Leaving Cert English 2017

The 2017 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 2017 Higher Level paper?

Paper 1

  • Q1 comprehending, visual literacy, poetry · 50 marks
  • Q2 comprehending, functional writing, article · 50 marks
  • Q3 comprehending, language of argument, free speech · 50 marks
  • Q4 comprehending, opinion piece, media · 50 marks
  • Q5 comprehending, aesthetic language, memoir · 50 marks
  • Q6 comprehending, reflective writing, radio broadcast · 50 marks
  • Q7 composing, discursive essay, advertising · 100 marks
  • Q8 composing, descriptive essay · 100 marks
  • Q9 composing, speech, democracy · 100 marks
  • Q10 composing, short story · 100 marks
  • Q11 composing, dramatic dialogue · 100 marks
  • Q12 composing, personal essay · 100 marks
  • Q13 composing, article, argument · 100 marks

Paper 2

  • Q1 single text, the novel, shakespearean drama, powerlessness · 60 marks
  • Q2 comparative study, general vision and viewpoint, theme or issue · 70 marks
  • Q3 unseen poem, poetry, mood, imagery · 20 marks
  • Q4 prescribed poetry, poetry, imagery, language · 50 marks

Ordinary Level

Paper 1Paper 2Marking Scheme
What's in the 2017 Ordinary Level paper?

Paper 1

  • Q1 reading comprehension, advice, school days · 50 marks
  • Q2 talk writing, subject choice, school days · 50 marks
  • Q3 reading comprehension, disability, school days · 50 marks
  • Q4 article writing, disability, school days · 50 marks
  • Q5 reading comprehension, hedge schools, school days · 50 marks
  • Q6 letter writing, robot teachers, school days · 50 marks
  • Q7 short story, humour · 100 marks
  • Q8 speech, school days · 100 marks
  • Q9 personal essay, memory · 100 marks
  • Q10 short story, robots · 100 marks
  • Q11 article writing, study skills · 100 marks
  • Q12 personal essay, praise · 100 marks
  • Q13 diary writing, robot teachers · 100 marks

Paper 2

  • Q1 single text, character analysis, literary response · 60 marks
  • Q2 comparative study, theme, hero heroine villain · 70 marks
  • Q3 unseen poetry, poetry analysis · 20 marks
  • Q4 prescribed poetry, poetry analysis · 50 marks

Revise English by topic

ComprehendingComposingThe Single TextThe Comparative StudyPrescribed PoetryUnseen PoetryLiterary Analysis & Craft
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Questions come from the official State Examinations Commission papers. Every link opens the original PDF on examinations.ie.