This Ordinary Level Unseen Poetry Practice Worksheet is designed to help students develop essential skills in analysing unseen poetry for the Leaving Certificate English exam. What’s Included? Two unseen poems: Today by Vivienne McKechnie and Coming Home by Owen Sheers. Comprehension questions focusing on imagery, sound, and themes. Suggested approaches to guide students in structuring their responses. Example answers to model effective writing techniques. Space for students to write their responses, making it a practical classroom or homework resource. How Can Teachers Use This Resource? As a classroom activity to introduce unseen poetry. For exam preparation and timed practice. As a revision tool to improve students’ confidence in approaching poetry questions. To encourage independent learning with clear guidance and support. This resource is perfect for Ordinary Level Leaving Cert students who need structured support in understanding poetry while improving their critical thinking and writing skills.

The writing task specifically instructs students to include: A unique and appealing name for their Barbie. A detailed description of Barbie’s appearance, clothing, accessories, and special features, emphasising the use of descriptive language. An explanation of why their new Barbie would appeal to young people today, potentially linking their ideas to current trends, hobbies, interests, or important social issues. Students are encouraged to be imaginative and vivid in their descriptions, with a suggested word count of approximately 150-200 words​

This comprehensive practice worksheet is designed to support students studying Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan for the Leaving Certificate. It focuses on the cultural context of the text, with two key 30-mark questions exploring freedom and power. The resource includes sample answers, step-by-step guidance on structuring responses, and detailed paragraph breakdowns using the PQE (Point, Quote, Explain) method. It encourages students to think critically about societal power dynamics and moral choices, while providing clear frameworks to help them organise their essays. The worksheet also offers space for students to draft their own answers, making it a practical tool for classroom or independent revision.

Handwritten sample answers for a LC examiner.

This comprehensive 36-page document delves into a detailed comparison of two prominent texts featured in the Leaving Certificate comparison course: “The Shawshank Redemption” by Frank Darabont and “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. Focused on the thematic elements of Isolation and the dynamic portrayal of Hero, Heroine, and Villain, this resource provides an in-depth exploration of both texts, offering valuable insights for students and teachers alike. Content Highlights: Thematic Comparison: Explores the theme of Isolation in both texts, dissecting how this theme is depicted, its significance, and its impact on characters and narrative development. Character Analysis: Provides comprehensive character notes for key figures in each text, shedding light on their motivations, complexities, and roles within the themes of Isolation and Hero, Heroine, Villain. Key Moments Examination: Breaks down pivotal moments in both texts, highlighting scenes that intricately illustrate themes of Isolation and the portrayal of heroic, villainous, and protagonist characters. Quotations Analysis: Presents key quotes from the texts, analysing their contextual significance, thematic relevance, and how they contribute to character development and storytelling. Sample Answers: Offers sample answers to exemplify how to structure responses, drawing comparisons between the texts based on the themes and characters explored. Benefits for Students and Teachers: Comprehensive Analysis: Provides an in-depth study of themes and characters in both texts, aiding a thorough understanding for students preparing for exams. Educational Guidance: Offers teachers a valuable resource for structuring lesson plans and guiding students through comparative analysis. Exam Preparation: Equips students with valuable insights, character notes, and sample answers to enhance their exam preparation and essay writing skills. This resource serves as an invaluable tool for those studying and teaching the Leaving Certificate comparative course, offering a detailed exploration of thematic elements and character dynamics across two compelling texts.**

**A Structured Study Aid for Higher Level Leaving Certificate English ** This annotation guide for Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan is designed to help Higher Level Leaving Certificate students engage critically with the novel, specifically through the Cultural Context and General Vision & Viewpoint comparative study modes. What’s Included? Chapter-by-Chapter Annotations – Key passages are highlighted with insights into cultural and historical context as well as the novel’s overall tone and vision. Detailed Explanations of Key Quotes – Passages are broken down to explore themes, symbolism, and their relevance to CC and GVV. Cultural Context Analysis – Examines 1980s Ireland, class divisions, religious influence, and societal attitudes that shape the characters’ experiences. General Vision & Viewpoint Discussion – Identifies the novel’s tone, moral dilemmas, and underlying messages, helping students form strong comparative links. Student-Friendly Language – Clear, accessible explanations support comprehension and deeper analysis. Who Is It For? Teachers – A structured teaching resource for exploring Small Things Like These through CC and GVV. Students – A useful reference guide for annotation, revision, and exam preparation. Comparative Study Candidates – Helps students connect key themes and perspectives for their comparative essay. This annotation guide provides structured analysis of Small Things Like These to support classroom discussion, independent study, and exam success. Download now to deepen your students’ understanding of the novel!

This Annotation Guide is designed for teachers and students studying Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, specifically focusing on the Cultural Context and General Vision & Viewpoint aspects of the text. It offers detailed, structured annotations for key moments in the novel, providing clear explanations of how cultural and thematic elements shape the story. Features of this Resource: Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown Each chapter includes selected passages, with guidance on where to pause and key discussion points related to cultural context and general vision & viewpoint. Cultural Context Insights Explores 1980s Ireland, focusing on religious influence, economic struggles, gender roles, and social class divisions. General Vision & Viewpoint Analysis Examines themes of oppression, endurance, moral conflict, and hope, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the novel’s message. Practical Teaching Tool Clear and structured format to support classroom discussions. Ideal for annotation, essay planning, and comparative study preparation. Encourages critical thinking about the novel’s key ideas and historical setting. This resource is perfect for Leaving Certificate Higher Level English students studying Small Things Like These as part of their comparative study. It simplifies complex themes and makes literary analysis more accessible and engaging.

Comparative Analysis of “Out of Shadows,” “Philadelphia, Here I Come,” and “The Shawshank Redemption” - Leaving Certificate Resource Description: This comprehensive resource is designed for Leaving Certificate students and English teachers seeking an in-depth understanding of three literary works: “Out of Shadows” by Jason Wallace, “Philadelphia, Here I Come” by Brian Friel, and “The Shawshank Redemption” by Stephen King (adapted into a film by Frank Darabont). The resource offers revision notes, a comparative overview, and sample answers, providing a valuable aid in preparing for the Leaving Certificate English exams. Key Features: Revision Notes for Each Text: Detailed notes for “Out of Shadows,” “Philadelphia, Here I Come,” and “The Shawshank Redemption,” including character analysis, plot summaries, and thematic exploration. Comparative Overview: An in-depth comparative analysis of the three texts, highlighting similarities and differences in themes, characters, and literary techniques. Comparative Notes on Themes: Comprehensive notes discussing common themes across the texts, such as identity, freedom, and redemption, providing a deeper understanding of how these themes are presented in each work. Comparative Notes on Cultural Context: Exploring the cultural and historical contexts in which the texts are set, allowing students to appreciate how the societal backdrop influences the narratives. Sample Answers: Sample answers to Leaving Certificate-style questions, giving students insights into structuring their responses and scoring well in their exams. Preparation for Comparative Study: This resource equips students to excel in the comparative study section of the Leaving Certificate English exam, enabling them to draw connections between different texts effectively. Whether you are a Leaving Certificate student preparing for your English exams or a teacher guiding your students through these literary works, this resource is a valuable tool for enhancing your understanding of the chosen texts and achieving success in your exams. It provides a comprehensive and comparative approach to three engaging and thought-provoking pieces of literature.

A detailed plan to cover first year English.

This resource is a creative writing task designed for students aged 12-14, encouraging them to reflect on and write about their New Year’s resolutions. It aims to develop their self-awareness, goal-setting skills, and written communication in a fun and meaningful way. Key Features: Engaging Theme: The task uses the familiar and relatable concept of New Year’s resolutions, making it accessible and interesting for students. Structure and Support: Clear instructions guide students on how to structure their writing. Prompts (e.g., “Why are these goals important to you?”) help them organise their thoughts. Skill Development: Focuses on paragraph writing, descriptive language, and explaining ideas clearly. Encourages critical thinking by asking students to consider the reasons behind their goals and how to achieve them. Creative Extension: An optional vision board activity adds a visual and artistic element, appealing to different learning styles. This resource is suitable for classroom use, homework assignments, or reflective activities around the New Year period. It supports personal development and engagement with writing tasks in a positive and constructive way.

This resource is designed to assist English students and teachers in enhancing their question-answering skills by following the structured PQE approach. The resource is divided into sections that cover the fundamentals of this writing method. It includes explanations, practical tips, and examples to help users develop effective responses to questions. This valuable resource can aid both students and teachers in the classroom, empowering them to craft well-supported and reasoned answers.

Description: This resource comprises ten informative slides designed to help Leaving Certificate students effectively approach Question B on their exam paper. Question B is a critical component of the examination, and this resource offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of how to tackle it successfully.

Class test (1hr class) The test comprises five sections, each addressing specific aspects of William Shakespeare’s play “The Merchant of Venice.” Section 1: Plot Structure Requires identifying the key components of Freytag’s Pyramid (Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Denouement) within the play. Specific examples from the text are requested to support the identification of each component. Section 2: Character Relationships Focuses on the relationship between Antonio and Shylock, inquiring how this relationship contributes to the overall conflict in the play. A separate question explores the impact of the friendship between Bassanio and Antonio on the plot and characters. Section 3: Tension in a Scene Asks for an analysis of the scene with the most tension in the play. The student is prompted to describe the setting, characters involved, factors contributing to the tension, and how the tension is ultimately resolved within that scene. Section 4: Themes Explores the themes of mercy and justice in the play. It asks for examples of characters or scenes embodying these themes and how they contribute to the overall message of the play. Another question addresses the impact of prejudice on Shylock and his interactions with others. Section 5: Key Plot Details Examines the significance of the casket test within the play, focusing on its impact on the plot and characters. Another question prompts students to recall the events leading up to the courtroom scene and analyze how the trial affects the characters and resolves the play’s conflicts. Overall, the test aims to evaluate students’ understanding of the plot structure, character relationships, thematic elements, and significant plot details within “The Merchant of Venice.” Students are required to provide specific examples and detailed explanations to demonstrate their comprehension of the play’s nuances and themes. Revision Notes Document: The revision notes serve as a study guide summarising essential themes, character dynamics, key scenes, and their significance within the play. It explores and analyses various elements, including the relationship between Antonio and Shylock, the impact of friendship between Bassanio and Antonio, themes of mercy and justice, the concept of prejudice and its effects on Shylock, the significance of the casket test, and the pivotal courtroom scene. Both documents collectively provide a comprehensive resource for students preparing for the Junior Certificate exam. The test offers a structured way to assess students’ understanding of the play’s narrative structure, while the revision notes consolidate key themes, character relationships, and significant scenes, aiding in a deeper understanding and analysis of the text.

This resource is a valuable toolkit for English teachers, designed to enhance their teaching of literary devices and language elements to students of various levels. It includes two meticulously crafted tests, each catering to different levels of proficiency. Additionally, answer keys are provided for easy grading. The PowerPoint presentation, which complements the tests, is available for separate purchase or can be bundled with this resource. Features of the Resource: Differentiated Tests: The package consists of two tests, carefully tailored to meet the needs of students at different levels of proficiency. This allows teachers to choose the most suitable test for their class, whether they are teaching beginners or advanced students. Comprehensive Coverage: The tests cover a wide range of essential literary devices and language elements, ensuring that students are exposed to key concepts fundamental to English language and literature. These include hyperbole, imagery, alliteration, metaphor, personification, rhyme, rhetorical questions, and theme. Answer Keys: For each test, detailed answer keys are provided, making grading efficient and straightforward. Flexible PowerPoint Option: The PowerPoint presentation, which complements the tests, can be purchased separately or as part of a convenient bundle. It features visual aids, examples, and explanations to support teachers in delivering engaging lessons on each topic covered in the tests. Versatile Usage: Whether used as pre-assessment tools to gauge students’ prior knowledge, as formative assessments to track their progress, or as summative evaluations to measure their mastery of literary devices, these tests offer versatility to teachers. Time-Saving and Convenient: As a ready-made resource, this package saves teachers valuable time that would otherwise be spent creating assessments from scratch. Engaging Learning Experience: The combination of tests and a visually appealing PowerPoint presentation ensures that students remain engaged while learning about these important literary concepts.

This scheme of work covers the academic year and includes a diverse range of texts and activities to engage and develop students’ language skills. It encompasses poetry, drama, novels, short stories, oral texts, and written communication. The curriculum aims to enhance critical thinking, language proficiency, and a deep appreciation for literature and communication skills. It is divided into thematic units with specific learning outcomes and assessments.

“Boland makes effective use of symbols and metaphors to explore personal experiences and deliver penetrating truths about society.” (2017 Paper)

An introduction to the OL English course for 5th year students and a guide on what texts to purchase and where. Follow @rescueresource on instagram for an editable version of this resource!

This two-page worksheet breaks down the PCLM marking scheme into easily digestible insights, helping you understand how your essays are assessed.

"Poet Biography Project: Understanding the Poet’s World This engaging project invites students to delve into the lives and backgrounds of renowned poets, gaining valuable insights into the context that shaped their poetry. Working in groups of four or five, students are tasked with researching an assigned poet and presenting their findings on an A3 sheet of paper. Key Objectives: Contextual Understanding: Explore the poet’s family background, upbringing, influences, and beliefs to comprehend the environment in which their poetry evolved. Biographical Details: Include the poet’s birth and death dates where applicable. Fostering Research Skills: Encourage students to conduct thorough research to create informative presentations. Classroom Display: Projects will be collected, with the best ones featured prominently in the classroom. Friendly Competition: Students will have the chance to compete, and the group with the most projects displayed at the end of the year will receive a prize. This resource not only enhances students’ knowledge of poetry but also cultivates research and presentation skills. It offers an exciting opportunity for creative exploration and deeper comprehension of the poets whose work they’ll encounter throughout the year."

This resource is a “Weekly Test” for the study of John Donne’s poems, specifically focusing on “Go and Catch a Falling Star” and “The Flea.” It is designed for students, particularly those preparing for Irish Leaving Certificate at Ordinary Level. The test consists of a series of structured questions that encourage critical thinking and analysis of these two poems. For “Go and Catch a Falling Star,” students are asked to describe the fantastical elements in the poem and analyze their symbolism. They also explore the speaker’s attitude towards love and relationships, the significance of a repeated line, and the speaker’s view of honesty in women. For “The Flea,” students examine the central metaphor and how it is used for persuasion, the symbolism of the flea in the lovers’ relationship, the speaker’s feelings about physical intimacy, and the significance of a specific line. Additionally, they are prompted to share their impression of the speaker based on their reading of the poem. The test provides a total score out of 60 and includes space for a parent’s signature, indicating its suitability for classroom use or as a practice resource for students preparing for their exams.