Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level Exam Tips and Checklist.

Leaving Certificate OrdinaryLevel.2011

Paper 1.

2hours 50 minutes.

- Read the instructions carefully before beginning all questions.

- Allow 10 minutes at the end to read over your work.

- Always keep the marking scheme in mind when answering all questions,(Purpose, Coherence, Language, Mechanics).

Always underline exactly what you are being asked in every question.

Do Not Answer Question A and Question B from the same Text!!!!

Section 1: Comprehending. 50 Marks. Question A.

-Allow 50 minutes for this section.

-Read through all the texts and decide which Question A and Question B you will answer. Remember you cannot answer a question A and question B from the same text.

-When you have chosen your text, read it again, read the questions and re-read the text.

-Underline exactly what you are being asked in the question.

-Re-phrase the question in your answer.

-Make sure you look at the marks awarded for each question and write your answer accordingly.

-Give at least 3 or 4 points per answer and divide your answers in paragraphs.

-For each point you make, you should use a quotation/line from the text to back up your answer.

-Your total answers should be at least 2 pages in length.

Section 1:  Question B. 50 Marks.

-Allow 50 minutes for this section.

-Identify the genre(s) of language you are mainly writing in e.g. information, argument, persuasion, narrative, aesthetic.

-Identify who you are writing for. What is the target audience?

-Underline exactly what you are being asked to do in the question.

-What format do you have to write in, e.g. Letter, diary entry, review, debate, etc?

-Your answer should be at least 2 pages in length.

-Make sure you brainstorm and plan your answer before you begin.

-Make sure you refer back to the question in your answer.

Section 2: Composing. 100 marks.

-Allow an hour for this section.

-Read through all the titles and pick the one you can write the most about.

-Underline what you are being asked to do.

-Decide which genre(s) of language your essay corresponds to.

-Plan your essay. Allow at least 8 Paragraphs.

-Refer to the title in your easy as much as possible.

-Write in the correct format, e.g. short-story, debate etc.

-Allow at least 3 pages of your answer book for this section.

-Try to be original.

Paper 2. 

3 Hours and 20 minutes.

Section 1. Single Text: “How Many Miles to Babylon?, by Jennifer Johnston.

60 Marks.

-Spend 55 minutes on this section.

-You must answer on the novel “How Many Miles to Babylon?” 

-Read the questions carefully and always refer to the questions in your answers.

-Underline what you are being asked to do in the question.

-Be careful to check how many marks are going for each question.

-You will have options in the last question which is the essay question and is usually worth 30 marks.

-Make sure you brainstorm and plan the essay question.

-Make sure you use quotes from the novel to back up your answer.

-Your answers here should be about 3 pages in length.

Section 2: Comparative Study. 70 Marks. 55mins.

“My Sister’s Keeper” ( written by Jodi Picoult) And “Inside I’m Dancing” ( directed by Damien O Donnell).

-Only answer the question on Theme or Relationships.

-Plan your essay very carefully.

-Underline what you are being asked to do in the question.

-Refer to both texts in your answer,

-Compare the texts in Relation to either the theme of “Friendship”, or the relationships in the texts, (Rory and Michael and Anna and Kate). 

-Your question will probably be divided into 2 questions (A and B), make sure you check how many marks are given to each question. Make sure you put “A” or “B” in the margin before you begin the different section in the question.

-Your answer should be 3/4 pages in length.

-Write an introduction and conclusion for your essay.

Section 3: Poetry.  Unseen Poetry. 25 Mins. 20 Marks.

-Read the poem, then read the questions, then read the poem.

-Underline what you are being asked in the question.

-Take note of how many marks are awarded for each question.

-Your answers should cover an entire page of your answer book.

-Make sure you use your poetic vocabulary e.g. image, metaphor, alliteration, simile,  etc.

-Have 3 supporting points per answer and divide each answer into paragraphs.

-Use lines form the poem to back up each point you make.

-Re-phrase the question in each answer.

Prescribed Poetry. 50 Marks. 55 minutes.

-There will be four poems on the exam paper. Answer questions on the one you have studied in class and you know the best.

-Read the question carefully and underline what you are being asked .

 -Use your poetic language in you answer, e.g. personification, Simile, etc.

-Check all four poems and answer on the one you know the best.

-Use lines from the poem to back up your answers.

-Give plenty of supporting points in your answers and re-phrase the question in each answer.

-Check how much each question is worth.

-Your answers should average 2 and half pages.

If you follow my time allocation you should have 10 minutes left. Plenty of time to read over your exam script and make corrections or add extra to your answers.

Pre-Exam Check List.

1. Have I practised answering comprehensions?£

2. Do I know how to write…?

-Short-stories? £

-Reviews? £

-Magazine Articles? £

-Newspaper articles? £

-Formal and informal letters? £

-Reports£

-Dialogue? £

-Interviews? £

-Debates? £

-Speeches? £

-Discursive essays? £

-Descriptive essays? £

3. Can I plan an essay? £

4. Do I know how to write an introduction and conclusion? £

5. Can I quote 10 lines from “How Many Miles to Babylon”? £

6. Do I know a scene very well from “How Many Miles to Babylon”? £

7. Do I know the beginning and ending of “How Many miles to Babylon”? £

8. Can I write a detailed account of at least 4 characters form the novel? £

9. Do I know how to write a Theme and Relationship comparative essay? £

10. Do I know my Comparative texts well? £

11. Do I know key moments from my Texts? £

12. Do I know comparative words to use in my essay? £

13. Do I know all my poetry vocabulary, e.g. Simile, Metaphor? £

14. Do I know how to analyse an unseen poem? £

15. Do I know ALL my poems?

-“Phenomenal Women” Maya Angelou.

-“Going Home to Mayo” Paul Durcan.

-“Daniel’s Duck” Kerry Hardy.

- “When I Set Out For Lyonnesse” Thomas Hardy.

-“A Glimpse of Starlings” Brendan Kennelly.

-“What Were They Like?” Denise Leverotv.

-“Bearhugs” Peter McGough.

-“Meeting Point” Louis McNeice.

-“All Day Long” Noel Monaghan.

-“Anseo” Paul Muldoon.

-“Moonshine” Richard Murphy.

-“The Sun” Mary Oliver

-“Ozymandias” Shelly

-“Jungian Cows” Penelope Shuttle

-“Travelling Through the Dark” Willaim Stafford

-“A Summmer Morning” Richard Wilbur.

15. Am I familiar with the layout of the paper? £       

16. DO I KNOW THAT I AM NOT TO ANSWER A QUESTION A AND QUESTION B FORM THE SAME TEXT? £

Show the examiner how much you know. Do not leave the exam early. Read over your answers. Just remember to write as much as you can. Good luck!!

Leaving Certificate English. Higher Level.Revision Tips.

Leaving Certificate Higher Level. 2013

Paper 1.

2hours 50 minutes.

Read the instructions carefully before beginning all questions.

Allow 10 minutes at the end of the exam to read over your work.

Always keep the marking scheme in mind when answering all questions, Purpose, Coherence, Language, Mehanics.

Always underline exactly what you are being asked in every question.

Do Not Answer Question A and Question B from the same Text!!!!

Section 1: Comprehending. 50 Marks. Question A.

- Allow 50 minutes for this section.

- Read through all the texts and decide which Question A and Question B you will answer. Remember you cannot answer a question A and question B from the same text.

- Underline exactly what you are being asked in every question.

- When you have chosen your text, read it again, read the questions and re-read the text.

- Re-phrase the question in your answer.

- Make sure you look at the marks awarded for each question and write your answer accordingly.

- Give at least 3 or 4 points per answer and divide your answers in paragraphs.

- For each point you make, you should use a quotation/line from the text to back up your answer.

- Your total answers should be at least 3 pages in length.

Section 1:  Question B. 50 Marks.

- Allow 50 minutes for this section.

- Identify who you are writing for (your audience). Who is the target audience?

- What format do you have to write in, e.g. Letter, diary entry, review, debate, etc?

- Your answer should be at least 2 pages in length.

- Underline exactly what you are being asked in the question.

- Make sure you brainstorm and plan your answer before you begin.

- Make sure you refer back to the question in your answer.

Section 2: Composing. 100 marks.

- Allow an hour for this section.

- Read through all the titles and pick the one you can write the most about.

- Underline exactly what you are being asked to do in the question.

- Brainstorm and plan your essay. Allow at least 8 Paragraphs.

- Refer to the title in your easy as much as possible.

- Write in the correct format, e.g. short-story, debate etc.

- Allow at least 4 pages of your answer book for this section.

- Try to be original.

Paper 2. 

3 Hours and 20 minutes.

Section 1. Single Text: “Macbeth”, by William Shakespeare.

60 Marks.

-Spend 55 minutes on this section.

-You must answer on the play “Macbeth”.

- Read the questions carefully and always refer to the questions in your answers.

- Underline exactly what you are being asked in the question.

- Make sure you plan the essay question.

- Make sure you use quotes from the play to back up your answer.

- Your answers here should be about 4 pages in length.

Section 2: Comparative Study. 70 Marks. 55mins.

Film: “Casablanca”

Play : “Sive”

Novel: “How Many Miles to Babylon?”

-You have a choice here; Cultural Context, Literary Genre, Theme or Issue. Do not answer in Literary Genre. Choose the option you understand best.

- Underline exactly what you are being asked in the question.

- Plan your essay very carefully.

- Refer to all 3 texts in your answer,

- One question will probably be divided into 2 questions (A and B), make sure you check how many marks are given to each question. State which part of the question you have now moved on to by putting “A” or “B” in the margin.

- Your answer should be 4 pages in length.

- Write an introduction and conclusion for your essay.

- Quote from your texts where applicable.

- Refer to key moments from texts to support the points you make in relation to the question.

- Read over your essay when finished and correct any mistakes you may have made.

Section 3: Poetry.  Unseen Poetry. 20 Mins. 20 Marks.

- Read the poem, then read the questions, then read the poem.

-Your answers should be at least 2 pages in length.

- Underline exactly what you are being asked in the question.

- Make sure you use your poetic vocabulary e.g. image, metaphor, etc.

- Have 3 supporting points per answer and divide each answer into paragraphs.

- Use lines from the poem to back up each point you make.

- Re-phrase the question in each answer.

- Make sure you check how many marks each question is worth.

Prescribed Poetry. 50 Marks. 55 minutes.

- There will be four questions on the exam paper. 

- Underline exactly what you are being asked in each question.

- Use your poetic language in you answer, e.g. personification, Simile, etc.

- Quote from all six poems in your answer.

- Give plenty of supporting points in your answers and re-phrase the question throughout  your answer.

-Your answers should average 4 pages.

If you follow my time allocation you should have 15 minutes left. Plenty of time to read over your exam script and make corrections or add extra to your answers.

Pre-Exam Check List.

1. Have I practised answering comprehensions?£

2. Am I familiar with the five genres of language on the course:

. Information £

. Persuasion £

. Argument £

. Narrative £

. Aesthetic £

3. Do I know how to write…?

-Short-stories? £

-Reviews? £

-Magazine Articles? £

-Newspaper articles? £

-Formal and informal letters? £

-Reports? £

-Dialogue? £

-Interviews? £

-Debates? £

-Speeches? £

-Guidelines/instructions? £

- Advertisements? £

-Brochure/Leaflet? £

- Text for radio talk? £

3. Can I plan an essay? £

4. Do I know how to write an introduction and conclusion? £

5. Can I write a Theme and General vision and Viewpoint comparative essay? £

6. Do I know my Comparative texts well? £

7. Do I know key moments from my Texts? £

8. Do I know comparative words to use in my essay? £

9. Can I quote 10 lines from “Macbeth”? £

10. Do I know a scene very well from “Macbeth”? £

11. Do I know the beginning and ending of “Macbeth”? £

12. Do I know all my poetry vocabulary, e.g. Simile, Metaphor? £

13. Do I know how to analyse an unseen poem? £

14. Do I know ALL my poets?

- Elizabeth Bishop £

- Mahon £

- Kinsella £

- Plath £

- Rich £

- Wordsworth £

15. Am I familiar with the layout of the paper? £

16. DO I KNOW THAT I AM NOT TO ANSWER A QUESTION A AND QUESTION B FORM THE SAME TEXT? £

Do Not Leave the Exam early!!!!

Just remember to write as much as you can. Good luck!!

Letter Writing.

Letter Writing: Formal and Informal.

Always underline exactly what you are being asked in every question.

- Remember that the structure of your letter is very important. Decide from the beginning is the letter you are required to write informal (to someone you know well) or formal, (to someone you do not know and it is not of a personal nature).

- Read the question carefully and make sure you know exactly who the letter is for and what it is about.

- Always brainstorm your letter and plan what to put into each paragraph.

- As always read over your letter when finished and correct any mistakes you may have made.

Informal letter:

                                                                         24,

Woodbrook Dr

.,

                                                                         Maple Rd.,

                                                                         Gorey,

                                                                         Co. Wexford.

                                                                         

                                                                        12^th October 2011 

Dear Mary,

-You may use an informal tone here, but make sure you are grammatically correct with every word you write. Absolutely no text language and put any slang in inverted commas.

- You may sign off informally, e.g. “Love Sara.”

- Maintain an intimate tone throughout the letter.

Formal letter:

- Remember you do not know this person so keep your tone very professional and your language very formal. Maintain this register throughout the letter.

                                                                         24,

Woodbrook Dr

.,

                                                                         Maple Rd.,

                                                                         Gorey,

                                                                         Co. Wexford.

                                                                         12^th October 2011

Mr. Peter Doyle,

Human Resource Manager,

Tesco,

Bridge Rd.,

Arklow,

Co. Wicklow.

Dear Mr. Doyle,

- Introduce yourself and say why you are writing the letter.

- Expand on why you are writing.

 This may take ¾ paragraphs.

- Say what you want done as a result of this letter.

Yours Sincerely,

_____________

Mary Doyle.

If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to your greeting should be either “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “To whom it may concern,” You should then sign off with “Yours faithfully,”

Writing a Review

Writing a Review.

- Make sure to read the question carefully, what exactly are you being asked to review? E.g. a C.D., a concert, a book, etc.

- Underline exactly what you are being asked to do.

- Decide where the review is to be published and decide on your register, e.g. Is it to feature in a teenage magazine of a broadsheet newspaper?

- Take note of the amount of marks awarded for this question and plan your answer length accordingly.

- You may give a fictional account of a book, film etc, make up any if not all details if you want.

- Brainstorm and plan your answer.

- Give a brief background to what it is you are reviewing.

- If it is a film or novel, summarise the main plot without giving away the ending or any surprise twists in the story.

- Write about the strengths as well as the weaknesses of what it is you are reviewing.

- Recommend an audience who would enjoy the book, film, play, etc.

- Finish with a snappy recommendation e.g. “I give this action-packed movie of the year 10/10”.

- Use descriptive language and superlatives.

- Remember, the person(s) reading this review is doing so in order to ascertain if they will spend their money and time on something, so be honest and open and keep your audience in mind. Be helpful.

- Read over your work and correct any mistakes you may have made.

- Prepare for this question by reading reviews from different sources, e.g. magazines, newspapers, book blurbs, etc. Make a note of vocabulary used by reviewers.