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SEC-format practice guidance

Leaving Certificate Irish Practice

Practise Irish from Ordinary to Higher Level with AI-powered prompts, exam-style timing, and feedback on líofacht, cruinneas, saibhreas teanga, and foghraíocht. Start live AI oral practice now.

4 Sections
Complete Exam
240 Marks
15 Minutes
Published
SEC Format
2 Levels
Higher & Ordinary

Leaving Certificate Irish Oral Format

Reception (Fáilte)

conversation

5
marks (5%)
1 minutes

Five items of information: name, age, home address, date of birth, examination number (5 marks)
Settle into the exam with clear Irish pronunciation

Tip:

Poetry Recitation (Léamh Filíochta)

reading-aloud

35
marks (35%)
2 minutes

The examiner chooses one of the five prescribed poems and the verses to be read; the candidate may use their own copy
2026 poems: Géibheann (complete), Colscaradh (complete), Mo Ghrá-sa (idir lúibíní) (any three verses), An tEarrach Thiar (any two verses), An Spailpín Fánach (any two verses)
2027 and 2028 poems: Dínit an Bhróin, Deireadh na Feide, Iníon, Glaoch Abhaile (complete), Úirchill an Chreagáin (verses 1 and 2)
Assessed on understanding of the poem and accuracy of pronunciation and rhythm of speech (35 marks)

Tip:

Conversation (Cómhrá)

conversation

120
marks (120%)
8 minutes

About eight minutes: begins with the immediate environment and widens depending on the candidate's ability
Stór Gaeilge 75 marks (range and extent of vocabulary) and Cumas Gaeilge 45 marks (fluency and accuracy)
Show control of opinions, elaboration and spontaneous interaction across syllabus topics

Tip:

Picture Sequence (Sraith Pictiúr)

picture-sequence

80
marks (80%)
4 minutes

One of the twenty SEC series of six pictures chosen at random; 2026: candidates prepare ten of the twenty and hand the examiner their list
Give a descriptive account through all six pictures (50 marks repertoire + 20 marks ability), then ask and answer questions about the series (10 marks)
Visual task: excluded from voice-only practice sessions unless the sequence is captured as text

Tip:

How You're Assessed

Communication

(Communication)

30%

Effectiveness of communication and cultural expression

Language Structure

(Language Structure)

30%

Grammar accuracy and Irish language structures

Vocabulary and Expression

(Vocabulary and Expression)

20%

Range and cultural appropriateness of Irish vocabulary

Pronunciation and Fluency

(Pronunciation and Fluency)

20%

Clarity of Irish pronunciation and natural flow

Essential Vocabulary by Level

Ordinary Level Vocabulary

Literary and poetic expression
Irish cultural heritage and traditions
Environmental and social issues terminology
Abstract philosophical and ethical concepts
Regional dialectal variations
Contemporary Irish identity and Gaeltacht life

Key Syllabus Topics

An Teaghlach agus Caidrimh

(An Teaghlach agus Caidrimh)

Ordinary Level:

Higher Level:

An Scoil agus an Oideachas

(An Scoil agus an Oideachas)

Ordinary Level:

Higher Level:

Obair agus Gairmeacha

(Obair agus Gairmeacha)

Ordinary Level:

Higher Level:

Am Saor agus Caitheamh Aimsire

(Am Saor agus Caitheamh Aimsire)

Ordinary Level:

Higher Level:

Laethanta Saoire agus Taisteal

(Laethanta Saoire agus Taisteal)

Ordinary Level:

Higher Level:

An Teach agus an Timpeallacht Áitiúil

(An Teach agus an Timpeallacht Áitiúil)

Ordinary Level:

Higher Level:

Bia agus Sláinte

(Bia agus Sláinte)

Ordinary Level:

Higher Level:

Na Meáin agus an Teicneolaíocht

(Na Meáin agus an Teicneolaíocht)

Ordinary Level:

Higher Level:

An Comhshaol agus Truailliú

(An Comhshaol agus Truailliú)

Ordinary Level:

Higher Level:

An tSochaí Chomhaimseartha

(An tSochaí Chomhaimseartha)

Ordinary Level:

Higher Level:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Limited topic-specific vocabulary reduces clarity.

Inconsistent tense control when narrating past and future events.

Responses stay too short and miss opportunities to justify opinions.

Task instructions are only partially answered, reducing score potential.

Grammar control drops under pressure when switching tense or structure.

Vocabulary becomes repetitive instead of adapting to the specific prompt.

Ábhair thábhachtacha (registry)

An Teaghlach agus CaidrimhAn Scoil agus an OideachasObair agus GairmeachaAm Saor agus Caitheamh AimsireLaethanta Saoire agus TaistealAn Teach agus an Timpeallacht ÁitiúilBia agus SláinteNa Meáin agus an TeicneolaíochtAn Comhshaol agus TruailliúAn tSochaí Chomhaimseartha

Leaving Certificate Irish FAQs

What is the Leaving Cert Irish oral exam format?

The exam has 4 parts: Fáiltiú (greeting), Filíocht (poetry reading), Sraith Pictiúr (picture sequence), and Comhrá (conversation). Total duration is 15 minutes for 240 marks.

What's the difference between Higher and Ordinary Level Irish?

Higher Level expects B2 fluency with complex vocabulary and grammar, while Ordinary Level requires B1 proficiency with simpler language structures and shorter responses.

How is the Sraith Pictiúr section marked?

Worth 80 marks (33% of total), you describe pictures in sequence, tell a story, ask 3 questions, and answer examiner questions. Focus on narrative flow and appropriate tenses.

Can I practice specific Irish topics?

Yes! Our AI covers all syllabus topics including An Teaghlach, An Scoil, Caitheamh Aimsire, An Timpeallacht, and contemporary issues appropriate to your level.

How long should I prepare for Leaving Cert Irish?

Most students need 3-6 months of regular practice. Our AI tracks your progress in all four components and adapts to strengthen weak areas.

What happens if I code-switch to English during the exam?

The examiner will note it for marking but continue in Irish. Practice staying in Irish throughout - our AI helps you build this discipline naturally.

Cé chomh fada is ceart mo fhreagraí a bheith?

Gnáthleibhéal: Aim for 2-3 sentences per answer, approximately 30-40 words. Basic vocabulary acceptable.. Ardleibhéal: Aim for 4-5 sentences per answer, approximately 60-80 words. Use varied vocabulary and complex structures..

Cén stíl scrúdaitheora a bheidh i gceist?

encouraging

New

LC Irish Oral Questions & Checklist

Preview curated Sraith Pictiúr + Comhrá questions and practice frames for 2027 orals, then jump straight into live AI mock practice.

View Q&ASee the full question bank

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