Celine Gallagher

πLeaving Cert English, for me, was always something I felt I could have more liberty with in comparison to other subjects.

Students often feel crippled at the immense workload that comes with Leaving Cert English, but it can be easily divided and clarified.

I found that organising English into separate mind spaces was very effective when trying to study each section individually. Realistically, I needed to have Poetry, Productions, Comprehensions, Comparatives and Compositions comfortably covered by the time it came to my mock exams. Within each section, getting truly familiar with each character and each theme is fruitful labour. Taking the time needed to learn each topic properly the first time is unimaginably more efficient than trying to process too much information at once, and coming away with only a convoluted mess in your mind.

A point I’d push more than any other: Listen in class. This is where you’re hearing the information for the first time and where your mind is most susceptible to new information and its relevance. Do not underestimate your teacher; what may seem like a useless tip may make the world of difference, unbeknownst to you.

Ensuring you have a precise plan in your mind as to which composition style you will be going for (speech, report, descriptive essay, etc.) can also be a great help on the day. Everybody has one style that they lean towards more than others, stick to your gut on this. Getting even a little practice in throughout the year on your chosen style can enhance vocabulary and broaden your mind to new ideas or inspirations.

Finally, when it comes to the paper itself; always have an opinion, tap into the work intellectually and be expressive. Be unapologetically submerged in your work to the point where your pen happily takes off by itself.