Leaving Cert English 2016

The 2016 Leaving Cert English exam papers and official marking scheme, free below as direct PDF links from the State Examinations Commission archive.

Higher Level

Paper 1Paper 2Marking Scheme
What's in the 2016 Higher Level paper?

Paper 1

  • Q1 comprehending, shakespeare, visual literacy · 50 marks
  • Q2 comprehending, speech, functional writing · 50 marks
  • Q3 comprehending, language of narration, aesthetic language · 50 marks
  • Q4 comprehending, functional writing, contemporary ireland · 50 marks
  • Q5 comprehending, informative language, persuasive language · 50 marks
  • Q6 comprehending, blog post, persuasive writing · 50 marks
  • Q7 composing, persuasive essay · 100 marks
  • Q8 composing, short story · 100 marks
  • Q9 composing, descriptive essay · 100 marks
  • Q10 composing, personal essay · 100 marks
  • Q11 composing, speech, persuasive writing · 100 marks
  • Q12 composing, short story · 100 marks
  • Q13 composing, speech, irish character · 100 marks

Paper 2

  • Q1 single text, the novel, shakespearean drama, character · 60 marks
  • Q2 comparative study, cultural context, literary genre · 70 marks
  • Q3 unseen poem, poetry, imagery, language · 20 marks
  • Q4 prescribed poetry, poetry, theme, language · 50 marks

Ordinary Level

Paper 1Paper 2Marking Scheme
What's in the 2016 Ordinary Level paper?

Paper 1

  • Q1 reading comprehension, travel blog, dear diary · 50 marks
  • Q2 competition entry, persuasive writing, travel · 50 marks
  • Q3 reading comprehension, diaries, 1916 rising · 50 marks
  • Q4 newspaper article, creative writing, 1916 rising · 50 marks
  • Q5 reading comprehension, diary keeping, dear diary · 50 marks
  • Q6 article writing, advice, part-time work · 50 marks
  • Q7 personal essay, dear diary · 100 marks
  • Q8 short story, journey · 100 marks
  • Q9 diary entries, creative writing, future · 100 marks
  • Q10 personal essay, virtues · 100 marks
  • Q11 travel article, persuasive writing, ireland · 100 marks
  • Q12 short story, conflict · 100 marks
  • Q13 speech, perseverance · 100 marks

Paper 2

  • Q1 single text, character analysis, literary response · 60 marks
  • Q2 comparative study, relationships, social setting · 70 marks
  • Q3 unseen poetry, poetry analysis · 20 marks
  • Q4 prescribed poetry, poetry analysis · 50 marks
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All PDFs open on the State Examinations Commission archive (examinations.ie). ExamAI links to them; we don't host or alter them.