how to write a speech leaving cert

Leaving Cert English Masterplan  by Paul McCormack

In this article, Paul McCormack takes a look at the Leaving Cert Higher Level English papers and breaks down exactly what you need to cover with tips on what to focus on and the depth required. 

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If you want to be a good writer, you need to concentrate not just on what you say, but also on how you say it.

Marking Scheme - PCLM

• Purpose (30%)
• Coherence of Delivery (30%)
• Language (30%)
• Mechanics (10%)

Paper 1 -200 marks

Timing – 2hrs 50mins = 170 mins

• QA – 60 minutes
• QB – 30minutes
• Composition – 70 minutes
• 10 minutes – ‘wriggle-room’

Comprehension – QA  - 50m = 12.5%

• 3 texts – Answer on 1
• 3 Questions: 2x15m + 1x20 marks
• Expectation – 5 marks = 1 paragraph
• NO opening or closing paragraph required

Expect Q(i) to be very straightforward – often a simple character analysis task.

Based on your reading of the written element of TEXT 3, explain three insights you gain into the character of Ariadne O’Neill. Support your response with reference to the text.

Expect Q(iii) to be a style question – vital to prepare and be able to identify the key qualities of different styles of writing: a)    Argument -----> Discursive  b)    Persuasion ----> Speech / talk c)    Story / narrative d)    Description / Aesthetic e)    Personal writing

Expect Q(ii) to be the most challenging . In recent years, these questions have required candidates to be imaginative . These questions often do not require direct reference to the attached Reading Comprehension passage.  

Example: In TEXT 1, Jeanette Winterson claims that, “We go to Shakespeare to find out about ourselves now.” With reference to a Shakespearean play you have studied for your 2019 Leaving Certificate course, identify an image, moment or episode that revealed something to you about “yourselfnow”. Explain the insight(s) you gained from engaging with this image, moment or episode.

Comprehension – QB - 50m = 12.5%

• 3 tasks – Answer on 1
• Pick QB first
• Imaginative tasks – often requires candidate to adopt a persona
• Task usually involves a ‘framework’ instruction, i.e. A speech; a talk; an introduction to a collection of essays; a magazine article / blog post / article for school website; a formal letter; a Diary entry

Questions will also usually contain a list of tasks that must be addressed across the response. The key here is to be:  1)    Accurate 2)    Consistent 3)    Imaginative 4)    Concise  

Example: In TEXT 1, Jeanette Winterson extols the virtues of the arts, arguing that artistic activities are beneficial both for individuals and for society in general. She also gives her views on the relationship between art and money. Write an opinion piece, suitable for publication in a broadsheet newspaper, in which you extol the varied virtues of sport, put forward a reasoned argument to persuade readers that sport benefits both individuals and society, and give your views on the appropriate relationship between sport and money.

Composition – 100m = 25%

• The most important section of the exam
• 7 choices – select one
• Questions always genre-specific
• A personal essay
• A short story
• A discursive essay

There will also likely be an option to write: 

• A descriptive essay
• A persuasive essay
• A magazine / newspaper article

The style of writing is the most important criteria for assessment here. Tasks are genre-specific, so:

• A short story should contain obvious elements of narrative / aesthetic language
• A speech should display an understanding of persuasive and argumentative techniques
• A discursive essay should display a balanced, informed, considered approach
• A personal essay should be reflective and contain ‘individual observation’

The marking schemes very clearly lay out the expectations related to each style of essay and should be studied closely.

The quality of language and expression  will be closely examined in this task above all others. The expectation is that the candidate will display a strong understanding of the particulars of the selected genre and will write in an articulate and clear style.

Imagination and Originality are key factors in a successful composition.

Paper 2 – 200m – 200 minutes.

Time management: take one hour to write each essay, and then spend 20 minutes on Unseen Poetry at the end.

There is an expectation that all answers on Paper 2 will be:

• Substantial (anywhere between 1,000 & 1,200 words is a reasonable expectation)
• Evidence-based. Quotation is vitally important here. There is an absolute expectation of supporting quotation for answers to Single Text and Studied Poetry answers. Quotation also adds to the quality of comparative answers.
• Analytical – the expectation is that answers will contain thoughtful and considered question-facing commentary. All Paper 2 tasks are exercises in CRITICAL THINKING.
• Properly structured.  

Note: In responses to Single Text and Studied Poetry tasks, opening and closing paragraphs certainly should be written . However, they should be brief and only need to accomplish one task – state the candidate’s response to the statement proposal in the question. Every answer on Paper 2 must be written in the language of argument  so provide your THESIS and move on. Closing paragraphs should again be brief and simply re-iterate the thesis. Candidates do not need to ‘list’ points on the OP or CP.

Single Text – 60m = 15%

Five texts are prescribed for study:

• All the Light We Cannot See
• A Doll’s House
• Frankenstein
• The Picture of Dorian Gray
• There will be 2 questions on each text and candidates must answer one question.
• The question will contain multiple elements

Examples: #1 Discuss how Shakespeare makes effective use, for a variety of purposes, of the contradictions and inconsistencies evident in Othello’s character. Develop your discussion with reference to Shakespeare’s play, Othello.

#2 Discuss how Shakespeare’s use of language, including imagery, plays an important part in developing our understanding of one of the following aspects of his play, Othello: themes; characterisation; setting and atmosphere. Develop your answer with reference to the text.

Expectations:

• Answers will be question-facing.
• Answers will not ‘narrate’ the studied text.
• Answers will be thoughtful, and points and evidence will be contextualised in the light of the question.
• Between 4-6 relevant points will be presented in a logical and structured essay.

Othello – Key Topics for Revision:

• The story-arc of the main characters
• The modern appeal 
• Universal themes like corruption and deception are particularly important.

Comparative Three modes are prescribed for study:

• The cultural context
• Theme and issue
• Literary genre

CANDIDATES MUST ANSWER ON ONE MODE.

• Each mode will offer a choice between two questions.
• One choice will be a stand-alone 70-mark essay. 
• In 2021, candidates could refer to 2 texts when answering this question WITHOUT FEAR OF PENALTY.
• The other choice will be divided into Part A (30) marks and Part B (40 marks).
• Candidates are expected to be able to refer to three texts when answering this question.

Expectations: Answers will

• Be written in the comparative spirit
• Display a detailed knowledge of the selected texts
• Avoid paraphrasing / narrating the selected texts.

When writing a Comparative answer, ensure you clearly identify your selected texts before you begin to write. The list technique is a very effective way to do this.

Try to develop 3-4 points in a thoughtful and analytical style. 

Studied Poetry: Poets Prescribed for Higher Level 2022

• Expect to see at least one poet from each category on your exam. 
• 4 poets are usually examined
• In 2021, 5 poets were examined.
• Candidates have to answer on one poet.
• Questions will usually explicitly refer to  a)    The thematic content of a poet’s work b)    Aspects of the poet’s style of writing  
• Candidates should refer to between 4-6 poems in an answer.
• Candidates will focus in on 3-4 core poems and then refer to another 1-2 other poems in context.
• Candidates will not summarise the poems. 
• Candidates will be selective in choice of evidence. 
• You do not have to tell the examiner the story of the poem.  
• The questions will vary in difficulty . Decision-making is a key skill here.
• A good example if this comes from the 2020 Paper 2:

Emily Dickinson  Discuss how Dickinson’s unique approach to language, and the balance between beauty and horror in her imagery, help to relieve some of the darker aspects of her poetry. Develop your response with reference to the poems by Emily Dickinson on your course. 

Adrienne Rich Discuss how Rich makes effective use of a variety of characters, often in dramatic settings, to probe both personal issues and wider social concerns in her poems. Develop your response with reference to the poetry by Adrienne Rich on your course.

One of these questions was much easier than the other...

Finally, some comments from the Chief Examiner that are worth considering...

The Leaving Certificate English Syllabus states that, “Developing control and power over language is the most essential educational achievement for all students if they are to become confident, thoughtful and discriminating adults and citizens”, (Leaving Certificate Syllabus, English, para. 3.5). The importance of key language skills is emphasised throughout the Marking Schemes for Leaving Certificate English and candidates who exhibit competence and control in the use of language are rewarded. It should be remembered that  candidates’ language skills are continuously assessed in the marking of answers to all questions on both Papers 1 and Paper 2 of the Leaving Certificate English examination. The criteria for assessment are applied in the case of every answer at both Higher and Ordinary Levels. This means that candidates who exhibit fluency appropriate to the task are rewarded in relation to every question answered. It is worth noting that some examiners identified candidates who were able to demonstrate knowledge of a text or texts but were less able to deliver this knowledge in a lucid and coherent fashion. 

An appropriate awareness of grammatical and syntactical conventions contributed to the cohesiveness of better answers in the 2013 examination, as did the use of correct spelling and punctuation. Weaker responses tended to be characterised by an inability to organise answers in a logical and coherent fashion and a lack of clear expression. The syllabus requires that, “all students will be expected to be assiduous in their attention to paragraphing, syntax, spelling and punctuation.” 

Candidates at both Higher and Ordinary Levels benefited when they exhibited an ability to structure their writing, organise paragraphs, spell accurately and correctly employ punctuation. 

The criteria for assessment also make explicit reference to the “use of lively interesting phrasing, energy, style and fluency”. It is essential that candidates are aware of the many purposes for which language is used and the diverse forms it can take, to appropriately serve particular purposes and audiences. Creative and thoughtful users of language were rewarded.

Paul McCormack is a senior English teacher at the Institute of Education, Leeson Street, Dublin. He is the author of Bridge The Gap TY English and Uncovering History.

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Complete Guide: H1 Leaving Cert English 202 4

Leaving Cert English 2024 notes, sample essays, text analysis, examiners’ advice, video – it’s all in there. Contents:

Essentials Paper I

Section I Section II Quotations in essays Speech/Talk/The Language of Persuasion Article / Opinion piece / Discursive Essay / Language of argument Report/The language of information Personal essay Letter – Letter to the Editor – Personal letter Descriptive essay Short story

Introduction Themes Style Detailed breakdown of essay on revenge Sample essays “Revenge and justice are finely balanced themes in the play, Hamlet.” Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with suitable reference to the text. “Hamlet’s madness, whether genuine or not, adds to the fascination of this character for the audience.” Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with suitable reference to the play, Hamlet. ”Cladius can be seen as both a heartless villain and a character with some redeeming qualities in the play, Hamlet.” Discuss both aspects of this statement supporting your answer with suitable reference to the text. “The portrayal of Hamlet as an outsider allows Shakespeare to critique the values of society.” “Uncertainty, which features constantly in Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, adds significantly to the dramatic impact of the play”. Discuss how Shakespeare makes effective use, for a variety of purposes, of the contradictions and inconsistencies evident in Hamlet’s character. Develop your discussion with reference to Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. Short notes on 2017 questions “Shakespeare’s play Hamlet has been described as “a disturbing psychological thriller.” “Shakespeare makes effective use of both Laertes and Horatio to fulfil a variety of dramatic functions in his play, Hamlet.”

Frankenstein

Themes Style Quotations Characters Key question Sample essay: “The consequences of Victor Frankenstein’s passion for scientific knowledge and experimentation in Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, are both fascinating and disturbing.” (2022) Sample essay: “Is the Creature a child? Discuss the idea of parenthood and childhood in relation to Frankenstein.” Sample essay: Discuss the role of Robert Walton in Frankenstein. Consider Walton’s contribution to the themes and style of the novel. Sample essay: Discuss the importance of companionship in shaping the reader’s understanding of the characters and the events of Frankenstein. Sample essay: Discuss the narrative purposes served by Mary Shelley’s inclusion of letters between various characters throughout her novel, Frankenstein. (2022) Sample essay: Discuss how the use of imagery and symbolism plays an important part in the themes of Frankenstein.

Comparative

General guidance Individual texts Link words Cultural Context Theme or Issue Literary Genre Comparisons: making a table (examples Educated, Never Let Me Go , Ladybird , Frankenstein, Rebecca, The Shawshank Redemption, Pride and Prejudice, Knives Out, Where the Crawdads Sing, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Macbeth, Room , Casablanca)

Unseen poetry

General guidance Sample answer

Prescribed poetry

General guidance

Emily Dickinson

Introduction Detailed analysis of each poem individually “Hope” is the thing with feathers There’s a certain Slant of light I felt a Funeral, in my Brain A Bird came down the Walk I heard a Fly buzz – when I died The Soul has Bandaged moments I could bring You Jewels – had I a mind to A narrow Fellow in the Grass I taste a liquor never brewed After great pain, a formal feeling comes Sample essay : “Dickinson’s use of an innovative style to explore intense experiences can both intrigue and confuse.” Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with reference to the poetry of Emily Dickinson on your course.

Introduction Detailed analysis of each poem individually The Sunne Rising Song: Go, and catch a falling star The Anniversarie Song: Sweetest love, I do not goe The Dreame (Deare love, for nothing less than thee. ..) A Valediction Forbidding Mourning The Flea Batter my heart At the round earth’s imagined corners Thou hast made me Sample essay: “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 with the aid of suitable reference to the poems you have studied.

Seamus Heaney

Introduction Detailed analysis of each poem individually The Forge Bogland The Tollund Man Mossbawn: Two Poems in Dedication (1) Sunlight A Constable Calls The Skunk The Harvest Bow The Underground Postscript A Call Tate’s Avenue The Pitchfork Lightenings VIII. (The annals say…) Sample essay: “Heaney’s poetry explores ordinary life and people through language that is anything but ordinary.” Support your points with reference to the poetry on your course.

Gerard Manley Hopkins

Introduction Detailed analysis of each poem individually God’s Grandeur Spring As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame The Windhover Pied Beauty Felix Randal Inversnaid I wake and feel the fell of dark, not day No worst there is none. Pitched past pitch of grief Thou art indeed just, Lord, if I contend Sample essay: “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 reference to the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins on your course. (2013)

Paula Meehan

Introduction Detailed analysis of each poem individually Buying Winkles The Pattern The Statue of Virgin Mary at Granard Speaks Cora, Auntie The Exact Moment I Became a Poet My Father Perceived as a Vision of St. Francis Prayer for the Children of Longing Death of a Field Them Ducks Died for Ireland Sample essay: “Meehan’s poetry communicates powerful feelings through thought-provoking images and symbols.” Write your response to this statement with reference to the poems by Paula Meehan on your course.

Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin

Introduction Detailed analysis of each poem individually Lucina Schynning in Silence of the Nicht The Second Voyage Deaths and Engines Street Fireman’s Lift All for You Following Kilcash Translation The Bend in the Road On Lacking the Killer Instinct To Niall Woods and Xenya Ostrovskaia, married in Dublin on 9 September 2009 Sample essay: “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.

Sylvia Plath

Introduction Detailed analysis of each poem individually Black Rook in Rainy Weather The Times are Tidy Morning Song Finisterre Mirror Pheasant Elm Poppies in July The Arrival of the Bee Box Child Sample essay : “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 with reference to both the themes and language found in the poetry of Sylvia Plath on your course.

Introduction Detailed analysis of each poem individually The Wild Swans at Coole The Lake Isle of Innisfree Sailing to Byzantium September 1913 An Irish Airman Foresees His Death Easter 1916 Stare’s Nest by My Window The Second Coming In Memory of Eva Gore-Booth and Con Markiewicz Swift’s Epitaph An Acre of Grass from Under Ben Bulben: V and VI Politics Sample essay : “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 in the poetry of W. B. Yeats on your course.

This guide aims to replace a revision course for 2024. Everything is in one place. We know how hard it can be, and it is our passion to make it easier for the students who come after us. Our team, composed of people who got 625+ points, distilled our own best notes, past paper answers and tips on each part of the course – so that you don’t have to fight these battles on your own or reinvent the wheel. Whether you want 625 points, or to simply maximise your points, the Leaving Cert English 2024 guide will – guaranteed – have useful insights to make your life easier.

This Leaving Cert English 2024 guide is especially useful if:

✔ you are stuck at a given grade despite all your effort

✔ your teacher’s approach isn’t perfect for you

✔ you don’t know what to do to improve

✔ you are counting English for points

You will get:

✔access to the key Leaving Cert English skills video

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✔priority access for Leaving Cert study advice. Email [email protected] with your query

✔notes as detailed above (424 pages, or 130 thousand words)

What does the guide  not  cover ?

The guide has a wealth of useful information. As the syllabus required each student to choose from over 40 individual texts and over 50 poems it was neither required, nor feasible to cover everything. 

Does it come in the post? It’s a download, so there’s no need to wait for the postman. You automatically get a download link straight into your email inbox. If you run into any problems with the download, we will sort you out – simply reply to the email you get from us.

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Yes. All notes are printable.

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Language of Persuasion

Persuasion = ♥ Argument = ☺

Examples: Advertisements, competition entries, sermons, inspirational speeches.

Comprehensions – sample question

“ In your opinion, does the writer succeed in persuading us that… ”

“ Identify four features of persuasive writing used in this passage and comment on their effectiveness ”

Look for the following features / techniques:

Vivid imagery (adjectives/similes/metaphors/symbolism)

Emotive dramatic language / sensationalism

Humour / wit

‘ Expert’ reports / Scientific language

Urgent references to time

Rhetorical questions

Emphatic words

Use of ‘I’ / ‘we’ / ‘our’ to connect to the reader or audience

Repetition of key phrases

Reference to ‘big ideas’ – God / justice / truth / right / wrong / future generations.

Question B – sample questions

The above text is based on a series of public lectures delivered by various writers on the topic of influence. Young people today are subject to many influences. Write the text of a talk you would deliver to your class in which you consider some of the positive and negative influences on young people’s lives today and how they respond to these influences.

Your class had decided to produce a book about “un-heroic” or ordinary people as a fund-raiser for a local charity. Write the text for the introduction of this book, in which you explain the purpose of the book and why your class thinks it is important to celebrate ordinary people.

Your student’s School Council is currently discussing the issue of school outings, educational trips, theatre visits, etc. Write a persuasive article for your school website supporting or opposing such events.

Write a feature article for a travel magazine about a place you have never been but would like to visit. In your article explain what you find fascinating about this place and why you would like to go there.

Write a short speech in which you attempt to persuade a group of parents that older teenagers should be trusted to make their own decisions.

Write a letter to a famous writer or celebrity or sports personality of your choice offering your services as a ghost writer for a future book. In your letter you should outline the reasons why you believe you would make a successful ghost writer for your chosen author.

Write a letter to a photographic magazine in which you propose one of the four images for the award “Best War Photograph of the Year.”

Write a letter to one of the people from the collection of visual images in this text, indicating what appeals and/or does not appeal to you about the work which that person does.

Family Home and Contents for Sale

Drawing on the detail in the above text, and its accompanying illustration, draft the text of an advertisement that offers the home and its contents for sale.

Sample Essay Titles

Write a persuasive speech about the importance of literature in people’s lives.

You have been asked to speak to your class about what you think is indispensable in your life. Write the text of the talk you would give.

Write a persuasive speech in praise of science and technology.

Write a personal essay on the topic of daydreams.

Write the text of a talk you would deliver to your classmates on the topic: Appearances can be Deceptive.

Write a speech in which you attempt to persuade an audience that the past should not be glorified.

Write the text of a talk, serious or humorous, to be given to your peers, entitled: “How I intend to change the world!”

Write a magazine article (serious or light-hearted) in which you outline a get-rich idea of your own.

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 world’s problems.

Write a speech in which you attempt to persuade an audience that today’s obsession with the lives of the rich and famous has gone too far.

You are responding to a radio competition to find an ordinary person whose life story will inspire others. Entries should include an account of the person’s life and the reason(s) why it is inspirational. Write your competition entry.

You have been asked to give a talk to your class on the importance of not taking life too seriously. Write the talk you would give.

Write a persuasive article or essay in which you attempt to convince people of the meaning and importance of heroes in life.

You have been asked by the school principal to give a talk to your class group on the importance in life of “understanding the system”. Write out the talk you would give.

“Hope is a sustaining human gift” You have been asked to deliver a speech on this theme to a group of classmates. Write out the speech you would give.

You have been elected President of Ireland. Write the first speech you would make to the Irish people.

Write an article intended for inclusion in the sports pages of a newspaper in which you attempt to persuade your readers of the value of sport in our lives.

Write an article for your school or local magazine in which you explore your feelings about the place of music and/or songs in your life.

2 responses to “ Language of Persuasion ”

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This lesson will teach you how to write clear, concise and well written introductions for essays in papers 1 and 2 of the English Leaving Cert exam. It will identify the features of a good introduction, show you examples of good introductions and give you the task of writing an introduction for a single text essay.

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