There are two papers for English Junior Certificate Higher level and one for Ordinary level.
Paper 1
English Higher level is worth 180 marks and comprises four sections.
Section 1 – reading, in this section you are required to read a text and answer the questions, you should make sure to always answer the question asked, in order to secure good marks you should support answer with references to the text, displaying that you have understood the text.
Section 2 - Personal writing, You are required to write a piece based on a number of titles offered, this will give the you an opportunity to display your writing skills.
Section 3 - Functional writing, the task set in this section normally requires you to write a report, letter, etc. You should make sure you are clear about what you are writing, give a well structured answer, and be careful with grammar and punctuation.
Section 4 - Media Studies, you are required to write about aspects of communication in the media. In your analysis of the communication, you should be able to discuss your target audience and use imagery to convey your message, you should also make sure to have an opinion on your favourite advertisement, magazine and newspaper so you can write about it.
Paper 2
Drama, Fiction and Poetry come up every year on English Paper 2.
Section 1 - Question 1, the unseen Drama question, you will have a choice between A) Shakespearean Drama and B) Other Drama. In the unseen drama, students are required to read the extract and answer the questions asked, which may be about relationships between characters, or about characters themselves. You should always support answers with references or quotes from the extract. The studied drama is about a play studied in school, you may be asked about setting of the play, themes, stagecraft, it is important to make your point and develop the point and support your points.
Section 2 - of Paper 2 is poetry and there are two questions, one on an unseen poem and one that you have studied in school. Again, you may be asked about the theme or tone, imagery or atmosphere in the poem, answers should always be backed up with references / quotations from the poem.
Section 3 - of Paper 2 is Fiction, you will be asked about an extract from an unseen novel and a novel studied, you may be asked about the theme, characters, style, or plot. All points made should be supported with quotations or references.