Last-minute tips for Wednesday’s Leaving Cert papers

English, Paper 1 and Home Economics

Leaving Cert beckons: It’s nearly time to put the books away and desmonstrate all you have learned. File photograph: Getty Images
Leaving Cert beckons: It’s nearly time to put the books away and desmonstrate all you have learned. File photograph: Getty Images

ENGLISH, PAPER 1

It may sound very simplistic but READ questions carefully. Take account of every word in the questions on Comprehension and in the question B.

Before you put pen to paper ask yourself the following questions:

Who am I writing for? Who is the target audience?

What am I actually writing? A letter? A proposal? A short story? A personal essay?A blog?

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How will I construct this piece of writing? Anne Gormley, English teacher, Laurel Hill coláiste, Limerick

HOME ECONOMICS

Attempt all aspects of the question. Make sure to read it carefully and give sufficient information in your answers, ideally in structured or enumerated bullet points rather than in lengthy paragraph or essay-style answers.

Keep a good eye on the time: basic guideline is to divide the total time for the question by two and subtract five (so for section A which is 80 marks, you should spend 35 minutes). And get some fresh air before the exam and bring plenty of water with you. Julie Sweeney, vice-president of the Home Economics Teachers Association and teacher at Davis College, Mallow