1. Junior cert hl
Tackling the Exam

2. There are two papers in the Junior Cert Higher Level English exam.
Paper One examines your language skills by asking you to analyse texts (Comprehensions) you have never seen before and to answer creative (Personal Writing) and functional writing tasks. Media Studies is also examined on this paper.
Paper Two looks for answers to from your studied curriculum.

3. Before You Answer
Before you sit the examination you should make sure you know exactly what questions you will have to answer on each of the examination papers. There is a lot of confusion on Paper Two over answering question 1s and 2s – know what you must do beforehand.

4. Before You Answer
Think of each question as a task that you must perform. Before your pen hits the page, ensure that you are clear on what the question is asking.
Locate the key term/s of the question. It is also useful to do out a rough plan of your answer (this shouldn’t take longer than 60 seconds). Use evidence or examples from the text if you can – remember the Opinion-Reason-Example technique.
The language you use in your answer should be appropriate to the task – this means that if you asked to write out a speech, do not write in the style of a radio presenter.
You should also take care with punctuation, spelling and grammar, especially in Section 2 and 3 of Paper One.

5. Paper One Time Allowed: 2 hours and 30 minutes Total Marks: 180
All 4 sections on Paper 1 must be answered.

6. Paper One Section 1 – Reading
In this section you will be given a short extract to read, and then you will be asked questions.
At higher level, you are expected to show an understanding of the writer’s style and technique.
Personal Response is advised here.
Remember to give the question its allocated time: that is, a 15 mark question will usually require less writing than a 30 mark question.

7. Paper One Section 1 – Reading
You should always base your answer on the evidence you can find from the extract, however, it is not enough to simply quote from the passage. You must comment on the references you have chosen and explain why they are relevant.
You should be familiar with different styles of writing and how to recognise them e.g. descriptive, humorous, argumentative, imaginative etc.
Try to find examples from the passage to illustrate the writer’s style – the language used, tone of writing etc.
Total marks: 40
You have 30 minutes to complete this section.

8. Paper One Section 2 – Personal Writing
In the ‘Composing’ section you will be given eight essay options, one of which you must complete. Except where otherwise stated, you are free to write in any form you wish e.g. narrative, descriptive, dramatic, short story, etc. You will be rewarded for:
A personal approach to the subject
An appropriate style
Liveliness and a good choice of words
Organisation and accuracy
Total marks: 70
You have 1 hour to complete this section.

9. Paper One Section 2 – Personal Writing Marking Scheme:
Content: 20 marks
Ideas, points etc. expressed with relevance, depth and conciseness
Structure: 15 marks
A clear relevant structure or layout is required. Information and points of view should be logically and consistently developed through the composition.
Expression: 30 marks
Includes such aspects as range of vocabulary and phrase, syntax, clarity and variety of sentences etc.
Mechanics: 5 marks
Vocabulary, spelling, grammar, punctuation etc.

10. Paper One Section 2 – Personal Writing
After you have chosen your title, make a plan. Otherwise there is a danger you will run out of things to say half way through your essay.
Proof-reading your own work is essential at all times, particularly in an exam. Stress and time pressure can cause you to make mistakes that you might not normally make.

11. Paper One Section 3 – Functional Writing
In this section you must choose between one of two functional writing tasks. These may include a letter /speech /newspaper review /reference /brochure /picture /fax etc. You are expected to write in the style stated. You will be rewarded for:
Well-structured answers
Clarity of expression
An appropriate tone
Good grammar, spelling, punctuation and correct use of capitals

12. Paper One Section 3 – Functional Writing
Functional writing differs from Personal Writing because you don’t have the same freedom of approach. Certain ways of organising and structuring are necessary depending on the question asked.
Make sure you are familiar with the different types of functional writing you could be asked to do – e.g. personal letter, formal letter, diary entry, speech, report etc.
Always read the instructions carefully and make sure your style of writing is appropriate to the task given and the audience.
You have 30 minutes to complete this section and it is worth 30 marks.

13. Paper One Section – Functional Writing Marking Scheme:
You will be marked according to the same marking scheme as Personal Writing (CSEM). However, there are also two important additions
Register: The vocabulary, phrases etc. should be appropriate to the context (e.g. should be appropriate to a formal letter or to a report etc.)
Tone: The tone should be appropriate to, and consistent with, the context and the intended recipient or audience for your task.

14. Paper One Section 4 – Media Studies
In this section you must answer one of two questions on a particular aspect of media studies.
These questions may include an advertisement /radio or television schedule /newspaper review /cartoon/etc.
Questions may be phrases in a number of different ways. Many of them ask you to examine a media text in order to answer questions on it. If you look at past media questions you will notice that they can contain a lot of information on which you can base your answer. Look very carefully at the content and form of the media text. Try to exploit the available information as fully as possible. Don’t just make the most obvious point in your answer.

15. Paper One Section 4 – Media Studies
Support your points by well-chosen examples and never confine yourself to making one point.
If you are asked to write a critical analysis of an advertisement, for example, this does not mean you must find fault with it. To analyse something means to break into separate parts and discuss. To be critical means you should make a judgement about the text – e.g. whether it’s been successful or not.
You have 30 minutes to complete this section and it is worth 40 marks.

16. Paper Two Section 1 – Drama
You must answer BOTH Question One and Question Two.
Question One is the Unseen Drama
You have a choice between Shakespearean drama or Other drama. You will be given a short extract to read and will be required to answer two of three questions on the extract. These questions tend to focus on aspects such as character, atmosphere, direction, and stage setting.

17. Paper Two Section 1 – Drama (Unseen)
Read both extracts carefully and decide which one suits you best. Although Shakespeare often seems much harder at first, many of the unfamiliar words and phrases will be explained foe you on the paper.
The number of questions you must answer on can vary so make sure you read the instructions very carefully.
There are often questions on characters, their relationships with each other and how you feel about them. Look carefully at what the character says, how they say it and how the other characters react.

18. Paper Two Section 1 – Drama (Unseen)
If a question asks you about theme, it is not enough to simply say what the theme might be. There must be some discussion or comment
There are often questions on stagecraft – how a scene might be directed, acted or presented on stage. The more of these questions you practice, the easier it will be in the exam.
This question is worth 30 marks.

19. Paper Two Section 1 – Drama (Studied)
Question Two is the play you studied in class (Romeo & Juliet)
You can choose one of two questions on the play that you have studied in class.
N.B. You must give the name of the play that you choose, and the author. You are not allowed to use the Drama excerpts from Question One.
Be prepared for questions on characters, theme and plot.

20. Paper Two Section 1 – Drama (Studied)
In preparing for this question it is a good idea to focus on scenes that are particularly important or dramatic, as questions can be based on such a scene.
Do not end up telling the story of the play rather than answering the question you were asked. Ask yourself, what are the key words in this question? What am I being asked to do?
If the question offers headings to help you organise your answer you should take the hints given.

21. Paper Two Section 1 – Drama (Studied)
Ask yourself: What point am I making? How can I develop it by discussion/analysis. What evidence can I use to illustrate these points – quotations, references?
This question is worth 30 marks.
You have 45 minutes to spend on Section 1: Drama – this must be divided between Unseen Drama (Q1) and Studied Drama (Q2)

22. Paper Two Section 2 – Poetry
You must answer both Question One and Question Two.
Question One is the Unseen Poem
The focus here is on your ability to respond to a poem that you have never seen before, to understand the central ideas and to comment on some of the issues of style (use of language, imagery, simile etc.)
Read the poem a few times to understand it fully. Firstly, read it quickly to get the overall meaning. Then you should read the questions - they will give some clues as to what the poem is about. Read the poem again focusing on what you now know.

23. Paper Two Section 2 – Poetry (Unseen)
Don’t be put off by words or phrases you do not understand; remember the focus is on your general response to the poem.
You may be asked what is the poem saying? (theme). How is it saying it? (the language and imagery used). What is your response to the poem? Your evaluation of the poem (is it effective in what it wants to do, in your opinion)
You may be asked to compare two poems with similar or contrasting themes. If this happens remember to refer to both poems in your answer.
This question is worth 30 marks.

24. Paper Two Section 2 – Poetry (Studied)
Question Two examines the Poetry you have studied in class.
You must answer one of two questions on studied poetry.
NEVER use the poem given in the previous question.

25. Paper Two Section 2 – Poetry (Studied)
You must give the title of the poem you choose and the name of the poet.
You may be asked to compare two poems by the same poet.
The questions asked are designed to allow you to show off your knowledge of a poem and your response to it.
You may be asked to focus on the theme of a poem or poems, discussing how the poet or poets dealt with the theme.

26. Paper Two Section 2 – Poetry (Studied)
You may be asked to write about the language used by the poem. Questions like this expect you to discuss aspects such as imagery, sound effects and poetic techniques.
Always read the question carefully. There is often a double focus in the question and you must be sure to answer both elements. Never ignore part of the question asked.
This question is worth 30 marks.
You have 45 minutes to spend on Section 2: Poetry– this must be divided between Unseen Poetry (Q1) and Studied Poetry (Q2)

27. Paper Two Section 3 - Fiction
You must answer both Question One and Question Two.
Question One is a Fictional Extract that you probably will not have seen before.
You will be expected to read the piece of fiction and answer the questions following it. The questions tend to focus on such elements of the extract as character, atmosphere, and notable features of style.

28. Paper Two Section 3 – Fiction (Unseen)
The number of questions can vary from year to year so make sure you follow the instructions carefully.
Make sure you are familiar with aspects of fiction such as plot, setting, characterisation, theme, style of writing etc.
Questions can relate to any of the elements of fiction above but questions based on characters and your response to them are very likely. Remember that what characters say and do, and other character’s opinions of them and reactions to them, can be very revealing.

29. Paper Two Section 3 – Fiction (Unseen)
Do not be content with stating one obvious point. Try and dig deeper and use your insight to create a well developed and thought out answer.
Questions on the writer’s style are also very common. Have an idea of the different elements of style possible so that it’s easier to spot them if this question arises e.g. use of imagery, descriptive qualities, use of anecdote, vivid setting, autobiographical style, attention to detail, use of personal experience, good characterisation, creates mood, uses mystery etc. etc.
This question is worth 30 marks

30. Paper Two Section 3 – Fiction (Studied
Question Two is the novel /short story you have studied in class (Of Mice and Men)
You can choose one of two questions from on the novel /short story that you have studied in class.
N.B. You must give the name of the novel that you choose.

31. Paper Two Section 3 – Fiction (Studied)
As in Unseen Fiction you will be expected to discuss aspects of fiction such as plot, setting, theme, characterisation etc. You will also be expected to be able to discuss them in more detail.
Read both questions carefully before deciding which one suits you better.
Questions will often have a double focus. Make sure you are clear on what you are being asked to do and that you address both parts of the question. Underline the key words/phrases in a question to avoid making a mistake.

32. Paper Two Section 3 – Fiction (Studied)
As with Studied Drama, avoid re-telling the story. The question will direct you towards specific elements that you must discuss. Think in terms of the point you are trying to make, how you are going to develop and discuss that point and what evidence you are going to use to support that point.
This question is worth 30 marks.
You have 45 minutes to spend on Section : Fiction – this must be divided between Unseen Fiction (Q1) and Studied Fiction (Q2)