For the Leaving Cert class of 2025 one of the big ones is out of the way - fare thee well English!
While there is no need to dwell on things, we are here to help you review the exams with experts sharing their thoughts on Leaving Cert English Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Plus, you can download the exam papers from examinations.ie below:
- Leaving Cert English Paper 1 - Higher
- Leaving Cert English Paper 2 - Higher
- Leaving Cert English Paper 1 - Ordinary
- Leaving Cert English Paper 2 - Ordinary
Liam Dingle, English teacher at the Institute of Education takes us through Paper 1. Press play up top to watch the video and read on for more.
Key points
- The paper reflected the world beyond the exam hall and the experiences of modern students.
- The layout and range of questions was consistent with recent papers.
Liam says: "Hopefully, students will leave the exam hall with a sense of satisfaction. There were no artificial barriers or curveballs to startle students facing the rest of their exams. The paper advocated for optimism and the fight of the underdog; hopefully they will have taken that message to heart."
Study Hub regular Clodagh Havel casts an eye over Paper 2 in the video above. She describes it as "a testing paper, not necessarily an arduous one but nevertheless students will feel a lot more pushed to react and grapple with the exam than they did yesterday."
Her key points
- "Duality" seems to have been a hidden theme throughout.
- Some unusual vocabulary will have caused some to pause or feel disconcerted in their approach.
Clodagh says: "Many will leave the exam hall feeling that it was a long slog, particularly in comparison to the much more amenable Paper 1. Yet underneath the sometimes excessively worded questions, there was something for everyone. Students who allowed themselves the composure to peel away the layers of the onion will find themselves tired but satisfied."
You can read the full analysis from Liam and Clodagh as part of the Institute of Education's analysis series here.
Make sure to mind yourself over the course of the Leaving Cert - here are some top tips!
Check out RTÉ Learn for more great exam tips and advice over the next three weeks.
