The second paper in English assesses your knowledge of texts on literature, which you will have studied in depth for your Leaving Cert. The only text here that will be new to you is in a relatively short question on an unseen poem.

Most questions on Paper Two require you to be proficient in the language of argument. You are trying to win over the mind of the reader/examiner by logical, convincing argument.

Apart from the unseen poem all questions require an essay style answer. Your three essay style answers should have the following basic structure:

Opening Paragraph: State your position clearly in relation to the question. Do you agree? Do you disagree? State why very briefly (you will be developing your reasons in your central paragraphs).

Body of Answer : This should consist of five to six paragraphs; each paragraph dealing with a specific point. Refer to the question regularly throughout your answer. It is important to use quotation and reference to the text in these paragraphs to support any assertions you make.

Closing Paragraph: Your closing paragraph should bring your essay to a satisfying conclusion. Restate your position in relation to the question asked and round off your answer based on the points made in the body of your essay.

The Single Text

For most people, the single text means Othello but there are other options. Wuthering Heights, The Remains of the Day, Death and Nightingales and The Crucible.

You will have a choice of two questions on your chosen text. Whichever question you choose, you will be required to display a thorough knowledge of the text in your answer and you are expected to be able to analyse the text not merely summarise it.

The Single Text requires:

• A detailed assessment of character;
• An examination of central themes;
• An analysis of the imagery;
• An assessment of the text in relation to some specific aspect of style, such as Shakespeare's use of language in Othello.

Do not rush at answering questions. Take the time to plan your answer in point form. You should have five to seven main points to make in response to the question. These will form the basis of your paragraphs.

The Comparative Study

The Comparative Study tests your ability to discuss similarities and differences between different texts under certain headings. The headings for 2008 are:

• Theme or issue (an issue or motif that is consistently dealt with throughout the text)
• Literary Genre: How the story is told ( the techniques used by the author to tell the story such as narration, setting, imagery, characterisation)
• The Cultural Context: the place time and era the text is set in - includes social customs/traditions, class differences, the role of men and women, religion