no surefire predictions. You need to know the work of five poets to ensure that one of them is on the paper. Learning about fewer than that is not a good plan. Even if the predicted poet comes up on the paper, the question you are asked might be extremely difficult.

4) Don't forget the unseen poetry . Although it is worth a small amount of marks in relative terms, this section of the paper can still make that difference. At first you will find answering these questions difficult. Practice is the key. You should regularly practise writing about poetry you haven't seen before. That way, even if you feel stuck on the day you will know how to look at the poem and break it down.

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