Speech: “Celebrity culture has gone too far” for Leaving Cert English #625Lab
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…
Cultural Context – Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story, Macbeth, The Fault in Our Stars for Leaving Cert English #625Lab
“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…
The secret to writing great essays
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…
Comparative Grid
You can use this table yourself via Google Docs. You can add to it, but PLEASE DON'T DELETE ANYTHING.
Leaving Cert English Comparative – Cultural Context – All My Sons, Foster, Juno
"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…
Leaving Cert English Comparative – General Vision and Viewpoint – Foster and Juno
“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…
Leaving Cert English Comparative – Cultural Context – I’m not Scared, Wuthering Heights
“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…
Leaving Cert Macbeth: Essential Quotations
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…
Leaving Cert English Descriptive Essay: Night Scene
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…
Leaving Cert English Comparative – Theme or Issue – Wuthering Heights, The King’s Speech, The Plough and The Stars #625Lab
"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…
Leaving Cert English Personal Essay: Irishness #625Lab
“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 Opinion Piece #625Lab
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…
Leaving Cert Comparative Study – Theme or Issue – Othello, A Doll’s House and The King’s Speech #625Lab
“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…
Leaving Cert English Question B Article #625Lab
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…
D.H. Lawrence: Suggested Quotations for Leaving Cert
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…
Leaving Cert Composition Article for Serious Publication #625Lab
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…
Leaving Cert English Personal Essay: Pretence and Unvarnished Truth #625Lab
“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 Eavan Boland Sample Essay #625Lab
''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…
Leaving Cert Robert Frost Sample Essays #625Lab
“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…
Leaving Cert English Comparative – Literary Genre – Circle of Friends, The Plough and The Stars and The King’s Speech #625Lab
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…
Leaving Cert English Personal Essay: Useless Clutter #625Lab
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…
Leaving Cert Speech: Social Media is Dangerous #625Lab
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.…
Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin Leaving Cert Sample Essay #625Lab
“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…
Leaving Cert English Comparative – General Vision and Viewpoint – The Fault in Our Stars, Children of Men and 1984 #625Lab
“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…
Leaving Cert English Comparative – General Vision and Viewpoint – Wuthering Heights, Hamlet and Rear Window #625Lab
"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…
D. H. Lawrence for Leaving Cert: Piano
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…
Philip Larkin Full Guide for Leaving Cert English
“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: it’s all between the lines
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…
Leaving Cert English Poetry FAQ
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…
Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin Full Guide for Leaving Cert English
“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. …
Leaving Cert English: Write a descriptive essay based on a variety of glimpsed moments
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
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.
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…
Leaving Cert English Short Story: The Pain of Saying Goodbye
"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…
Elizabeth Bishop: Moments of Discovery & Controlled Writing Style (2.0)
“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…
Hamlet: Corruption, Deception, Dramatic Techniques
“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…
Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin Leaving Cert Notes: Death and Engines
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…
Leaving Cert English Poetry essays: theme by theme or poem by poem?
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…
Descriptive Essays for Leaving Cert
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…
Leaving Cert English John Donne Sample Answer: Physical and Spiritual Aspects of Life
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…
King Lear: List of Essential Quotations for Leaving Cert
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…
Leaving Cert English Comparative – General Vision and Viewpoint – Sample Essay: Foster, Juno and All My Sons
"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 Leaving Cert Essay Structure
“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…
Leaving Cert English: FML ways to lose easy marks, part 1
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.…
Write a personal essay in which you describe a place that you consider beautiful
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…
Leaving Cert English Higher Level Timing
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:…
Hamlet: List of Essential Quotations for Leaving Cert
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…
Comprehension 2016 Sample Answer
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…
Leaving Cert English Comparative Tips
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…
Paper II Single Text Question Tips
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…
Leaving Cert English Graduation Speech Sample Answer
“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…
Comparative – Literary Genre – Sample Essay: 1984, Rear Window, The Song of Achilles
“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…
Leaving Cert English Emily Dickinson Sample Answer: Enduring Appeal and Universal Relevance
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…
Personal Essay: Not all problems are physical
'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…
Why do so few students get high grades in English?
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…
Robert Frost Guide: Insights and Accessible Language
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 Full Guide: Abstract Ideas and Direct Style
“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…
Personal Essay: Moments of Uncertainty
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,…
John Keats: Ode to a Nightingale
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…
Gerard Manley Hopkins Full Notes and Sample Answer: Innovative Style and Fundamental Truths
“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…
Short Story Formula
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
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…
Macbeth Plot Summary
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…
Paper 1 Speech 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…
Eavan Boland Full Guide: Reflective Insights and Precise Use of Language
“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 Full Guide: Startling Imagery In His Exploration of Relationships
“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…
John Donne Leaving Cert Notes: The Dreame
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…
Short Story Sample Answer: Fit the story to the title on exam day
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…
Short Story: a Car Journey
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…
Comparative | Cultural Context | Wuthering Heights, The King’s Speech and The Plough and The Stars
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…
Comparative | General Vision and Viewpoint | Citizen Kane, The Dead and Wuthering Heights
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,…
Comparative | Cutural Context | The Great Gatsby, All My Sons, The King’s Speech
“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…
Philip Larkin: Realities of Ordinary Life and Lyrical Beauty
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…
Hamlet Sample Answer: Claudius
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…
Hamlet: Full Guide for Leaving Cert English 2024
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…
Comparative | Cutural Context | The Great Gatsby, The Plough and the Stars, The King’s Speech
“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…
Speeches and Talks | The Language of Persuasion
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…
Robert Frost: Suggested Quotations
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: The War Horse | Reflective Insights and Precise Use of Language
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 Syllabus
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…
Paul Durcan Full Guide: Rich Insights Into Human Experience
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…
Complete Guide: H1 Leaving Cert English Guide 2020
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…
Paul Durcan: The Girl With The Keys To Pearse’s Cottage
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…
Paul Durcan: Nessa
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: Biographical Detail
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…
Comparative | Literary Genre | The King’s Speech
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…
Paul Durcan: Six Nuns Die in Convent Inferno
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,…
The Poetry Collection: W.B Yeats, Sylvia Plath, T.S. Eliot, Paul Durcan and Elizabeth Bishop
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…
Paul Durcan for Leaving Cert
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…
Leaving Cert English Last Minute Tips
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…
Leaving Cert English Grammar 101
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…
W.B. Yeats Sample Guide: Personal Reflection and Public Commentary
“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…
Elizabeth Bishop: Guide for Leaving Cert English Higher Level
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…
Sylvia Plath Guide: Personal Experience Of Suffering And The Redemptive Power Of Love
“Plath makes effective use of language to explore her personal experiences of suffering and to provide occasional glimpses of the redemptive power of love.” Discuss this statement, supporting your answer…
T.S. Eliot Guide: Troubled Characters In A Disturbing World
The most recent T.S. Eliot question came up on the 2010 Higher Level paper: “The poetry of T.S. Eliot often presents us with troubled characters in a disturbing world.”…
The Great Gatsby Guide: Idealism and Corruption
The following question came up on the 2015 Higher Level paper: “It is possible to be both attracted to the idealism and repelled by the corruption evident in The Great…
Comparative: Theme or Issue
A theme or issue question doesn't vary hugely year on year. The angle is slightly different but the fundamentals remain the same. This came up in 2015:Compare this to 2013…
The Great Gatsby: Intimate and Complex Friendship
Higher Level English 2015 Paper 2“The friendship between Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby is fascinating because it is both intimate and complex.” Discuss this view of the friendship between Carraway…
Hamlet Plot Summary
In order for you to be able to answer a question on Hamlet it is a must to know the plot. You may also like: Hamlet Sample Answer and Notes:…
How to make your Hamlet essay stand out?
This is part of our ongoing Q&A. Send you question in via answer@625points.com, @625points (Twitter and IG) or sc: six25points Hamlet occupies a special place in Shakespeare's work. Talk about the…