Tips for success
There are loads of different ways to study and learn all the different materials on your course. Different subjects may require different techniques.
word/phrase banks
these can be really helpful for languages like Spanish Irish French here are some examples
Robail
Go tobann- suddenly
chuala mé gloine ag briseadh - i heard glass breaking
Tháinig imní mhór orm- i became worried
Bhí ciúnas marfach ann ar feadh cúpla nóiméad- there was dead silence for a few minutes
Shíl mé ansin gur chuala coiscéimeanna ar chúl an tí- i thought i heard footsteps behind the house
Thosaigh me ag beicil agus ag screadáil in ard mo chinn is mo ghutha- i started shouting and screaming at the the top of my voice
Chuir mé glaoch ar na seirbhísí éigeandála - i called the emergency services
Chonaic mé loinnir na soilse tríd an fhuinneog - i saw the glare of lights on the windows
"buiochas le Dia" arsa mise liom féin "tá siad deireadh in am." - "thank god" i said to myself "they are just in time"
Thug mé na sonraí doibh- I gave them the details
Ní dheanfaidh mé dearmad ar an oíche sin go deo- i never forgot that night, ever.
word/phrase banks
these can be really helpful for languages like Spanish Irish French here are some examples
Robail
Go tobann- suddenly
chuala mé gloine ag briseadh - i heard glass breaking
Tháinig imní mhór orm- i became worried
Bhí ciúnas marfach ann ar feadh cúpla nóiméad- there was dead silence for a few minutes
Shíl mé ansin gur chuala coiscéimeanna ar chúl an tí- i thought i heard footsteps behind the house
Thosaigh me ag beicil agus ag screadáil in ard mo chinn is mo ghutha- i started shouting and screaming at the the top of my voice
Chuir mé glaoch ar na seirbhísí éigeandála - i called the emergency services
Chonaic mé loinnir na soilse tríd an fhuinneog - i saw the glare of lights on the windows
"buiochas le Dia" arsa mise liom féin "tá siad deireadh in am." - "thank god" i said to myself "they are just in time"
Thug mé na sonraí doibh- I gave them the details
Ní dheanfaidh mé dearmad ar an oíche sin go deo- i never forgot that night, ever.
These are really easy to do and really prove to work just write your topic in the middle and jot down every last detail you can think of. i find there great for geography business and science.
here are some topics for you to try them with
Geography
Rocks Population Sea Rivers |
Business
Insurance
Budgeting Industrial relations The employer |
Science
Heart
Metals Force and Motion Respiratory system |
English- There are four major parts to this exam that you need to learn content for.
Essay- You need 2 versatile essays and a few other strong story idea
Drama- You need two character profiles and a detailed analysis of one major scene e.g. merchant of venice Shylock and Portia & Trial scene
Poetry- Two poems by the same poet and another poem as well just in case the question doesn't suit your poems
Fiction- Again you need a character profile for both the main antagonist and protagonist and a good ananysis for at least one scene where a lot action takes place. Your teachers will guide you.
Maths- there are different topics on each paper
Paper 1(HL)
PAPER ONE Question 1: Arithmetic, bills, VAT, tax credits and exchange rates
This question will test arithmetic, including order of operations, all typs of bills and other everyday arithmetic including ratio and proportion.
Question 2: Rationals, decimals, square roots and set theory
This question will examine fractions, decimals, square roots, squares, reciprocals, LCM and HCF. It will also cover all aspects of set theory such as union, intersection and problem solving using sets.
Question 3: Algebra
You can be asked to factorize expressions or solve linear equations in one variable, simultaneous equations, or quadratic equations. Fractional equations are important. Algebraic division may be tested and you may also be required to rearrange formula.
Question 4: Algebra
More algebra here. This time it's about algebraic fractions, factorizing, simplifying and problem solving using algebra.
Questions 5 and 6: Quadratic graphs and equations
Some use of algebra will be needed here. These questions will concern graphing and reading quadratic equations. You may be required to solve quadratics using the formula. Solution of inequalities will be tested. There is also an amount of co-ordinate geometry of the line needed.
PAPER TWO
Question 1: Applied arithmetic and measure
This question will focus on area and volume. All sorts of solids are included especially cone, cylinder and sphere.
Question 2: Co-ordinate geometry
This question will concern co-ordinate geometry. You may be asked to find distance, midpoint, slope and equation of a line etc. You should learn all the formula needed for these as they will not be given on the exam paper and they are not in the log tables.
Questions 3 and 4: Geometry
This very large and important section will focus exclusively on geometry. You are required to know and be able to use a considerable number of results. You may also be asked to prove these results. Constructions will be tested, as will the various symmetries. You will also be required to use theorems, which you may have had to prove, to establish further geometric facts. This is often a very unpopular but unavoidable part of the course.
Question 5: Trigonometry, sin, cos and tan
This question covers cosine, sine, and tan of any angle. Construction of angles having been given, its sin, cos or tan will also be examined. You must be able to solve right-angled triangles. The area of a triangle may also appear. It is important to know how to apply the sine rule to solve triangles.
Question 6: Statistics
In this question you may be given frequency tables and asked to find the mean or draw a histogram. Cumulative frequency tables and curves may be required. You could then be asked to use the curve to estimate the median, interquartile range etc.
Geography(OL and HL)Section 1 - Short Q's
These short questions can range over all sections of the course and will typically examine you on physical geography (including climate), on human geography (including problems of underdeveloped countries), and on the Ordnance Survey map.
When answering these Folder questions, ensure that you answer all 20 of them even if you have a choice. If in doubt make your best guess – there are no marks lost for trying.
In the three questions out of the twenty where you are given an either/or choice, answer both parts. A lot of these questions are merely testing if you can read the information given to you in the various lists of statistics or pie-charts or bar-graphs given on the paper. Therefore, it is vital that you stay calm and read each question carefully. At the same time remember that you have to answer 20 questions in approximately 40 minutes, this means that you have just two minutes to answer each of these short questions.
You need a total of 60 marks to pass Junior Cert. Geography. Section 1 carries exactly 60 marks. A good performance on this section will see you well on your way to a good grade overall in this exam.
Section 2 – Longer Questions
1. Choice of questions.
Read all questions carefully at the beginning, then decide which three of the five you are going to answer. It is important to read all of the sections of the question before deciding whether to answer it or not.
A good illustration of this would be the question entitled “Geography Mix” that came up in 2001; this had four separate sub-sections which asked on (a) the location of industry, (b) migration, (c) Irish sea-fishing and (d) Urban Planning. In other words, if you picked this question just because you knew about the location of industry, then you might have been a bit surprised when you arrived at section (c) on sea-fishing. Every year you will find that there is a choice between questions on physical geography, on human geography and on maps and photographs.
2. Answering Style
The style of answering will vary a little from question to question. However, in general, it can be noted that each question covers a number of parts (usually three) and each of these parts usually carries the same amount of marks.
The best way to answer each question is in point form or in short concise sentences which clearly try to answer the question asked.
3. Use of Diagrams
With the exception of the Aerial Photograph and the Ordnance Survey questions, the drawing of maps and diagrams is not especially important at Junior Cert. Level. Most of the questions come with diagrams already drawn. However, if it is necessary to draw a diagram, then do it quickly and in pencil.
Remember, this is not an art-exam so you are not expected to spend ages trying to produce a masterpiece.
4. Ordnance Survey and Photograph Questions
Sometimes there are separate questions and sometimes there is an overlap where the map and photo questions are combined. You will often be asked to draw a sketch map of some features from the Ordnance Survey Map or the photo.
N.B. A sketch map is not a tracing. If a tracing is given when asked for a sketch map, then you will lose at least half the marks available –sometimes more.
When drawing sketch maps:
When referring to roads, give them their full title (e.g. R335 or N77).
Remember, any statement that you make about the map or photo must be backed up by a clear reference to the same map or photograph.
History OL only have to do the first four questions, HL have to do all six
Question 1 (Picture questions)
This is a good opportunity to pick up marks as the answer will frequently be in the picture. Examine the picture very closely - the answer will often be obvious. Fill in all the blanks as you will not be penalised for a guessed attempt.
Question 2 (Document questions)
Once again, there are handy marks available here - the answer is usually contained in the document. If you are having difficulty, simply re read the passage. You may be asked for your impression of the author or if the document is a primary or a secondary source. Be ready with words like ‘biased’ and remember there is no obligation to put the answer in your own words, so use the passage itself.
Question 3 (Short-answer questions)
There is a good choice here as you are marked on ten out of twenty, with 2 marks per question. Read through the questions and answer the ones you find easy. Then do a second sweep, answering as many of the harder questions as you can. Remember you have 25 minutes for this question which gives you plenty of time to answer as many as possible. Make sure you attempt at least ten questions fully, as you won’t be penalised for an unsuccessful attempt. There will probably be one or two questions in this section that make no sense, as it covers the entire course. Don’t worry – remember that you only need to have ten correct answers for full marks.
Question 4 (People in history)
Here you are asked to write on a specific historical figure such as Columbus or Robespierre. You must choose one of three options from A and one of three from B. It does not matter whether you write creatively in the first person or not, what matters is that you make important points of information (at least ten good points on each). Do not dwell too much on the early life of the person but get straight to the reasons why he or she had an impact on history.
Question 5 (‘Difficult’ documents)
For many students, this is the trickiest question on the paper. You are given a source of information and asked questions relating to it. Be very careful how you allocate your time within this question as the thirty marks are not divided evenly. THIS QUESTION IS ALWAYS FROM SECOND YEAR!
Question 6 (Long questions)
This is the most important question on the paper and your performance here will contribute greatly to your overall grade, so treat it with great care. You have a choice of two questions from four, with each worth 30 marks. Read the options (A,B,C,D) very carefully and choose the two which will maximise your marks, taking account of all the components of each question. Do not begin a section in question six unless you are happy with the entire question.
Be careful with your time allocation, as a frequent mistake is to write too many points for a section worth only a few marks. Remember that 4 marks require two or three solid pieces of information.
Essay- You need 2 versatile essays and a few other strong story idea
Drama- You need two character profiles and a detailed analysis of one major scene e.g. merchant of venice Shylock and Portia & Trial scene
Poetry- Two poems by the same poet and another poem as well just in case the question doesn't suit your poems
Fiction- Again you need a character profile for both the main antagonist and protagonist and a good ananysis for at least one scene where a lot action takes place. Your teachers will guide you.
Maths- there are different topics on each paper
Paper 1(HL)
PAPER ONE Question 1: Arithmetic, bills, VAT, tax credits and exchange rates
This question will test arithmetic, including order of operations, all typs of bills and other everyday arithmetic including ratio and proportion.
Question 2: Rationals, decimals, square roots and set theory
This question will examine fractions, decimals, square roots, squares, reciprocals, LCM and HCF. It will also cover all aspects of set theory such as union, intersection and problem solving using sets.
Question 3: Algebra
You can be asked to factorize expressions or solve linear equations in one variable, simultaneous equations, or quadratic equations. Fractional equations are important. Algebraic division may be tested and you may also be required to rearrange formula.
Question 4: Algebra
More algebra here. This time it's about algebraic fractions, factorizing, simplifying and problem solving using algebra.
Questions 5 and 6: Quadratic graphs and equations
Some use of algebra will be needed here. These questions will concern graphing and reading quadratic equations. You may be required to solve quadratics using the formula. Solution of inequalities will be tested. There is also an amount of co-ordinate geometry of the line needed.
PAPER TWO
Question 1: Applied arithmetic and measure
This question will focus on area and volume. All sorts of solids are included especially cone, cylinder and sphere.
Question 2: Co-ordinate geometry
This question will concern co-ordinate geometry. You may be asked to find distance, midpoint, slope and equation of a line etc. You should learn all the formula needed for these as they will not be given on the exam paper and they are not in the log tables.
Questions 3 and 4: Geometry
This very large and important section will focus exclusively on geometry. You are required to know and be able to use a considerable number of results. You may also be asked to prove these results. Constructions will be tested, as will the various symmetries. You will also be required to use theorems, which you may have had to prove, to establish further geometric facts. This is often a very unpopular but unavoidable part of the course.
Question 5: Trigonometry, sin, cos and tan
This question covers cosine, sine, and tan of any angle. Construction of angles having been given, its sin, cos or tan will also be examined. You must be able to solve right-angled triangles. The area of a triangle may also appear. It is important to know how to apply the sine rule to solve triangles.
Question 6: Statistics
In this question you may be given frequency tables and asked to find the mean or draw a histogram. Cumulative frequency tables and curves may be required. You could then be asked to use the curve to estimate the median, interquartile range etc.
Geography(OL and HL)Section 1 - Short Q's
These short questions can range over all sections of the course and will typically examine you on physical geography (including climate), on human geography (including problems of underdeveloped countries), and on the Ordnance Survey map.
When answering these Folder questions, ensure that you answer all 20 of them even if you have a choice. If in doubt make your best guess – there are no marks lost for trying.
In the three questions out of the twenty where you are given an either/or choice, answer both parts. A lot of these questions are merely testing if you can read the information given to you in the various lists of statistics or pie-charts or bar-graphs given on the paper. Therefore, it is vital that you stay calm and read each question carefully. At the same time remember that you have to answer 20 questions in approximately 40 minutes, this means that you have just two minutes to answer each of these short questions.
You need a total of 60 marks to pass Junior Cert. Geography. Section 1 carries exactly 60 marks. A good performance on this section will see you well on your way to a good grade overall in this exam.
Section 2 – Longer Questions
1. Choice of questions.
Read all questions carefully at the beginning, then decide which three of the five you are going to answer. It is important to read all of the sections of the question before deciding whether to answer it or not.
A good illustration of this would be the question entitled “Geography Mix” that came up in 2001; this had four separate sub-sections which asked on (a) the location of industry, (b) migration, (c) Irish sea-fishing and (d) Urban Planning. In other words, if you picked this question just because you knew about the location of industry, then you might have been a bit surprised when you arrived at section (c) on sea-fishing. Every year you will find that there is a choice between questions on physical geography, on human geography and on maps and photographs.
2. Answering Style
The style of answering will vary a little from question to question. However, in general, it can be noted that each question covers a number of parts (usually three) and each of these parts usually carries the same amount of marks.
The best way to answer each question is in point form or in short concise sentences which clearly try to answer the question asked.
3. Use of Diagrams
With the exception of the Aerial Photograph and the Ordnance Survey questions, the drawing of maps and diagrams is not especially important at Junior Cert. Level. Most of the questions come with diagrams already drawn. However, if it is necessary to draw a diagram, then do it quickly and in pencil.
Remember, this is not an art-exam so you are not expected to spend ages trying to produce a masterpiece.
4. Ordnance Survey and Photograph Questions
Sometimes there are separate questions and sometimes there is an overlap where the map and photo questions are combined. You will often be asked to draw a sketch map of some features from the Ordnance Survey Map or the photo.
N.B. A sketch map is not a tracing. If a tracing is given when asked for a sketch map, then you will lose at least half the marks available –sometimes more.
When drawing sketch maps:
- Use a pencil – it is easier to rub out
- Always draw a frame for your sketch map. The frame should be the same shape as the photograph or Ordnance Survey map you are sketching
- Do not draw a sketch map that is more than half the size of the answer sheet you are using. It will take too long and be more difficult to do.
- Give a title to your sketch map.
- Give a key to it also, as this will avoid over-crowding on your sketch.
- Put a little colour into your sketch if you feel you can spare the time. It is not essential to use colour.
When referring to roads, give them their full title (e.g. R335 or N77).
Remember, any statement that you make about the map or photo must be backed up by a clear reference to the same map or photograph.
History OL only have to do the first four questions, HL have to do all six
Question 1 (Picture questions)
This is a good opportunity to pick up marks as the answer will frequently be in the picture. Examine the picture very closely - the answer will often be obvious. Fill in all the blanks as you will not be penalised for a guessed attempt.
Question 2 (Document questions)
Once again, there are handy marks available here - the answer is usually contained in the document. If you are having difficulty, simply re read the passage. You may be asked for your impression of the author or if the document is a primary or a secondary source. Be ready with words like ‘biased’ and remember there is no obligation to put the answer in your own words, so use the passage itself.
Question 3 (Short-answer questions)
There is a good choice here as you are marked on ten out of twenty, with 2 marks per question. Read through the questions and answer the ones you find easy. Then do a second sweep, answering as many of the harder questions as you can. Remember you have 25 minutes for this question which gives you plenty of time to answer as many as possible. Make sure you attempt at least ten questions fully, as you won’t be penalised for an unsuccessful attempt. There will probably be one or two questions in this section that make no sense, as it covers the entire course. Don’t worry – remember that you only need to have ten correct answers for full marks.
Question 4 (People in history)
Here you are asked to write on a specific historical figure such as Columbus or Robespierre. You must choose one of three options from A and one of three from B. It does not matter whether you write creatively in the first person or not, what matters is that you make important points of information (at least ten good points on each). Do not dwell too much on the early life of the person but get straight to the reasons why he or she had an impact on history.
Question 5 (‘Difficult’ documents)
For many students, this is the trickiest question on the paper. You are given a source of information and asked questions relating to it. Be very careful how you allocate your time within this question as the thirty marks are not divided evenly. THIS QUESTION IS ALWAYS FROM SECOND YEAR!
Question 6 (Long questions)
This is the most important question on the paper and your performance here will contribute greatly to your overall grade, so treat it with great care. You have a choice of two questions from four, with each worth 30 marks. Read the options (A,B,C,D) very carefully and choose the two which will maximise your marks, taking account of all the components of each question. Do not begin a section in question six unless you are happy with the entire question.
Be careful with your time allocation, as a frequent mistake is to write too many points for a section worth only a few marks. Remember that 4 marks require two or three solid pieces of information.