Question B in the Leaving Cert English Paper 1 is a “functional writing” task worth 50 marks. It tests your ability to adapt your writing style to a specific purpose and audience. When the task is an article, you are essentially being asked to be a journalist or a school reporter.
Here is a step-by-step guide to mastering the article for Question B.
1. The Basics: Structure and Style
An article isn’t just an essay with a title; it has specific conventions you must follow to get full marks for Genre.
- Catchy Headline: Use alliteration, a pun, or a strong statement to grab attention.
- Byline: “By [Your Name]” or “By [A Student Correspondent]” immediately below the headline.
- The Hook (Intro): Start with an anecdote, a shocking statistic, or a direct question to the reader.
- Paragraphing: Use clear, thematic paragraphs. Use “topic sentences” to signal what each paragraph is about.
- Conclusion: End with a “call to action” or a final thought that leaves an impression on the reader.
2. The “Three Tasks” (Crucial for Marks)
The SEC almost always hides three specific instructions within the prompt. To maximise your “Clarity of Purpose” (P) marks, you must treat these like a checklist.
Example Prompt Analysis:
“Write an article for a popular magazine in which you (1) reflect on the importance of hobbies, (2) discuss the challenges of finding free time, and (3) suggest ways people can reconnect with their passions.”
The Rule: You must address all three. If you miss one, your marks will be capped regardless of how well you write. A good strategy is to dedicate at least one full paragraph to each of the three points.
The examiner will take marks off you in P if you have not addressed all aspects of the question and remember, if you lose marks in P you will lose marks in C and L also.
3. Understanding Your Audience
The tone of your article changes entirely based on where it is being “published.”
| Feature | Broadsheet Newspaper (e.g., The Irish Times) | School Website / Magazine |
| Audience | General public, educated adults, policymakers. | Students, teachers, parents, local community. |
| Tone | Sophisticated, objective, and authoritative. | Relatable, inclusive, and slightly more informal. |
| Vocabulary | High-level, formal, avoiding slang. | Accessible, can use “student-speak” (within reason). |
| Perspective | Often uses “we” (the nation/society). | Uses “we” (the school/our generation). |
4. Recent SEC Question Examples
Looking at past papers helps you see the “three-part” structure in action:
- 2023: Write an article for your school’s website about the increasing role played by technology in schools. In your article you should: describe some of the positive ways technology is utilised in schools today, discuss whether or not, in your view, technology can be a negative influence in schools, and speculate about the role you think technology will play in schools in the future
- 2022: Write an editorial in which you: give your response to this incident, warn your readers of the dangers inherent in attacking books in this way and urge them to engage in peaceful protest against this and any other form of censorship.
5. Step-by-Step Exam Strategy
- Select & Scan (2 mins): Read the prompt and underline the three things you are asked to do.
- Identify Audience (1 min): Who are you writing for? Decide if your tone is “Broadsheet Professional” or “Student Relatable.”
- Plan (5 mins): Scribble a quick bullet-point plan. One paragraph per “instruction” from the prompt.
- Write (25 mins): Aim for roughly 1.5 to 2 pages. Focus on “Efficiency of Language” (using vivid adjectives and varied sentence structures).
- Review (2 mins): Check your “Mechanics”—spelling, punctuation, and specifically that you didn’t forget your Headline and Byline.