“In any cultural context, deeply embedded values and attitudes can be difficult to change.” Compare the extent to which the above statement is valid in relation to your understanding of at…
"Write a short story in which a closely guarded secret is gradually revealed"#625LabHow to improve a story? Memorable, defined characters. Make the wife another little bit more smug and annoying. Add a…
“Montague makes effective use of evocative language to express a profound empathy with others.” Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with reference to the poetry of John Montague on your…
“The general vision and viewpoint of a text can be determined by the success or failure of a central character in his/her efforts to achieve fulfilment” (70 marks) #625Lab…
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…
1. Be clear "Don't even start writing till you have decided what the one big thing is going to be, and then say it to yourself in just one…
"The main characters in texts are often in conflict with the world or culture they inhabit" In light of the above statement, compare how the main characters interact with the…
Celebrity culture has gone too far. (2005) Write a speech in which you attempt to persuade an audience that today’s obsession with the lives of the rich and famous has…
“The cultural context within a text often dictates the crises or difficulties faced by characters and their responses to these difficulties.” (a) Discuss to what extent this statement applies to…
Do you want to know a simple free lightning-fast way to improve your English grade? Given the amount of writing you have to do for Leaving Cert English, you may…
You can use this table yourself via Google Docs. You can add to it, but PLEASE DON'T DELETE ANYTHING.
"Understanding of the cultural context of a text adds to our enjoyment of a good narrative." In the light of the above statement write an essay comparing the cultural contexts…
“The general vision and viewpoint is shaped by the reader's feeling of optimism and pessimism in reading the text” The author added a note with her essay: "I mainly struggle…
“The issue of social class is important in shaping our understanding of the cultural context of a text” Compare the importance of social class in shaping your understanding of the…
You may also like: Complete Guide: H1 Leaving Cert English and Macbeth: Full Guide for Leaving Cert English Is this a dagger which I see before me? (Imagery of violence) There's daggers in…
Write a descriptive essay entitled Night Scene. (2017) #625Lab You may also like: Complete Guide to Leaving Cert English (€) Essay 1 Essay 2 Essay 3 Essay 4 Essay 1 The…
"A readers view of a theme or issue can be either changed or reinforced through interaction with texts". Compare the extent to which your understanding of a theme or issue was…
“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…
Write an opinion piece, for publication in a national newspaper, in which you give your views on the extent to which people today rely on the online world as a…
“Some texts leave readers with a largely idealistic impression of a theme or issue, while others leave readers with a more realistic or believable impression of the same theme or…
Write an article for inclusion in your school magazine on the importance of winning the All-Ireland for Mayo on Sunday. (Question B) #625Lab How important is winning the Sam Maguire…
Call Into DeathSince I lost you, my darling, the sky has come near, And I am of it, the small sharp stars are quite near, The white moon going among them…
Write an article for a serious publication in which you consider whether scientists or writers and artists have made, and continue to make, the greater contribution to society. (2017) (100 mark…
“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…
''Boland's reflective insights are expressed through her precise use of language.'' Write your personal response to this statement, supporting your answer with suitable reference to the poetry on your course.This isn't…
“Frost communicates rich insights into human experience using language that is both accessible and appealing.”Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with reference to the poetry of Robert Frost on your…
Write an essay on one or more of the aspects of literary genre which you found most interesting in the texts you have studied on your comparative course. This is…
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 speech for or against the topic 'Social Media is dangerous' to be delivered to your fellow classmates and teachers.This is an essay from a current Leaving Cert student.…
“Ní Chuilleanáin’s demanding subject matter and formidable style can prove challenging.” Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with reference to the poetry of Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin on your course. This…
“Significant events in texts and the impact they have on readers often help to clarify the general vision and viewpoint of those texts”This is a very good essay from a…
"The general vision and viewpoint is shaped by the reader’s feeling of optimism or pessimism in reading the text.’’ In the light of the above statement, compare the general vision…
Summary: the speaker observes a woman singing and it brings back childhood memories for him. The bits in bold are suggested quotations. Note the strict AABB-type rhyming scheme in the…
“Larkin’s poems often reveal moments of sensitivity which lessen the disappointment and cynicism found in much of his work.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? Support your…
Philip Larkin would be an excellent choice if he's on the paper - and there is a good chance he will be. Why is he likely to be on? - He hasn't…
How many quotations should you have in your poetry essay?About 10-25, depending on their length. It's best to look at examples (all H1, all free to read):The poetry of T. S. Eliot – a personal…
“Ní Chuilleanáin’s demanding subject matter and formidable style can prove challenging.” Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with reference to the poetry of Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin on your course. …
Write a descriptive essay based on a variety of glimpsed moments.You may also like: What is a descriptive essay?In an instant the playful breeze had metamorphosed, blowing brisk and blustery.…
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…
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…
"The pain of saying goodbye and moving on". Write a short story based on the above phrase. I awake with a deep pain beneath my left breast. Hunger gnaws at my…
“Moments of discovery and a carefully controlled writing style characterised the poetry of Elizabeth Bishop.” Discuss with reference to the poetry of Elizabeth Bishop on your course. See another answer…
“Throughout the play "Hamlet", Shakespeare makes effective use of a variety of dramatic techniques to evoke a world full of deception and corruption.” Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with…
Death and EnginesYou may also like: Full notes on Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin (€)Summary: the poet wrote this around the time of her father’s death. The premise of the poem is that a…
This is probably the most commonly asked question on our Instagram etc. If you are asking, you should probably go poem by poem. It is simply easier. Virtually all poetry…
What is a descriptive essay? In more familiar terms, a descriptive essay is a mix of - aesthetic (vivid, elaborate, flowery) language like you would find in…
John Donne explores both physical and spiritual aspects of life using skilled logic and wit.Despite the passage of centuries, Donne's poetry continues to engage and challenge readers who come to…
You may also like: Complete Guide: H1 Leaving Cert English and King Lear: Full Guide for Leaving Cert English Which of you shall we say doth love us most? (King…
"Each text we read presents us with an outlook on life that may be bright or dark, or a combination of both brightness and darkness."In light of the above statement,…
“Eavan Boland’s reflective insights offer fresh perspectives on a range of universal themes.”It seems that with all our Snapchat efforts, people are starting to write in shorter, clearer sentences! However, structure…
As you know, we read your typed-up essays for free and give you feedback (via answer at 625points dot com)There is one mistake that people make time and time again.…
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…
This is a regular question for our Instagram Leaving Cert Q&A, so here's the low down, a consensus from people who recently got the H1. You may also like: Complete Guide:…
You may also like: Complete Guide: H1 Leaving Cert English Notes and Sample Answers I am too much in the sun (Hamlet to Claudius) the funeral baked meats did coldly furnish…
Text 1. Question A. (i)Throughout the extract Ray reveals quite a lot about how he is feeling, both emotionally and mentally.From the beginning Ray’s mood seems sombre. He uses dark…
How to allocate your time Using link words General Vision and Viewpoint Cultural Context Writing good introductions for your answers Hamlet The Great Gatsby The King's Speech Leaving…
How to agree and disagree with statements in Paper 2 questions (with examples from King Lear or Hamlet)How to stay relevantThe importance of quotationAvoiding common pitfallsLeaving Cert Sample Answers and…
“But there is hopeful news as well …”You have been elected by your classmates to deliver a speech at your school’s graduation ceremony. Write the text of the speech you…
“Studying a selection of texts helps to highlight how some authors can make more skilful use of the same literary technique than others.” Choose one literary technique common to three texts…
Far from being old fashioned and irrelevant Emily Dickinson’s unique poetic language continues to have both an enduring appeal and universal relevance. Discuss. The poetry of Emily Dickinson is nigh…
'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…
Here is what we've learnt from our own mistakes, reading your essays and the Examiners:1. Use of language:- avoid "fancy" words, especially if you aren't too sure what they mean. Never…
What are some things about Frost’s subject matter and imagery that make him stand out? His poetry is down-to-earth colloquial and traditional at the same time. It is traditional in…
“John Keats presents abstract ideas in a style that is clear and direct.” To what extent do you agree or disagree with this assessment of his poetry? Support your points…
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,…
Summary: the speaker engages in a fantasy escaping his reality inspired by a nightingale. This poem is special. It is one of literature’s most famous lyrical poems, meaning it focuses…
“Hopkins’ innovative style displays his struggle with what he believes to be fundamental truths.” In your opinion, is this a fair assessment of his poetry? Support your answer with suitable…
For those of you who are interested in writing a short story in Paper 1, here is a schematic of what makes a good hero and a good story -…
The Great Gatsby plot summary. Freshen up before you do your essays!You may also like:The Great Gatsby: Intimate and Complex FriendshipThe Great Gatsby Sample Answer & Notes: Idealism and CorruptionComplete…
This post has been archived. You may also like: Full Notes on Macbeth (€) You may also like: Macbeth Sample Answer: Kingship Macbeth Sample Answer: Appearance Versus Reality Macbeth, Sample Answer…
“What seems to be the problem…?”Write the speech you would deliver to a group of world leaders in which you persuade them to deal with one or more of the…
“Boland’s reflective insights are expressed through her precise use of language.” Write your response to this statement, supporting your answer with suitable reference to the poetry on your course. (2011 HL…
“John Donne uses startling imagery and wit in his exploration of relationships.” Give your response to the poetry of John Donne in the light of this statement. Support your points…
The Dreame (Deare love, for nothing less than thee…) From our Complete Guide: H1 Leaving Cert English Dear love, for nothing less than thee Would I have broke this happy…
HL Paper 1 Section C A versatile short story. This story is written in a way that could be altered on exam day to fit into a broad range of…
2016 HL Paper I Section CBased on a student's essayWrite a short story that centres on two characters and a car journeyJoe grimaced as his car slid to a stop…
2014 Higher Level Paper II “The cultural context within a text often dictates the crises or difficulties faced by characters and their responses to these difficulties.” (a) Discuss to what…
2007 Higher Level Paper II ‘The general vision and viewpoint is shaped by the reader’s feelings of optimism or pessimism in reading the text.’ In light of the above statement,…
“The cultural context can have a significant influence on the behaviour of the central character/characters in a text.” Compare the way in which the behaviour of the central characters in…
The 2014 Leaving Cert English Higher Level Paper asked this question:“Larkin is a perceptive observer of the realities of ordinary life in poems that are sometimes illuminated by images of…
2011 HL Paper II Based on a student essay “Claudius can be seen as both a heartless villain and a character with some redeeming qualities in the play, Hamlet”. Discuss…
Contents: Introduction to Leaving Cert single texts Themes Style How to approach the text from the angle of the essay title Sample answer and detailed approach breakdown: a. 2011: “Revenge…
“Deep-seated attitudes and expectations illustrate the possibility or impossibility of social change in texts”. Discuss, comparing all three of the texts that you have studied for your comparative course. You…
Convince! You are representing Ireland in the final of the World Youth Public Speaking Championships. Write a passionate speech in favour of the motion: “Young people should exert their…
The Tuft of FlowersI went to turn the grass once after oneWho mowed it in the dew before the sun.The dew was gone that made his blade so keenBefore I…
Eavan Boland is on the 2017 and 2018 Higher Level English course. She was born in Dublin in 1944 into the family of a diplomat and a painter. Her father, Frederick…
Leaving Cert English Poetry 2019-2022 Leaving Cert English Syllabus 2019Leaving Cert English Syllabus 2019 Leaving Cert English 2019 Complete Notes and Sample Answers Shakespeare: Macbeth Poets: Bishop Plath…
Durcan communicates rich insights into human experience using language that is both accessible and appealing. Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with reference to the poetry of Paul Durcan on your…
View free resources below or buy Complete Guide: H1 Leaving Cert English Guide 2020 €39 Jump to free notes Go to English 2021 guideGo to English 2022 guide 2020 English guide…
The Girl With The Keys To Pearse's CottageSubject matter: Ireland, emigration, a love interestImagery: metaphor, precise descriptions, reference to artWhen I was sixteen I met a dark girl;Her dark hair…
Nessa Subject matter: love, falling in love, developing a relationship Imagery: falling in love is like falling into a whirlpool; direct speech; realistic familiar images I met her on…
Paul Durcan's life is useful to know about when discussing his poetry.Unlike most of the poets you are studying, the man is alive! A native of Dartmouth Square, Dublin 4, he…
Literary GenreA film is always going to have a different impact to that of a novel or a play. There are some unique instruments in a director's toolbox that are…
Six Nuns Die in Convent Inferno[Please note that this poem contains criticism of religious organisations. Any views expressed relate to the poem only.]This refers to a real event. In 1986,…
For Leaving Cert 2016 Higher Level English poetry sample answers as well as a comprehensive overview of how to approach poetry essays, check out our brand new download.It is a…
What to expect on the paperAs per your Twitter requests, we have prepared materials on Paul Durcan. We are not in the business of making predictions, but seeing as how…
Get in exam mode with these tips 1. Stay relevant to the question Look back at the question every 5-10 minutes when you are writing. 2. Reference the key terms of the…
This article tries to strip off excess lingo and present the minimum effective set of rules for Leaving Cert English punctuation.Ten percent of the marks in Higher Level English are…
“Yeats uses evocative language to create poetry that includes both personal reflection and public commentary.” Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with reference to both the themes and language found…
This guide is in its second edition, updated in July 2024. Contents Introduction (quick biography and defining features) Detailed analysis of each poem individually The Fish The Bight The Prodigal…