Leaving Cert English 2023

The 2023 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 2023 Higher Level paper?

Paper 1

  • Q1 comprehending, narrative writing, descriptive writing · 50 marks
  • Q2 comprehending, personal letter, creative writing · 50 marks
  • Q3 comprehending, personal writing, informative writing · 50 marks
  • Q4 comprehending, personal reflection, creative writing · 50 marks
  • Q5 comprehending, persuasive writing, artificial intelligence · 50 marks
  • Q6 comprehending, article writing, technology in schools · 50 marks
  • Q7 composing, short story, mystery · 100 marks
  • Q8 composing, feature article, descriptive writing · 100 marks
  • Q9 composing, personal essay, resilience · 100 marks
  • Q10 composing, speech writing, ethics · 100 marks
  • Q11 composing, short story, relationships · 100 marks
  • Q12 composing, personal essay, wonder · 100 marks
  • Q13 composing, discursive essay, influential individuals · 100 marks

Paper 2

  • Q1 single text, literary analysis, prose and drama · 60 marks
  • Q2 comparative study, literary analysis · 70 marks
  • Q3 unseen poetry, poetry analysis · 20 marks
  • Q4 prescribed poetry, poetry analysis · 50 marks

Ordinary Level

Paper 1Paper 2Marking Scheme
What's in the 2023 Ordinary Level paper?

Paper 1

  • Q1 reading comprehension, sport, life lessons · 50 marks
  • Q2 creative writing, blog writing, life lessons · 50 marks
  • Q3 reading comprehension, speeches, life lessons · 50 marks
  • Q4 creative writing, radio interview, life lessons · 50 marks
  • Q5 reading comprehension, street art, life lessons · 50 marks
  • Q6 creative writing, letter writing, street art · 50 marks
  • Q7 personal essay, passion · 100 marks
  • Q8 short story, kindness · 100 marks
  • Q9 speech, debate, learning from mistakes · 100 marks
  • Q10 personal essay, influence · 100 marks
  • Q11 magazine article, celebrity culture · 100 marks
  • Q12 talk, starting school · 100 marks
  • Q13 short story, competition, rivalry · 100 marks

Paper 2

  • Q1 single text, character analysis, literary response · 60 marks
  • Q2 comparative study, relationships, theme · 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.