At Higher Level in Junior Cycle Irish T2, you must study one complete Irish-language novel from the official prescribed list across second and third year. Higher Level examination tasks include personal responses to literature; use your novel where the question permits.
An Riachtanas don Úrscéal (The Novel Requirement)
Higher Level students must study a complete prescribed úrscéal (novel). A complete novel is not compulsory at Ordinary Level, and Ordinary Level students do not complete literary response tasks on their final examination.
- Prescribed Selection: Your teacher will help you choose one novel from the ten titles listed in Circular 0086/2024. Texts studied in first year cannot count towards your second- and third-year prescribed selection.
- If completing CBA 1, prescribed literature must inspire at least one portfolio item; your novel can be that source.
- If completing CBA 2, your novel may inspire your topic or creative piece.
- Final Examination: Literary responses appear at Higher Level as part of the productive skills section. Use your novel where the prompt permits, and answer the exact question set.
Gnéithe Lárnacha agus Tréithe (Core Elements and Traits)
Character traits, setting and climax help you explain your novel; choose details relevant to the question.
Suíomh agus Buaicphointe
- Suíomh: The setting describes where and when the story takes place (Tá an scéal suite i...). When asked about a new home or environment, describe the location and the character's experience there.
- Buaicphointe: The climax is the moment of peak tension or drama in the plot. In contrast, a turning point simply alters the direction of events.
Príomhthréithe (m.sh. Cúpla)
| Tréith | Míniú | Fianaise sa Téacs |
|---|---|---|
| Díograiseach | Diligent / hardworking | Déanann Éile staidéar dian don Teastas Sóisearach. |
| Meargánta | Reckless / impulsive | Tiomáineann Sharon carr ar luas dainséarach. |
| Leithleach | Selfish | Cuireann Sharon brú ar Éile bréaga a insint. |
| Dílis | Loyal | Bíonn Éile i gcónaí buartha faoi leas a deirféar. |
Freagairt Phearsanta a Struchtúrú (Structuring a Personal Response)
A freagairt phearsanta requires your personal assessment backed by precise evidence, rather than a broad plot summary. Target each requested part of the prompt directly.
| Roghanna (roghnaigh de réir na ceiste) | Cuspóir | Sampla Frása |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ainm agus Údar | Name the book and author | Rinne mé staidéar ar an úrscéal [Ainm] le [hÚdar]. |
| 2. Mo Thuairim | State your stance clearly | I mo thuairimse, is carachtar [tréith] é/í toisc go... |
| 3. Fianaise | Detail a specific event | Léirítear an tréith seo go soiléir nuair a... |
| 4. Mothúcháin | Give your reaction when relevant | Chuir an eachtra seo brón / fearg / trua orm. |
| 5. Nasc | Make a wider connection when relevant | Léiríonn an scéal an teannas a bhíonn ar theaghlaigh. |
Remember to distinguish story events from reader reactions: use Bhí imní ar an gcarachtar for a character's feelings, and Chuir sé iontas orm for your own reaction.
Key terms
- Úrscéal
- A novel; a fictional story told in prose over a whole book.
- Liosta téacsanna dualgais
- The official prescribed literature list published by the Department of Education in Circular 0086/2024.
- Príomhcharachtar
- The central character who drives the main decisions and storyline.
- Tréith
- A personality trait or quality shown through a character's actions, words, or choices.
- Suíomh
- The setting; where and when the story's events take place.
- Buaicphointe
- The climax; the moment of highest tension or excitement in the narrative.
- Freagairt phearsanta
- A structured personal response explaining your own viewpoint on a literary text, supported by evidence.
Check yourself
Which level requires the study of a complete novel in Junior Cycle Irish T2?
Higher Level students must study a complete novel; it is not compulsory at Ordinary Level.
What does the literary term suíomh mean?
Suíomh means setting: the place and time where the story occurs.
How does a buaicphointe differ from a turning point?
A buaicphointe is the climax of highest tension, whereas a turning point simply alters the course of events.
In Cúpla, what specific action shows that Sharon is meargánta?
Driving a car at dangerous speed while intoxicated and crashing.