Introduction to Studied Poetry - Leaving Cert English

Studied poetry constitutes 12.5% of the overall grade, equivalent to 50 marks, which is a significant portion. To have a choice in the paper, students must analyze six poems per poet for six out of eight poets, amassing 36 poems in total. This section, often a source of fear, is manageable with the right approach and strategies.

The poetry section is allocated approximately 50-55 minutes. Answers should ideally span a minimum of four A4 pages and a maximum of six. Each A4 page should take about 8-10 minutes to write. For optimal marks, it's recommended to reference a minimum of five, and ideally six, poems per poet. All poetry questions have two parts: subject matter (content) and stylistic approach (how it's delivered).

A strong introduction is crucial for a poetry essay. It should answer the question, mention the poet, express personal impact or response, and use specific language from the question. To elevate an essay, students should aim to challenge the question's language, include a 'hook' (a unique opening like a quote), establish a clear thesis, and use the 'rule of three' to outline key areas of focus. Introductions should be about half an A4 page long.

The 'point by point' structure is favored for its conversational flow and holistic appreciation. Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence clearly stating the area of focus and linking it to the question, often referencing two poems. The analysis should integrate both content and style, rather than compartmentalizing them. Personal impact and voice are vital throughout, demonstrating the student's engagement with the poem.

Within each area of focus, after introducing two poems, analyze the first poem, weaving in content, stylistic elements (similes, metaphors, etc.), and personal impact. Conclude this poem's analysis with a 'mini-conclusion' before moving to the second poem. The analysis of the second poem should maintain the same area of focus and potentially link back to the first poem. Each area of focus, covering two poems, typically spans 1.5 A4 pages.

Conclusions should be shorter and more succinct than in the past, ideally avoiding phrases like 'as I've said.' The aim is to revert to the initial hook and, more importantly, to the thesis, treating it as an argument that has been successfully proven throughout the essay. The conclusion should reaffirm how the essay has demonstrated the poet's engagement with the subject matter and their rich stylistic approach across the discussed poems. The ideal length for a full essay is 5 to 5.5 A4 pages.