Leaving Cert English 2020

The 2020 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 2020 Higher Level paper?

Paper 1

  • Q1 comprehending, personal writing, genre, functional writing · 100 marks
  • Q2 comprehending, detective fiction, characterisation, genre · 100 marks
  • Q3 comprehending, science fiction, characterisation, comparison · 100 marks
  • Q4 composing, personal essay · 100 marks
  • Q5 composing, feature article · 100 marks
  • Q6 composing, short story · 100 marks
  • Q7 composing, discursive essay · 100 marks
  • Q8 composing, short story · 100 marks
  • Q9 composing, speech, argument · 100 marks
  • Q10 composing, personal essay · 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, imagery · 50 marks

Ordinary Level

Paper 1Paper 2Marking Scheme
What's in the 2020 Ordinary Level paper?

Paper 1

  • Q1 reading comprehension, travel writing, travel · 50 marks
  • Q2 letter writing, customer care, travel · 50 marks
  • Q3 reading comprehension, travel writing, travel · 50 marks
  • Q4 radio talk, creative writing, travel · 50 marks
  • Q5 reading comprehension, travel writing, travel · 50 marks
  • Q6 promotional leaflet, creative writing, travel · 50 marks
  • Q7 short story, time travel, travel · 100 marks
  • Q8 personal essay, space travel, travel · 100 marks
  • Q9 diary entries, creative writing, arctic · 100 marks
  • Q10 personal essay, hospitality · 100 marks
  • Q11 short story, friendship, fame · 100 marks
  • Q12 magazine article, travel, culture · 100 marks
  • Q13 talk, everyday life, ireland · 100 marks

Paper 2

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