CCEA past papers and mark schemes for GCSE Irish

CCEA GCSE Irish past papers and mark schemes

Here you can find CCEA past papers for GCSE Irish. Use the links below to download question papers and mark schemes (which contain indicative content and explain how marks are awarded).

There is an examination for each of the specification’s four assessment units, each worth 25% of the overall mark.

In Unit 1: Listening, the exam will consist of 12 questions, all of which you will be expected to complete. Some questions are expected to be answered in English, some questions are expected to be answered in Irish.

Unit 2: Speaking is a speaking examination, conducted in Irish by a teacher, and consists of two role-plays and a general conversation.

In Unit 3: Reading, the exam will consist of 12 questions, all of which you will be expected to complete. Some questions are expected to be answered in English, some questions are expected to be answered in Irish, and some translation from Irish into English will be required.

In Unit 4: Writing, the exam will consist of four questions, all of which you will be expected to complete. Questions are expected to be answered in Irish, there will be some requirement to translate English into Irish and the final question will be a structured, extended writing task in Irish.

Unit 1

Listening

Foundation Tier

Higher Tier

Unit 2

Speaking: Role-play situations

Summer 2025 - Past paper | Mark scheme – (Teacher's booklet)
Summer 2024 - Past paper | Mark scheme – (Teacher's booklet)
Summer 2023 - Past paper | Mark scheme – (Teacher's booklet)

Unit 3

Reading

Foundation Tier

Summer 2025 - Past paper | Mark scheme
Summer 2024 - Past paper | Mark scheme
Summer 2023 - Past paper | Mark scheme

Higher Tier

Summer 2025 - Past paper | Mark scheme
Summer 2024 - Past paper | Mark scheme
Summer 2023 - Past paper | Mark scheme

Unit 4

Writing

Foundation Tier

Summer 2025 - Past paper | Mark scheme
Summer 2024 - Past paper | Mark scheme
Summer 2023 - Past paper | Mark scheme

Higher Tier

Summer 2025 - Past paper | Mark scheme
Summer 2024 - Past paper | Mark scheme
Summer 2023 - Past paper | Mark scheme

More CCEA past papers and mark schemes

You can find more Irish past papers and mark schemes on the CCEA website.

Papers going back as far as 2018 are available there, in both standard and modified versions.

Five top tips for your Irish revision

A girl studying at a desk in her room at home.

1. Learn your verbs and tenses
You need to be able to use three tenses – past, present, and future tense – accurately in your exams. Misusing tenses can cause you to lose marks, especially in your Speaking (Unit 2) and Writing (Unit 4) exams.

Create study pages with the verbs you commonly use in each of the three tenses, eg Rinne mé m’obair bhaile, déanaim m’obair bhaile, déanfaidh mé m’obair bhaile. This will help you switch between tenses with ease.

2. Know how you will be tested
In your Reading (Unit 3) and Listening (Unit 1) exams, only your understanding of vocabulary is tested. Use your core minimum vocabulary list to recognise key terms and vocabulary. Don’t waste time on spelling for these units.

Take unfamiliar vocabulary from the core minimum vocabulary lists and create study cards / mind maps / a word box. Read over these regularly.

3. Be mindful of ‘Contexts for Learning’
In Speaking (Unit 2), you will be tested on the three ‘Contexts for Learning’: role-plays, prepared conversation and unprepared conversation. For example, if your prepared conversation is ‘My Local Area’, from ‘Context for Learning 2’, you won’t discuss any other topic within ‘Context for Learning 2’ for any other element of your oral.

In Writing (Unit 4), you will only write an essay on one ‘Context for Learning’, but you will have a choice of three. Familiarise yourself with the topics in each ‘Context for Learning’.

4. Use your past papers and mark schemes
Familiarise yourself with the past papers and the mark schemes. This will help you to see the style of questions, so they are familiar in the exam. Look carefully at the mark schemes to see how marks are awarded.

5. Don't panic
Having no modules for GCSE Irish can seem overwhelming, but don’t panic – there will be time between assessments to allow you to plan your revision sensibly. Your Speaking (Unit 2) examination will be over in March or April and your other three tests are well spaced out throughout the GCSE summer examination period in May and June.

Five top tips for your Irish exams

A line of students at their desks in an examination room.

1. Speaking exam (25%)
Role-plays – keep your answers as short as possible. A full sentence isn’t always necessary, but you must ensure you use the correct verb in the correct tense if you choose a full sentence.

Conversation – longer answers which show development, opinions and justification will be beneficial here. Listen carefully to the question and use the question to help you form your answer. Be mindful of answering in the correct tense and using three tenses at some stage throughout each conversation.

2. Listening exam (25%)
You will hear each section twice. Be mindful of synonyms – the transcript often uses one word and the question a different word with the same meaning, eg Tá mé buartha / tá imní orm, or Cuid mhór / a lán.

Never leave a multiple-choice question out – always guess if you don’t know the answer.

Be mindful of how many marks are available. Generally, if a question is worth one mark, then one piece of information will be required in your answer. If a question is worth two marks, two pieces of information will be required, and so on.

3. Reading exam (25%)
Like listening, be mindful of synonyms and never leave a multiple choice question out. If asked to write your answer, rather than selecting a letter or ticking a box, ensure you answer in the same language as the question (English question = English answer). Remember not to give more answers than necessary. Giving extra information that is incorrect can cost you the mark.

4. Writing exam (25%)
Questions 1-3 require short sentences, but the correct verb in the correct tense is essential.

Question 4 – choose only one essay. Write five paragraphs, one for each bullet point. You must know your three tenses for this section.

Paragraphs 1-3 – present tense (an aimsir láithreach)
Paragraph 4 – past tense (an aimsir chaite)
Paragraph 5 – future tense (an aimsir fháistineach)

5. General advice
Do exactly what you are asked to do, eg “name one thing”, “give one reason” or “tick two correct answers”. If you give more answers than requested and subsequently include incorrect answers, you may not be awarded the mark.

Revise specific Irish topics

A girl writing in a notebook, surrounded by a laptop, schoolbag and school books.

If practising with past papers has highlighted a particular text you need help with, then further assistance is available.

You can go straight to the most relevant Bitesize study guide for CCEA GCSE Irish and refresh your knowledge.

There is material covering grammar, as well as all three Contexts for Learning: Identity, lifestyle and culture; Local, national, international and global areas of interest; School life, studies and the world of work.

Follow the links to the topic of your choice, where you'll find easy-to-understand revision materials, including videos and quick quizzes.

Context for Learning 1: Identity, lifestyle and culture

Context for Learning 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest

Context for Learning 3: School life, studies and the world of work

Grammar

Where can I get more help with my Irish revision?

Explore more GCSE Irish resources with the full range of assistance available from Bitesize.