“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 with suitable reference to…
Discuss how successfully, in your opinion, Sylvia Plath uses stylistic features in an innovative way to convey both overwhelming wonder and unsettling menace in her work. Develop your response with…
"Hearth Lesson" by Paula Meehan for Leaving Cert English You may also like: Complete Guide to Paula Meehan for Leaving Cert Introduction: The poet speaks about how she is often…
You may also like: D.H. Lawrence for Leaving Cert English Write an introduction to the poetry of D.H. Lawrence for readers new to his work. In your answer you should…
Below is a poem that you can use to practice unseen poetry for English Paper 2. A few hints: look out for the structure (the rhyming scheme and the volta)…
“Seamus Heaney’s poetry moves between earth bound realities and flights of poetic fantasy”. Discuss to what extent you agree or disagree with this view of Heaney’s poetry, supporting your answer…
"Begin" by Brendan KennellyYou may also like: Complete Guide to Leaving Cert English. Summary: a philosophical reflection on starting something new again and again communicated through the description of a morning…
Boland makes effective use of symbols and metaphors to explore personal experiences and deliver penetrating truths about society. (2017) #625Lab Another super long essay from someone very knowledgeable, too knowledgeable…
Montague makes effective use of evocative language to express a profound empathy with others. #625Lab Full notes on John Montague (€) Through my studies of John Montague’s poetry, his statement that his…
The Poetry of D.H. Lawrence – a personal journey. Write a personal response to the poems by D.H. Lawrence on your course. Support your points with reference to the poetry…
“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…
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…
''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…
“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…
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. …
“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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
“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…
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.”…
“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.Elizabeth Bishop's poetry is more…
2011 Higher Level Paper II “Yeats can be a challenging poet to read, both in terms of style and subject matter.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?…
The Lake Isle of Innisfree I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made: Nine bean-rows will I…
You need to use precise quotation in your Leaving Cert Poetry essay Choose the lines you like best from the ones in bold. Have four quotations per poem, minimum. More…
Morning SongLove set you going like a fat gold watch.The midwife slapped your footsoles, and your bald cryTook its place among the elements.Our voices echo, magnifying your arrival. New statue.In…
- 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,…
Sylvia Plath’s poetry is full of her deep doubts and fears which she reveals with startling honesty. Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with reference to both the themes and…
The following question came up on the 2007 Higher Level paper: The poetry of T. S. Eliot – a personal journey. Write a personal response to the poems by T.…
Elizabeth Bishop's poetry is deceptively straightforward and you will have to really try in order to stand out. So here is some material. Elizabeth Bishop, just like Sylvia Plath, has…
Suffering and a vivid imagination are evident in the poetry of Sylvia Plath. Click here for another sample essay for Plath I strongly agree with this statement Plath is a magnificent,…
"Yeats can certainly be called a great Irish poet". Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with reference to both the themes and language found in the poetry of W. B.…
READING THE POETRY OF SYLVIA PLATH CAN BE A DISTURBING EXPERIENCE. Click here to view all Sylvia Plath content Introduction I agree with the above statement as for me reading…
ROBERT FROST'S POETRY APPEALS TO A YOUNG AUDIENCE.IntroductionAs a young person, I feel suitably qualified to address this question. Frost's poetry contains much which would appeal to a young audience.…