English Leaving Certificate - (Higher Level) Paper 1

Composition

1. " my take on recent history" Write a personal essay in which you discuss your views on a recent event or series of events in the world.

2. "celebrity culture has gone too far ... " Write a speech in which you attempt to persuade an audience that today's obsession with the lives of the rich and famous has gone too far.

3. "ordinary people surviving as best they can ..." You are responding to a radio competition to find an ordinary person whose life story will inspire others. Entries should include an account of the person's life and the reason(s) why it is inspirational. Write your competition entry

4. "the hope that things will be better for the next generation..." Write an article for a newspaper or magazine, outlining your vision of a better future.

5. "She was expected to carry on as she was ... he was always expected to take over the family business..." Write a personal essay on the part which other people's expectations play in our lives.

6. "She engaged in none of the banter that other customers seemed to like..." You have been asked to give a talk to your class on the importance of not taking life too seriously. Write the talk you would give.

Leaving Certificate Applied - English and Communication

Write a letter to the editor of The Irish Times giving your opinion on any "reality" television programme(s)