Summary
Highlights
The class for Paper One, week four, focuses on composing, specifically speech writing and persuasive language. The instructor guides new students on how to access course materials, including notes and past speech tasks from 2018, 2019, and 2022. They also clarify that broader questions will be addressed at the end of the class, while immediate questions should relate to the specific topic at hand.
Composing is highlighted as the most important and yet often neglected part of Leaving Cert English, primarily due to the demanding nature of Paper Two (literature). The composing section is worth 100 marks, or 25% of the total English exam, underscoring its significant weight. The instructor emphasizes that the exam rewards creativity, citing Albert Einstein's quote on creativity.
The instructor advises spending approximately 70 minutes on the composing section. There are seven options, with one requiring an answer. Historically, the speech, discursive essay, short story, personal essay, and feature article are consistently offered. The instructor discusses whether certain formats are 'easier,' concluding that it depends on individual student strengths and practice. Students are encouraged to try different formats to find what suits them best.
Understanding genre is paramount in the composing section; it's the first criterion in the marking scheme. Students must demonstrate knowledge of the chosen writing style (e.g., speech, personal essay) to score well. The class will delve into marking schemes to understand what examiners look for, such as originality and freshness in ideas and delivery, which are key for high marks. The essay structure and length will also be discussed later.
The instructor stresses that composing is creative writing, requiring originality and freshness. They advise students to read good journalism, particularly opinion pieces in reputable newspapers like The Irish Times, to understand how professional writers articulate compelling arguments. This practice helps in developing persuasive and discursive writing skills applicable to speeches and other opinion-based essays.
For Leaving Cert essays, including the composing essay, a length of approximately 1000 words is suggested as a substantial response for the time allocated. While not explicitly marked on word count, this length is typical for high-scoring essays, with top-tier students producing around 1200 words. The instructor concludes by emphasizing that quality always trumps quantity.