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Leaving Certificate English (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
Overview
Leaving Certificate English (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
The first of the two organising concepts of the syllabus: reading and responding critically to a wide range of spoken, written and multimodal texts to understand, analyse, infer, synthesise and evaluate meaning across different contexts.
The second organising concept: producing extended writing and other texts in a range of forms and registers, shaping language purposefully for different audiences, purposes and effects.
Developing students' spoken-language skills through discussion, debate, oral presentation and performance, treated as integral to learning even though it is not separately examined.
One of the five language genres: the use of clear, factual, explanatory language to demonstrate, define, report and inform an audience.
The genre of reasoned discourse that builds and defends a logical case through evidence, structure and clear lines of reasoning.
The genre that uses rhetorical and emotive techniques to influence, convince and move an audience, as in speeches, advertising and opinion writing.
The genre of storytelling, ordering events and shaping voice and perspective to recount real or imagined experience.
The creative, descriptive and literary use of language to evoke imagery, mood and emotion through stylistic and figurative craft.
Reading study of a thematically linked group of texts, answering analytical comprehension questions (Question A) and producing a related functional or creative response (Question B).
Writing an extended composition chosen from a set of titles spanning forms such as the short story, personal essay, descriptive essay, speech, article and discursive writing.
An in-depth study of one prescribed literary text (novel, play or other work) chosen from the Department's list, examined in Paper 2, Section I.
Comparative analysis of three prescribed texts across the official modes of comparison, including Cultural Context, Literary Genre, Theme or Issue, and General Vision and Viewpoint.
Study of the work of set poets prescribed for the examination, analysing themes, style and technique in their selected poems (Paper 2).
Critical response to a previously unstudied poem, demonstrating the ability to read, interpret and appreciate poetry independently (Paper 2).
The overarching literature strand drawing together drama, fiction, poetry and film as objects of close critical reading, personal response and contextual understanding.
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
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Public references
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