The examiner wants to give you points! Make it easy for them by writing in a way that’s easy to read and understand.

General writing tips:

• Use good grammar and punctuation: this is very important. Get a good grammar book and take it seriously.
• Improve spelling: work on your spellings by using a dictionary, taking care and learning from your mistakes.
• Build up your vocabulary: Learn new words and use them.
• Do lots of reading: this is the best way to learn to write. See how the experts do it, then do it yourself.
• Paragraph your writing: use one paragraph per point.
• Write clearly and concisely: nobody wants to read waffle. Stick to the point.
• Practise, practise, practise: there’s no better way to improve.
• Write a little every day: writing is a skill that can be learned and doing a little every day builds up the skill.

Writing a well structured essay style answer:

• Plan to succeed: bullet point the main points you want to cover and organise the structure of your answer, i.e. in what order you will present those points.
• A killer opening: start with an introductory paragraph stating what your answer will contain and your stance on the question.
• Remember structure: keep your answer clear and structured, following your plan.
• Use paragraphs: write in clear, concise paragraphs.
• Back up points: explain your point and back it up with evidence from the text in front of you or from what you have learned on your course.
• Evaluate: sum up what is important and give some personal opinion on your topic. Your opinion is valuable and valued.
• End well: End with a concluding paragraph which sums up the main points of your answer again and leave a lasting last impression.

For more study tips, read Shortcuts to Success: Study and Exam Skills for Leaving Certificate by Irene Togher.