Overview

Leaving Cert English is a compulsory subject taken by virtually all students. It is examined at Higher and Ordinary Level. The exam consists of two written papers, each worth 50% of the final grade. An oral presentation component was introduced in some years but the written papers remain the core assessment.

Paper 1 (50%): Language and Composition

Paper 1 tests your reading comprehension and writing skills. It is divided into two sections:

Section I: Reading (40 marks, ~50 min)

Two unseen texts (literary and/or informative)
Questions testing comprehension, vocabulary, style and personal response
One question asks you to compare the two texts

Section II: Composition (60 marks, ~70 min)

Choose one from a range of prompts: personal essay, persuasive speech, article, short story, descriptive writing
Marked on: clarity of purpose, structure, language quality, creativity
Plan your answer carefully: a well-structured essay scores significantly higher

Paper 2 (50%): Poetry and Literature

Paper 2 covers the prescribed texts you study throughout the year. Three sections:

Section I: Poetry (40 marks)

Unseen poem: analyse and respond (20 marks)
Prescribed poetry: answer on a poet you studied: discuss themes, style, imagery (20 marks)

Section II: The Single Text (60 marks)

One full-length play or novel studied in depth
Recent texts have included: Hamlet (Shakespeare), King Lear, The Great Gatsby, A Doll's House, 1984
Answer one question from a choice of three

Section III: The Comparative Study (60 marks)

Three texts studied under comparative modes: Theme/Issue, Literary Genre, General Vision & Viewpoint
Answer one question linking all three texts under a given mode
Typical combinations: novel + play + film, or three novels

Higher Level vs Ordinary Level

Higher Level: More complex texts, longer answers, comparative study required, higher standard of literary analysis expected
Ordinary Level: Shorter texts, simpler vocabulary in prompts, comparative study is optional (or replaced with a single text question)

Exam Strategy Tips

Read the Paper 1 texts carefully: do not rush the comprehension section
For the composition, choose a genre you are comfortable with and stick to it
For poetry, learn key quotes from each poem and practice analysing unseen poems
For the comparative study, write practice essays linking all three texts: this is where most students lose marks
Use the full time allocation: do not finish early without checking your work
Write in paragraphs with clear topic sentences

Prescribed Texts (Sample List)

The SEC issues a prescribed text list each year. Recent and common texts include:

Hamlet: William Shakespeare (Single Text)
The Great Gatsby: F. Scott Fitzgerald (Comparative)
A Doll's House: Henrik Ibsen
1984: George Orwell
Small Things Like These: Claire Keegan
Poetry by: Seamus Heaney, Eavan Boland, Emily Dickinson, Sylvia Plath, Patrick Kavanagh