Building capacity and confidence

AT this stage, it’s about building capacity and confidence. Once the understanding, learning and note taking is done you have to test yourself in exam conditions.

At Higher level aim for a minimum of 8 paragraphs. In terms of practising questions; at Higher Level I’d recommend you spend 40 minutes on each essay and 45 on the DBQ. Physically take out a timer for this process. You must stick stringently to time!!

Write out a structured revision plan, section by section, with a ‘ tick the box when done’ column. I’d recommend focusing on one full section per week.

As a Leaving Cert. examiner myself, I think it’s vital you understand the marking scheme. It gives you such an advantage when you know the difference between a fair paragraph and a good or very good one.

Go to the State Examination Commission websites, where you will find all previous marking schemes. From correcting exams, I know it’s vital that students answer the set question and not just rehash the narrative of one of the case studies. From time to time, it’s advisable that you recycle the keyword in the question.

At home pre plan some answers. It’s not possible to do a full essay or question every day, but you can write a plan for an essay in about five minutes. This is a great and efficient way to check understanding.

At Ordinary level, your long answer should be at least a page and a half. Be factual and precise; the more relevant significant statements you give, the more marks you get.

Once again, always answer the set question. In terms of studying at home revise all the notes you were given in school and supplement these with the clips from YouTube.

I’d recommend the Cork History Teachers YouTube Channel. It has a lot of explainer videos regarding finishing your RSR, sample answers and understanding the marking scheme.

History teacher - Pat Hickey.