Leaving Certificate Comprehensions
This question is worth 50 marks - In my opinion, it is the easiest section of the paper if you follow the the advice in the booklet handed out.
You should spend about 35 to 40 minutes on this section.
There are generally three questions; the first two worth 15 marks, the third worth 20. You should write about one solid paragraph for each 5 marks (so, three paragraphs for 15 marks, four for 20). Each paragraph should make a clear statement, include a quotation from the text to support your statement and some brief analysis. In other words, follow PQE (point, quote and explain) for EACH of your papagraphs. Please give yourself enough time for the 20 mark question. You must remember that it's worth more than either of the first questions, and so must be longer. I recommend you check all the Question B’s first and choose one that suits you, then decide which comprehension you will use for Question A.
Before the Easter holiday, we spoke about expanding from PQE and adding 'R' to this.
P = POINT (REPHRASE it in your own words to show the examiner you understand what you have read)
Q = QUOTE (Make sure the quotation you have picked supports the point you are making - Relevant/short). Don't just plonk a big chunk of 'quote' on the page. Try to weave them naturally into your answer.
E = EXPLAIN (Interpret the text - The views shared by 'X' are clearly/The above points illustrate/highlight)
R = RESPONSE (Offer your personal response to gain maximum marks in this section IF APPLICABLE; I particularly liked the way in which the writer used a rhetorical question to grab my attention ....).
The most common mistake student’s make: You must answer Question A from ONE comprehension and Question B from ANOTHER.
Ensure you are familiar with the five styles of language (See PowerPoint given) and try to determine which style/styles the writer is using.
We see many examples of both persuasive and argumentative language used in this passage which help to illustrate ......
This passage displays an impressive array of both argumentative and persuasive techniques which both appeal to and influence the reader’s opinion“.
1.The Language of Information
2.The Language of Persuasion
3.The Language of Argument
4.The Language of Narration
5.The Aesthetic use of Language
Note: It is not easy to categorise a piece of writing as sometimes styles will overlap.
Some comments from examiners in the last few years;
-Some candidates fall at the first fence: they don’t answer the question they have been asked.
-I want to see that the candidate clearly understands the task.
-What distinguishes one candidate from another is the intelligence displayed in discussing the examples chosen from the text.
-Your argument must be presented in a clear and coherent way with good power of analysis.
Tips
•Underline key words in the question
•Read carefully with the questions in mind
•Underline key points of information
•Underline key features of style
•Write with energy and conviction
•Push yourself to give intelligent answers that go beyond the obvious and superficial
Here are some verbs you may wish to use:
Clarifies, excites, provokes, interests, fascinates, angers, proves, shows, emphasises, personalises...
What is your impression of 'X'?
Impressions: Agressive, ambitious, career-driven, inventive, motivational, inspiring, determined, independant, honest, reliable, self-confident, broad-minded, conscientious, dogmatic, eccentric, enthusiastic, faithful, imaginative, individualistic, manipulative, opinionated, optimistic, naive, open-minded, responsible, spontaneous, sincere, sensible etc.
You should spend about 35 to 40 minutes on this section.
There are generally three questions; the first two worth 15 marks, the third worth 20. You should write about one solid paragraph for each 5 marks (so, three paragraphs for 15 marks, four for 20). Each paragraph should make a clear statement, include a quotation from the text to support your statement and some brief analysis. In other words, follow PQE (point, quote and explain) for EACH of your papagraphs. Please give yourself enough time for the 20 mark question. You must remember that it's worth more than either of the first questions, and so must be longer. I recommend you check all the Question B’s first and choose one that suits you, then decide which comprehension you will use for Question A.
Before the Easter holiday, we spoke about expanding from PQE and adding 'R' to this.
P = POINT (REPHRASE it in your own words to show the examiner you understand what you have read)
Q = QUOTE (Make sure the quotation you have picked supports the point you are making - Relevant/short). Don't just plonk a big chunk of 'quote' on the page. Try to weave them naturally into your answer.
E = EXPLAIN (Interpret the text - The views shared by 'X' are clearly/The above points illustrate/highlight)
R = RESPONSE (Offer your personal response to gain maximum marks in this section IF APPLICABLE; I particularly liked the way in which the writer used a rhetorical question to grab my attention ....).
The most common mistake student’s make: You must answer Question A from ONE comprehension and Question B from ANOTHER.
Ensure you are familiar with the five styles of language (See PowerPoint given) and try to determine which style/styles the writer is using.
We see many examples of both persuasive and argumentative language used in this passage which help to illustrate ......
This passage displays an impressive array of both argumentative and persuasive techniques which both appeal to and influence the reader’s opinion“.
1.The Language of Information
2.The Language of Persuasion
3.The Language of Argument
4.The Language of Narration
5.The Aesthetic use of Language
Note: It is not easy to categorise a piece of writing as sometimes styles will overlap.
Some comments from examiners in the last few years;
-Some candidates fall at the first fence: they don’t answer the question they have been asked.
-I want to see that the candidate clearly understands the task.
-What distinguishes one candidate from another is the intelligence displayed in discussing the examples chosen from the text.
-Your argument must be presented in a clear and coherent way with good power of analysis.
Tips
•Underline key words in the question
•Read carefully with the questions in mind
•Underline key points of information
•Underline key features of style
•Write with energy and conviction
•Push yourself to give intelligent answers that go beyond the obvious and superficial
Here are some verbs you may wish to use:
Clarifies, excites, provokes, interests, fascinates, angers, proves, shows, emphasises, personalises...
What is your impression of 'X'?
Impressions: Agressive, ambitious, career-driven, inventive, motivational, inspiring, determined, independant, honest, reliable, self-confident, broad-minded, conscientious, dogmatic, eccentric, enthusiastic, faithful, imaginative, individualistic, manipulative, opinionated, optimistic, naive, open-minded, responsible, spontaneous, sincere, sensible etc.