The examination paper Total marks for Leaving Certifi cate English – 400 Paper 1 – 200 Paper 2 – 200
Paper 1 COMPREHENSION QUESTION A – 50 marks
This is a reading comprehension task. You will be asked to answer three questions on the text of your choice. The most important thing to remember is that you must answer Question A from one text and Question B from another. You cannot answer Questions A and B from the same text.
COMPREHENSION QUESTION B – 50 marks This is a short writing task, based on a text. COMPOSITION – 100 You will be required to write a composition – or essay – on one of a list of seven titles.
Timing
You have two hours and 50 minutes to complete Paper 1.
Spend the fi rst fi ve minutes briefl y reading through the paper to choose your questions.
Comprehension Question A should take you approximately 45 minutes.
The short writing section (B) should take you approximately 45 minutes.
The composition should take you approximately an hour and a quarter. T eme
Each year, Paper 1 is based on a particular theme and the three comprehension texts are based on that theme. The composition titles are based on the theme too, but several of them will allow you scope to write about other themes if you prefer. You can fi nd the theme on the front
