Coimisiún na Scrúduithe Stáit

State Examinations Commission

Leaving Certificate Applied 2021

Marking Scheme

English and Communication

Common Level
Note to teachers and students on the use of published marking schemes
Marking schemes published by the State Examinations Commission are not intended to be
standalone documents. They are an essential resource for examiners who receive training
in the correct interpretation and application of the scheme. This training involves, among
other things, marking samples of student work and discussing the marks awarded, so as to
clarify the correct application of the scheme. The work of examiners is subsequently
monitored by Advising Examiners to ensure consistent and accurate application of the
marking scheme. This process is overseen by the Chief Examiner, usually assisted by a Chief
Advising Examiner. The Chief Examiner is the final authority regarding whether or not the
marking scheme has been correctly applied to any piece of candidate work.

Marking schemes are working documents. While a draft marking scheme is prepared in
advance of the examination, the scheme is not finalised until examiners have applied it to
candidates’ work and the feedback from all examiners has been collated and considered in
light of the full range of responses of candidates, the overall level of difficulty of the
examination and the need to maintain consistency in standards from year to year. This
published document contains the finalised scheme, as it was applied to all candidates’ work.

In the case of marking schemes that include model solutions or answers, it should be noted
that these are not intended to be exhaustive. Variations and alternatives may also be
acceptable. Examiners must consider all answers on their merits, and will have consulted
with their Advising Examiners when in doubt.

Future Marking Schemes

Assumptions about future marking schemes on the basis of past schemes should be
avoided. While the underlying assessment principles remain the same, the details of the
marking of a particular type of question may change in the context of the contribution of
that question to the overall examination in a given year. The Chief Examiner in any given
year has the responsibility to determine how best to ensure the fair and accurate
assessment of candidates’ work and to ensure consistency in the standard of the
assessment from year to year. Accordingly, aspects of the structure, detail and application
of the marking scheme for a particular examination are subject to change from one year to
the next without notice.
Part One – Audio Visual (30 minutes, 40 marks)
1. What evidence is there that Michael is a huge GAA fan? (2 marks)
Award 2 marks for any one of the following: He tells us; the framed jerseys and GAA gear on the
wall; he tells Ryan Tubridy; his reaction to Davy Fitzgerald – has his book, etc.

2. According to The Late Late Toy Show host, Ryan Tubridy, how did Michael stand out from
everyone else? (2 marks)
Award 2 marks for any one of the following: He has passion; The X Factor; Charisma.

3. Based on what you have seen in this clip, describe Michael‘s first encounter with Davy
Fitzgerald on The Late Late Toy Show. (4 marks)
Award 4 marks for clear description of the encounter on the Late Late Show. Davy’s appearance is
a surprise. Michael can’t believe it’s happening. Michael is excited. It is a humorous encounter.
Davy surprises him with his proposal, etc.

4. Michael is very passionate about the GAA. Outline what you think Michael gets from his
passionate involvement with the GAA. (4 marks)
Award 4 marks for any reasonable suggestion made by the candidate. It gives him an interest. He
enjoys the excitement of the matches. It gives him something to follow and take an interest in. It
makes him feel part of a community or part of a team, etc.
5. Do you agree with Ger Canning’s view that the challenge Michael has been set is a "giant
task"? Explain your answer. (6 marks)
Candidates may agree or disagree with the view expressed. Award ex 6 marks based on the
explanation they give for their viewpoint. It would be a huge challenge for a young boy to address
a group of adults. It would also be difficult to script and deliver a speeh that is inspiring and
motivational. It might be particularly daunting for someone visually impaired – can’t see the
audience. Not a giant task – Michael seems to be very confident, he would be able for it. He’s
been on TV in front of a massive audience, etc.

6. Outline the advice given to Michael by his school principal, Mr Rory D'Arcy on delivering
his inspirational speech. (4 marks)
Award 4 marks for a clear explanation of the advice he is given by the principal. He emphasises
the importance of repetition of key words in a motivational speech. He uses the example of
Martin Luther King’s speech to make his point.

7. What do you think Kerry goalkeeper Brendan Kealy means when he says that giving inspiring
speeches, "can be more how you say something, rather that what you say."? (4 marks)
Award 4 marks for a clear and reasonable explanation of Mr Kealy’s words. When it comes to
inspiring people, often they are not really listening to what is being said. It is how it is said that can
affect people most. In particular this could be true in the moments before a match begins. The
players could be so focused on the match that they’re not really listening. It can be more about
the emotions displayed and the emotional impact.

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8. Were you impressed by the speech Michael gave to the Wexford hurling team? Explain your
answer. (6 marks)
Candidates may or may not be impressed by the speech. Mark ex 6 marks based on the
explanation of the view expressed by the candidate. His speech was passionate, he had the
audience’s undivided attention. Impressed by the fact that he could stand up and address an adult
audience. He used the advice he was given to repeat very effectively. His delivery is very strong.
Some candidates may respond in the negative. Found the speech boring. Used cliches, etc.

9. Based on what you have seen in both clips, what do you think makes people like Michael
and Davy inspirational? Explain your answer. (8 marks)
Mark by impression ex 8 marks. Award reasonable suggestions, clearly expressed, based on the
content of the material. They are both very passionate – this makes them inspirational. They
overcome obstacles like Michael’s disability. They are small in stature but they both have big
personalities. Their outlook on life is very positive and they don’t let negative things drag them
down. They can make an impression / have an impact on others. Motivate others. They face
challenges and their positivity makes them winners, they want to win, etc.

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Part Two – Written (90 minutes, 120 marks)
Candidates must attempt FOUR questions, ONE from each of the FOUR sections.
EACH QUESTION IN PART TWO CARRIES 30 MARKS.

Section 1 Communications and the Working World.

Answer question 1 or 2
1. Read the following piece, Has Email Replaced Letter Writing? taken from
www.atechnologysociety.co.uk. Answer the questions that follow.

Email. We use it daily, check it regularly – some people check it obsessively. In a computer, on a
smartphone, it's one of the main ways we communicate with other people. Now computers are
so prevalent we use them to send documents, music, even pictures and videos, all as
attachments to a short email note. Where we once wrote letters, now we drop people an email.
But is it the same thing, just in a different form? No, it's not.
Letter writing is an art, sometimes boring, sometimes exciting, but full of detail. For several
centuries it was the main way people stayed in touch, especially those who'd moved elsewhere,
whether to other parts of the country or abroad. Letter writing was a process that could take an
hour or several days. Letters were joyfully received and replies penned. They were saved and
treasured and often handed down through families as keepsakes and histories.
There are still plenty of people who prefer words on paper, especially among the older
generation, but in a society that's come to value instant gratification, the appeal of email – write
it, click a button and it zips off to the recipient – makes a lot of sense. These days asking for
someone's address means their email address, not house number and street name. Email
means we're in touch.
Emails have changed the art of letter writing. Now, instead of going into depth, the way we did
in letters, we skim the surface of things in order to finish and move on quickly. If we want to
include details, we attach a picture or even a video. We communicate by email but we rarely
talk. Business letters are ideally suited to the email format, being more formal and short. All
email has done for business letters is speed up the process and made things easier by allowing
documents and files to be attached, so business – especially global business, runs more
efficiently. No more waiting several days for an airmail letter containing important contracts to
arrive: they can speed to the other side of the world in seconds.

(a) (i) Identify three different attachments we can send through email. (3 marks)
Award 3 marks (1+1+1) for three of the following: documents; music; pictures; videos, etc.
(ii) Outline one advantage sending an email has over writing a letter in business.
(2 marks)
Award 2 marks for a reasonable suggestion: saves time, instant communication, you can attach all
sorts of things. Paperless – green, good for the environment. 'Free‘ etc.

3
(b) (i) Based on what you have read above, what evidence is there to suggest that letter
writing was important to people in the past? (3 marks)
Award 3 marks for reasonable suggestions based on the passage. Letters were saved and
treasured. It was a great joy to people to receive a letter. Letters were handed down in families as
keepsakes. Because they took longer to write and to be received, they would be more highly
valued.

(ii) Which would you prefer to receive, a hand-written letter or an email? Explain your
answer. (2 marks)
Award 2 marks for any reasonable response. Candidates may express a view on either side. Like to
get a letter, shows time and effort by the writer. Hand-written is more personal. Like someting
you can get your hands on. Or Prefer the speedier email communication, means you can get
things done quicker, etc.

(c) Customers form an impression of a business from the letters and emails it sends out.
Outline two rules or guidelines which should be followed by all business employees when
writing and sending out letters and emails. (8 marks)
Award 8 marks (4+4) for two guidelines, clearly expressed. Allow for a variety of responses. They
should always be polite; they should avoid inappropriate language; they should be precise and to
the point; they should be informative; there should be no errors; their purpose/intent should be
clear, etc.

(d) A job of interest to you has been advertised on a website, www.jobs2021.ie and you have
decided to apply for it. The application has to be made online. Compose an email
outlining the following:
 Position you are applying for
 Explain two reasons why you are interested in this job
 Outline one skill and one quality you have to offer. (12 marks)

Expect candidates to adopt a tone and register appropriate to the task. A level of formality in
register is to be expected. A level of enthusiasm and self-confidence could also be expected.
Discriminate based on the quality of the response.

Position you are applying for Explain two reasons why you Outline one skill and one
are interested in this job quality you have to offer

2 marks 2+2 marks (1+2) (1+2) marks

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2. Read the following article on communication skills for workplace success, by Alison Doyle,
taken from www.thebalancecareers.com. Answer the questions that follow.

Communication Skills For Workplace Success

The ability to communicate effectively with employers, colleagues and staff is essential, no
matter what industry you work in. Workers in the digital age must know how to effectively
convey and receive messages in person as well as through the use of technology. Good
communication skills will help you get hired, land promotions, and be a success throughout your
career.
Listening – Being a good listener is one of the best ways to be a good communicator. If you're
not a good listener, it's going to be hard to understand what you're being asked to do. Take the
time to practise active listening. This involves paying close attention to what the other person is
saying, asking clarifying questions and rephrasing what the person says to ensure understanding.
Non-verbal Communication – your body language, eye contact, hand gestures and tone of
voice, all show the message you are trying to convey. Eye contact is so important. You want to
look the person in the eye to demonstrate that you are focused on them and the conversation.
Clarity – Good verbal communication means saying just enough – don't talk too much or too
little. Try to convey your message in as few words as possible. Say what you want clearly and
directly, whether you're speaking to someone in person, on the phone, or via email. If you
ramble on, your listener will either tune out or will be unsure of exactly what you want.
Confidence – It is important to be confident in your interactions with others and not to sound
arrogant or aggressive. Confidence shows your co-workers that you believe in what you're
saying and will follow through. Demonstrating confidence can be as simple as making eye
contact or using a firm but friendly tone. Be careful. Be sure you are always listening carefully
to the other person.

(a) (i) Identify three communication skills that are necessary in the workplace. (3 marks)
Award 3 marks (1+1+1) for any three of the following: Listening skills; Non verbal Communication;
Communicating clearly; Communicating confidently or for examples of each skill, e.g. eye contact
etc.
(ii) Which one of the communication skills, in bold on page 10, do you think is most
important? Give a reason for your answer. (1+1 marks)
Award 2 marks for the nomination of one of the communication skills in bold and for any
reasonable explanation for their choice.
(b) (i) Outline one other skill, not mentioned in the passage, that you think is important for
success in the workplace. (3 marks)
Award 3 marks for any reasonable, clearly expressed skill outlined. Allow for a range of
approaches to this question. Organisational skills; Teamworking skills; Interpersonal skills;
Initiative; Time management, etc.

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 (ii) Identify one occasion when you would have to use listening skills while on work
placement. (2 marks)
Award 2 marks for any occasion identified by candidate that would require their use of listening
skills, e.g. receiving instructions, health and safety information, taking phone calls, dealing with
customers, etc.
(c) The passage tells us that, "It is important to be confident in your interactions with others
and not to sound arrogant or aggressive."
Explain what you think is meant by this statement. (8 marks)
Mark by impression Ex 8 marks. Reward candidates that show a clear understanding of the
statement and who can clearly explain it in their own words. When communicating with others,
while remaining confident you should not come across as being overconfident to the extent that
you appear to know it all and are over bearing.
(d) You are preparing to go on work placement and have been given the opportunity to talk to
your employer before the work placement begins. Write out the notes you would prepare
in advance of that conversation. In your notes you should include the following:
 Identify the work placement
 Two important questions you would ask the employer about the work placement
 One thing you hope to learn while on work placement
 One reason why you think you would be a valuable worker for the employer.
(12 marks)
Expect candidates to adopt a tone and register appropriate to the task. Expect clear and well
expressed notes. Allow for a concise approach to the task. Discriminate based on the quality of
the response.

The work Two important One thing you hope to One reason why you think
placement questions you learn while on work you would be a valuable
would ask the placement worker for the employer
employer about
the work
placement

2 marks 2+2 marks 3 marks 3 marks

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Section 2 Communications and Enterprise
Answer question 3 or 4
3. Read the following piece taken from www.irishtechnews.ie. Answer the questions that
follow.
Posting on Social Media in Business: How to Remain Professional
The invention of social media has a lot of pros and cons. Initially, it was mainly used by younger
people as a way of sharing photos, listening to new music and keeping in touch, as well as
making new friends. It took off rapidly and is continually evolving. Social media is vital for
business these days. So, how is it possible to use social media for business, ensuring you remain
professional whilst doing so?
Consider what you post carefully – some businesses post controversial memes and share articles
purposely to try to increase interaction. While this may work for a small proportion of
companies, it is unlikely to work for smaller enterprises. Think about who your audience is and
what will interest them. Aside from the content you choose to share, take into account the
language you use as well. If every third word is a swear word, this is highly unprofessional.
Spelling, punctuation and grammar are vital too. Many people are discouraged from associating
themselves with a brand if they find errors in their work.
Post on a regular basis – If your approach to posting on social media networks is haphazard,
people will jump to the conclusion that the way you run your business is the same. While this
might be untrue, giving information on a regular basis, whether twice a day or twice a week, is
vital for keeping people coming back for more. It is possible to schedule posts, so this is
something to consider if you have limited time to invest in social media.
Interact positively – if people respond and react to your posts and you ignore that, it looks
terrible. It is important that you switch on your notifications to allow you to respond to any
questions or comments. Posting content alone does not constitute a successful and professional
approach to social media. There are options for automatic replies, which can be useful.
However, do make sure you go back and reply to each individual message.

(a) (i) Identify three ways that young people use social media. (3 marks)
Award 3 marks (1+1+1) for the identification of any three of the following: sharing photos;
listening to new music; keeping in touch; making new friends.

(ii) Based on what you have read, identify three ways a business can remain professional
whilst using social media. (3 marks)
Award 3 marks (1+1+1) for the identification of three of the following: Consider what you post;
avoid swearing; avoid errors; think about your audience; post regularly; interact positively, etc.

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(b) (i) According to the article above, social media is vital for business. Would you agree
with this statement? Explain your answer. (3 marks)
Candidates are free to agree or disagree with the statement. Award 3 marks on based on the
quality and clarity of the explanation offered. Expect a range of responses to the task.
(ii) In your opinion, are there any disadvantages for businesses in using social media?
Explain your view. (4 marks)
Candidates may or may not feel there are disadvantages for businesses in using social media.
Award 4 marks based on the quality and clarity of the explanation offered. Expect a range of
responses to the task. Distraction for workers, time wasted, inappropriate posts, difficult to police,
etc.
(c) Outline one skill you feel you developed as a result of your involvement with your student
enterprise / mini-company. (5 marks)
Award 5 marks for outlining a skill the candidate feels that he / she has developed through
enterprise / mini-company. Expect a broad range of responses. Discriminate based on the quality
of the response.

(d) You have been asked to write a blog about your student enterprise / mini-company for
your school website as part of an information guide for other students. Write out the blog
you intend to put on this website. Include the following:
 Name of student enterprise / mini-company and a brief description of it
 Your role in the enterprise / mini-company
 An outline of the most important thing you think you gained from your involvement
in the enterprise / mini-company. (12 marks)

Expect candidates to adopt a tone and register appropriate to the task. Allow for a range of
approaches to writing a blog. Discriminate based on the quality of the response.

Name of student enterprise Your role in the enterprise An outline of the most
/ mini-company and a brief / mini-company important thing you think
description of it you gained from your
involvement in the
enterprise / mini-
company.
1+4 marks 2 marks 5 marks

OR

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4. Read the following article taken from www.jobs.ie. Answer the questions that follow.

"Why do you want to work for us?

How do you properly answer this popular interview question? This seemingly simple question
continues to trip up the unprepared candidate. A good answer involves thorough research of
the company to learn as much as possible and could include reasons such as an excellent
company reputation, a work culture and set of values that are closely linked to your own, or an
admiration of the products / services it offers. Answering the question takes some research on
your part in order to provide that killer response.
Research the company's website. A lack of knowledge of what the organisation does and what it
stands for will become apparent if you don't review its website. Check out the ‘About Us’ page
and see if the firm has been mentioned much in the media in the form of articles or press
releases. It is also worth studying the Career Section of the site if it has one.
Dig into the company's social media. High-flying companies have a significant social media
presence, so take a look to see if it posts any news on its Linkedin, Facebook or Twitter pages.
You could find someone on your network who already works at the company. Ask them for any
insights they can share.
Take a close look at the job description. Analyse the job responsibilities to ensure you have a
keen understanding of what the role actually involves. It is hard to convince anyone that you
belong at a company when you don't even know what you are supposed to be doing.
Compare your career objectives with the things you like about the job. Analyse how the position
will help you attain your goals and, during the interview, discuss the aspects of the job that meet
your career objectives.
A few things you should definitely avoid saying when answering this question are an emphasis
on perks such as better salary or a company car, a generic answer that could easily apply to half
a dozen positions or an answer that lacks enthusiasm. Show your passion for the job!

(a) (i) Identify one thing the article suggests would be a good answer to the question,
"Why do you want to work for us?". (3 marks)
Award 3 marks for identifying one of the following: excellent company reputation, a work culture
and set of values that are closely linked to your own, or an admiration of the products / services it
offers.
(ii) Identify three things you should avoid saying in an interview when answering this
question. (3 marks)
Award 3 marks for identifying one of the following: better salary, company car, a generic answer
that could easily apply to half a dozen positions, an answer that lacks enthusiasm.
(b) (i) From your experience of Leaving Certificate Applied, identify one other question that
would be challenging to answer in an interview. (3 marks)
Award 3 marks for any reasonable suggestion relevant to a job interview. Reward an awareness of
the world of work and workplace issues. Allow for a range of responses to the task.

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 (ii) How do you think you could make a good first impression in an interview? Explain
your answer. (4 marks)
Award 4 marks for a well explained resonse to the task. Expect a range of possible responses. Be
punctual, well attired, polite, answer clearly, with enthusiasm, ask relevant questions, show a
willingness to be flexible, etc.

(c) Imagine you are being interviewed for a position that has come up in one of your work
placements and are asked the question, 'Why do you want to work for us?'.
Write out your response to this question. (5 marks)
Award 5 marks for good engagement with the task. Candidates may draw from their reading of
the passage or link their response to their own work placement or a combination of the two.
Candidates could respond directly, in the form of an actual response to the question or indirectly.

(e) You have been asked to give a talk to next year’s English and Communication class on the
importance of market research for enterprise / mini-companies. Write the talk including
the following:
 The purpose of market research
 Explain why it is important to consider your target audience
 Two ways in which market research can be conducted
 Why you think market research is an important part of any business.
(12 marks)
Expect candidates to adopt a tone and register appropriate to the task.
Discriminate based on the quality of the response.

The purpose of Explain why it is Two ways in which Why you think market
market research important to market research can be research is an important
consider your conducted part of any business.
target audience

2 marks 2 marks 2+2 marks 4 marks

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Section 3: The Communications Media
Answer question 5 or 6
5. Read the following piece adapted from www.theguardian.com. Answer the questions that
follow.
The Prequel
A prequel is a story or film containing events which happened or came before an existing story.
They have recently become Hollywood's favourite money maker. One example of this is with
the Star Wars series of films. In the prequel, Solo: A Star Wars Story, we were in reverse gear.
We went back: back to 1970s, back to characters we knew better than they knew themselves.
You might have been getting this feeling a lot recently. Instead of forming new memories, going
to the movies is starting to feel like we're discovering what happened before.
From a commerical point of view, prequels make perfect sense. They're a way of cashing in on
brand recognition without messing with the original film, and of bringing in new actors to
replace actors too old, weary or expensive to continue their roles. As the character Han Solo in
the Star Wars series, actor Harrison Ford was all three of the above. He pleaded with Star Wars
director George Lucas to kill Han Solo at the end of the film, Return of the Jedi. But Solo is one
of Star War's best-loved characters. What to do? Prequel. That is often the answer these days.
Make a film about what happened before the original film.
Harry Potter runs out of instalments? Answer – make a prequel – Fantastic Beasts and Where To
Find Them, swiftly followed by part two, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. It's not
just franchise movies, everyone's at it. The makers of Game of Thrones are currently developing
five prequel ideas. It's not story, it's backstory.
Prequels clearly work. People flock to see them. In theory, the past can hold as many surprises
as the future, and a good prequel can add depth. Maybe characters are more important than
stories. But is this a substitute for good old chronological-order storytelling? Only time will tell.

(a) (i) Name two movie prequels in the Harry Potter franchise. (2 marks)
Award 2 marks (1+1) for Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of
Grindelwald.
(ii) “It's not story, it's backstory." Based on your reading of this article, what do you
think this statement means? (4 marks)
Award 4 marks for a clear explanation of the statement. Good responses will show an
understanding ot the concept of prequels – it is a story based around events that occured before
the original production.

(b) (i) Do you like the idea of prequel films? Give a reason for your answer (2 marks)
Candidates may or may not like the concept. Award 2 marks for one reason given. Could detract
from the original; never as good as the original; just a means of making money etc. Allow for a
range of responses.

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 (ii) Explain two reasons why prequels are successful. (4 marks)
Award 4 marks (2+2) for any two of the following: they make more money, a way of getting around
ageing actors, or actors who are too expensive / aren’t interested in making further films. Prequels
don’t affect the original film.
(c) What type of film do you most enjoy? Give two reasons for your answer. (6 marks)
Candidates may suggest a range of different types of film. They may not necessarily be recognised
film genres – but could be more general suggestions. Award 6 marks (2 marks for type – 2+2 for
reasons).

(d) Write a review of a film you have studied as part of your Leaving Certified Applied course.
Include the following in your review:
 Title and genre of the film
 The setting of the film
 A brief description of your favourite character in the film
 Any special features (music, special effects, etc.) that were used effectively in the film.
(12 marks)
Expect candidates to adopt a tone and register appropriate to the task. Discriminate based on the
quality of the response.

Title and genre The setting of the A brief description of your Any special features
of the film film favourite character in the (music, special effects,
film etc.) that were used
effectively in the film

1+1 marks 3 marks 3 marks 4 marks

OR

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6. Read the following piece about recent radio listenership figures in Ireland, taken from
www.radiotoday.ie. Answer the questions that follow.

Choose Radio

The Joint National Listenership Research survey (JNLR) measures and publishes figures about
which radio stations Irish people listen to and how many listeners programmes on these stations
attract. Recent JNLR figures show 82% of the population tuning in to radio every day, which
means weekday figures of 3.1 million listeners. These figures show that Irish radio continues to
be the audio medium of choice for people in Ireland with 85% share of the audio market in
Ireland. This compares with 8.1% own music, 4.9% Spotify and 1.6% Podcast.
Gabrielle Cummins, Chairperson of the Choose Radio Group said: "Today's JNLR results don't lie:
they highlight a powerful story about radio in Ireland. On radio, you are always grabbing the full
attention of the audience. Radio can ensure that your ad will be delivered directly to the ears of
3.1 million people daily. Radio is an active medium with a unique ability to stir emotions, create
reactions and ultimately build demand. 82% of people in Ireland listened to the radio yesterday.
On average, they spend more than 4 hours with radio every day. Radio dominates when
compared with other media – 51% of people in Ireland used Social Media yesterday and just
75% read a national newspaper last week.
Newstalk has maintained its position as one of the most listened to stations in Ireland with
414,000 listeners tuning in every day. At Today FM, 'The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show' has
181,000 people tuning in each morning. Drivetime host Matt Cooper is celebrating a 4 year high
for 'The Last Word' as his audience increased 10,000 to 152,000. Commenting on his figures,
Matt Cooper said: "We never take anything for granted, especially our listeners, so we're
delighted that the varied mix of topics and guests is appealing to an ever-larger number of
people."
Local radio is important. Limerick's local station Live 95 has almost 100,000 listeners tuning in
every week. Station Director, Joe Nash said: "We aim every day to keep the listeners of Limerick
entertained and informed. We are grateful to our listeners and the business community for
staying local in such numbers, because we know they are as proud of Limerick as we are, at Live
95."

(a) (i) What is the purpose of the JNLR survey? (2 marks)

Award 2 marks for a clear explanation of the purpose of the survey: to measure and publish figures
about which radio stations Irish people listen to and how many listeners programmes on these
stations attract.
(ii) Based on your reading of this article, why do you think that radio is a good medium
for advertising? Explain your answer. (4 marks)
Award 4 marks for a clear explanation of the effectiveness of radio as a medium for advertising.
Radio grabs the full attention of the audience, the ad will be delivered directly to the ears of 3.1
million people daily. Radio is an active medium with a unique ability to stir emotions, create
reactions and ultimately build demand. Less cost involved, etc.

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(b) (i) Based on what you have read, why do you think Matt Cooper’s Drivetime programme
is successful? (2 marks)
Award 2 marks for a clear statement of one of the following responses to the task, never take
listeners for granted, offers a good mix of topics and guests.

(ii) “Local radio is important." Do you agree with this statement?

Explain your view. (4 marks)
Candidates may choose to agree or disagree with the statement. Award 4 marks for a reasonable
and clear explanation of viewpoint: Keeps you informed of local events; features local people;
local traffic. Don’t like it – too parochial; never has anything good on, doesn’t play the kind of
music I like, caters more for an older audience.

(c) Name your favourite radio station. Give two reasons why you enjoy listening to this
particular radio station. (6 marks)
Candidates may nominate any radio station of their choice. Award 6 marks (3+3) for the two
reasons they outline for liking their chosen station. Allow for a variety of approaches to the task.

(d) As the host of a radio programme on your local radio station you have recently conducted
a vox pop on an issue of importance to your local community. Write the introduction you
would deliver at the start of your radio programme using the following headings:
 What was the issue of importance to your local community?
 A brief account of how you carried out the vox pop
 A brief account of some of the views you heard from local people
 Your own views on the issue.
(12 marks)
Expect candidates to adopt a tone and register appropriate to the task. Reward candidate showing
an awareness of audience in the context of the task. Reward good engagement with the chosen
issue. Discriminate based on the quality of the response.

What was the A brief account of A brief account of some Your own views on the
issue of how you carried of the views you heard issue
importance to out the vox pop from local people
your local
community?

2 marks 2 marks 4 marks 4 marks

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Section 4 Critical Literacy and Composition
Answer question 7 or 8
7. Read the following reflections on reading by three well-known children’s authors, taken from
www.guardian.com. Answer the questions that follow.

Michael Morpurgo
Reading is not a medicine. There isn't one book that works for every child because every child is
different. Treasure Island was the first book that I read for myself – it was a huge inspiration. I
identified with the hero Jim Hawkins completely, and lived this book as I read it. Treasure Island
was the beginning of a long voyage into stories. For very young children I'd choose Judith Kerr's
The Tiger Who Came to Tea and for older readers, The Man Who Planted Trees, by Jean Giono.
It's a book for children from eight to eighty. I love the humanity of this story and how one man's
efforts can change the future for so many. It's a real message of hope.
Michael Rosen
I fell in love with Emil and the Detectives, by Erich Kastner for its inventiveness, wit and tension.
It became my favourite book as a child, and one that I went on to teach as an adult. Emil's
mother sends him to Berlin with some money for his aunt and grandmother, but the money is
stolen by a stranger on the train. For younger readers, I would recommend The Gruffalo, by Julia
Donaldson. It's about the triumph of wit and cunning over adversity and danger. It's funny and
it's got real tension and it gets better and better on each rereading, and there is so much to look
at with the illustrations, as well as the perfect rhythm and rhyme that Julia has written.
Anthony Browne
When I was a child, comic books were a big influence and I remember one in particular, a comic
strip in book form called Fudge in Toffee Town. Toffee Town was made out of sweets and the
rivers were lemonade. I thought it was wonderful, particularly coming after wartime rationing.
Most picture books can produce fascinating conversations between adults and children. Look
together at the pictures and talk about the expressions on characters' faces, their body
language. It can be a bit like "people watching" in real life – what sort of a place do they live in?
Are they happy or sad? Are there any clues in the picture?

(a) (i) Choose one book mentioned above, that you think would appeal to a child.
Give a reason for your choice. (2 marks)
Award 2 marks for any reasonable reason for choosing one of the texts identified in the passage as
having appeal to a child.

(ii) What do you think Michael Murpurgo means when he says about Treasure Island
“I lived this book as I read it."? Explain your answer. (4 marks)

Award 4 marks for a clear and reasonable interpretation of the statement. The writer was really
engrossed by the novel. He felt he entered the world of the novel, he could imagine himself in the
world of the novel, etc.

(b) Why do you think "people watching" could benefit writers in their work? Explain your
answer. (4 marks)
Award 4 marks for a clear and reasonable explanation. Watching people gives writers ideas for

15
their stories, helps them to create characters, makes their stories more realistic, gives them ideas
for dialogue etc.

(c) Based on your reading of this passage explain two things that writers can do to keep
children interested in books. (8 marks)
Award 8 marks (4+4) for two suggestions, based on the passage as to how writers can keep childen
interested in books. Make them exciting, have interesting characters, make them funny, make
them imaginative, introduce danger / conflict, use attractive illustrations – appealing front covers
etc.

(d) Choose a novel or short story you have studied that you enjoyed reading and that had
something in it that you found thought provoking:
 Give the name of the novel or short story
 Give a brief outline of the setting of this novel or short story
 Explain one reason why you enjoyed it and one reason why you found it inspirational.
(12 marks)
Award candidates who demonstrate genuine engagement with the text they have studied.
Discriminate based on the quality of the response.

Name of the A brief outline of One reason why you One reason why you
novel or short its setting enjoyed it - explained found it thought
story provoking – explained

1 marks 3 marks 2+2 marks 2+2 marks

OR

16
8. Read the poem below by Lola Koundakjian taken from www.youngpoetsnetwork.co.uk.
Answer the questions that follow.

Today
Today my job is to go to a museum;
to say hello to the colours that live there,
the lights and shadows:
to forget the past and
imagine the future.

Today my job is to read a book;

to remember the everyday, life and the common man:
to write poems and
create new ideas.

Today my job is to paint;

to measure and to cut the pages of paper
to carry out the solo dance of the brush,
before its flirting with the water.

A self-portrait:

an abstract picture:

a mask:

Today my job is to create.

(a) (i)
Why do you think the poem is called 'Today'? Give a reason for your answer.
(2 marks)
Award 2 marks for any reasonable reason explained for the title of the poem.

(ii) Do you think that the picture above is a suitable picture to accompany the poem?
Give a reason for your answer. (4 marks)
Candidates may or may not feel that it is a suitable picture. Allow for a range of responses. Award
4 marks based on a clearly explained viewpoint. Yes, the poem is about art, it has a similar creative
feel to it. The picture seems quite imaginative. Looks like it’s in a gallery. No, can’t see the
connection, poem is not just about painting.

(b) Select one image or line from the poem which appeals to you and explain why it does.
(4 marks)
Candidates may choose any image, line or part of line from the poem. Award (1) for selecting
image or line and (3) marks for a clear explanation as to why their chosen line appeals to them.
Allow for a broad range of responses to the task. Candidate may refer to content or stylistic
aspects of their chosen line.

17
(c) Would you describe the mood of this poem as optimistic (hopeful) or pessimistic (not
hopeful)? Give two reasons for your answer. (8 marks)
Candidate may interpret the poem either way. Award 8 marks (4+4) based on the quality and
clarity of the reasons offered. Reward responses that show an understanding of the poem.

(d) Choose a poem or popular song you have studied that you think was either optimistic or
pessimistic or a combination of both.
 Name of poem or popular song
 Describe what happens in the poem or popular song
 Choose two different images or lines from the poem or popular song and explain how
they help to make it optimistic or pessimistic. (12 marks)

Award candidates who demonstrate genuine engagement with the text they have studied. Reward
accurate use of the chosen text. Discriminate based on the quality of the response.

Name of the Describe what One image or line from One image or line from
poem or happens in the the poem or popular song the poem or popular song
popular song poem or popular and explain how it helps and explain how it helps
song to make it optimistic or to make it optimistic or
pessimistic. pessimistic.

1 marks 3 marks (1+3) marks (1+3) marks

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