past leaving cert exam questions by topic

Past Leaving Cert Exam Questionsby Topic

Past exam questions on Movements for Politicaland Social Reform, 1870–1914Higher Level

Home Rule

2013 – How did the Home Rule movement develop during the period 1870–1886?2012 – What were Parnell’s strengths and weaknesses as a political leader?2011 – What attempts were made to gain Home Rule, 1870–1886, and why were

those attempts unsuccessful?2010 – What did Charles Stewart Parnell contribute to land reform and to the

development of the Home Rule movement?2009 – Who was the more effective leader of the Home Rule movement, Butt or

Parnell? Argue your case referring to both.2008 –

Land agitation and land reform

2013 – During the period 1870–1914, which was more successful, land agitation orthe 1913 strike and lockout? Argue your case, referring to both.

2012 –2011 –2010 – What did Charles Stewart Parnell contribute to land reform and to the

development of the Home Rule movement?2009 – What was the contribution of Michael Davitt to social and economic reform?2008 – To what extent did the land question of the period, 1870–1914, lead to land

reform?

Unionism

2013 –2012 – What was the Ulster Question and how did Unionism develop, 1870–1914?2011 – How did Unionism develop during the period 1886–1914?2010 – How successful was Edward Carson as a leader of Unionism?2009 – What developments took place in Ulster Unionism or in the industrialisation

of Belfast, 1870–1914?

2008 – In the period up to 1914, who was the more effective leader, John Redmondor Edward Carson? Argue your case referring to both.

Industrialisation and unionisation

2013 – What were the social and economic effects of industrial development inBelfast and/or the Co-operative movement? During the period 1870–1914, which was more successful, land agitation orthe 1913 strike and lockout? Argue your case, referring to both.

2012 –2011 – How effectively did James Larkin seek improvements for workers?2010 – What were the main social and economic developments in Belfast and/or

Dublin during the period, 1970–1914?2009 – To what extent was the 1913 Dublin Strike and Lockout a success or a failure?2008 – What were the problems facing Ireland’s poor and what attempts were made

to solve them in the period up to 1914?

Cultural revival

2013 – How did one or more of the following provoke controversy: the GAA; theSuffrage movement; the Anglo-Irish Literary Revival?

2012 – What did one or more of the following contribute to cultural revival duringthe period 1870–1914: the GAA; the Gaelic League; the Anglo-Irish LiteraryRevival?

2011 – What did Douglas Hyde and/or W.B. Yeats contribute to cultural life inIreland?

2010 – Which organisation was more effective, the GAA or the Gaelic League?Argue your case referring to both.

2009 –2008 – What did one or more of the following contribute to the cultural revivals of

the period 1870–1914: the GAA; the Gaelic League; W.B. Yeats?

Other

2012 – What did you learn about the history of women from your study of one ormore of the following: the Suffrage movement; Isabella Tod; Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington?

LESS STRESS MORE SUCCESS HISTORY FOR LEAVING CERT2

Ordinary level

Sample Case study and Key personality questions

Case studies

Was the Dublin Strike and Lockout of 1913 a success or a failure? Argue your case.How successful was the GAA in promoting Gaelic games and Irish nationalism between1884 and 1891?What part did Jim Larkin play in the strike and lockout in Dublin in 1913?What part did Charles Stewart Parnell play in the Home Rule movement?Why were the elections of 1885 and 1886 important for the Home Rule party?

Key personalities

What did Douglas Hyde and/or W.B. Yeats contribute to cultural life in Ireland?How did Isabella Tod and/or Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington seek improvements forwomen?What part did Edward Carson play in opposing the demand for Home Rule for allIreland?James ConnollyMichael DavittEdward Carson

Other topics

The Belfast shipyardsThe Gaelic LeagueThe Irish Volunteers

Past exam questions on The Pursuit ofSovereignty and the Impact of Partition, 1912–1949Higher level

1912–1921 – Home Rule to War of Independence

2013 – What were the fortunes of the Sinn Féin movement during the period 1912–1922?

2012 – How did the threat and use of physical force affect Ireland during the period1912–1923?

2011 – What did one or more of the following contribute to Irish affairs: PatrickPearse; Arthur Griffith; Countess Markievicz?

PAST LEAVING CERT EXAM QUESTIONS 3

2010 – During the period 1912–1920, what factors contributed to the partition ofIreland?

2009 –2008 –2007 – What were the aims and achievements of Patrick Pearse?2006 – From 1912 onwards, what factors contributed to the partition of Ireland,

1920?

Anglo-Irish Treaty to Civil War (Case study: The Treaty Negotiations, October–December, 1921)

2013 –2012 –2011 –2010 –2009 – Why were the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations controversial?2008 – To what extent was the Anglo-Irish Treaty, 1921, responsible for the Irish

Civil War?2007 –2006 –

1920s and 1930s – Cumann na nGaedheal and Fianna Fáil in power

2013 – During the period 1922–1939, how successful were Irish governments inresponding to the economic challenges they faced?How did Anglo-Irish relations develop under Éamon de Valera, 1932–1945?

2012 – How did Anglo-Irish relations develop during the period 1923–1949?2011 – How did the Irish government contribute to the consolidation of democracy,

1922–1932?What were the strengths and weaknesses of Éamon de Valera as a politicalleader?

2010 – Who handled Anglo-Irish relations better, W.T. Cosgrave or Éamon deValera? Argue your case, referring to both.

2009 – During the period 1932–1945, which did Éamon de Valera manage better,the economy or Anglo-Irish relations? Argue your case, referring to both.

2008 – What steps did Irish governments take to consolidate democracy, 1923–1945?

2007 – How did Anglo-Irish relations develop during the period 1923–1949?2006 – Between 1922 and 1932, what steps did the Cosgrave governments take to

establish the Irish Free State on firm foundations?


Ireland during World War II and after

2013 – What was the impact of World War II on Ireland, North and South?2012 –2011 –2010 –2009 –2008 –2007 –2006 – How well did Ireland, North and/or South, deal with the social and economic

problems presented by World War II?

1912–1949 – Unionism to Northern Ireland (Case study: Belfast during the SecondWorld War)

2013 – What was the impact of World War II on Ireland, North and South?2012 – How did the government of Northern Ireland deal with economic problems

and/or threats to security, 1920–1945?2011 – What was the impact on Northern Ireland of international developments

during the period 1932–1945?2010 – How did the Unionist Party in power respond to the challenges posed by the

existence of a substantial nationalist minority within Northern Ireland?2009 – What were the main social and economic challenges facing Northern Ireland,

1920–1945?2008 – How well did the Unionist Party manage the affairs of Northern Ireland,

1920–1939?2007 – Following the experience of war, to what extent was the Belfast of 1945

different from that of 1939?2006 – How well did Ireland, North and/or South, deal with the social and economic

problems presented by World War II?

Culture and religion (Case study: The Eucharistic Congress, 1932)

2013 –2012 – What was the significance of the Eucharistic Congress, 1932?2011 –2010 – To what extent did the 1932 Eucharistic Congress and/or the language and

education policies of Irish governments promote Irish cultural identity?2009 – What attempts were made to promote cultural identity, North and South,

during the period, 1912–1945?2008 – What was the significance of the Eucharistic Congress, 1932, for the Irish Free

State?


2007 – How was cultural identity promoted in Ireland, North and South, between1920 and 1949?

2006 – To what extent were language, religion and education used to promote Irishcultural identity during the period 1920–1949?

Ordinary level


Case studies

What was the importance of the Eucharistic Congress, 1932?Following the Treaty negotiations, what were the main terms of the Anglo-Irish Treatysigned in London on 6 December 1921?In what ways did the Eucharistic Congress (1932) help to promote the Catholic culturalidentity of the Irish Free State?What was the impact of World War II on life in Belfast between 1939 and 1945?In what ways was the Eucharistic Congress, 1932, a memorable event?How did World War II impact on the city of Belfast?What agreements were reached during the Treaty negotiations, October 1921–December 1921?In what ways was the Eucharistic Congress, 1932, a success?In what ways did World War II impact upon Ireland, North and South?

Key personalities

Countess Markievicz; William T. Cosgrave; James J. McElligottWhat part did Arthur Griffith play in the Treaty negotiations, October–December,1921 and in later events?As Prime Minister, what part did James Craig play in the affairs of Northern Ireland?What part did Éamon de Valera play in Anglo-Irish relations between 1932 and 1945?Richard Dawson Bates; Evie HoneWhat part did Countess Markievicz play in Irish affairs between 1913 and 1922?What role did Arthur Griffith play in Irish affairs?What part did Éamon de Valera play in Anglo-Irish relations between 1932 and 1945?What part did Patrick Pearse play in Irish affairs?Why was Evie Hone important in the cultural life of Ireland?


Other topics

The 1916 RisingWhy Sinn Féin won the 1918 general electionThe War of Independence, 1919–1921The Third Home Rule Bill, 1912The Easter Rising, 1916How partition affected IrelandThe Civil War, 1922–1923The impact of World War II on economy and society

Past exam questions on Politics and Society inNorthern Ireland, 1949–1993Higher level

From Brookeborough to O’Neill

2013 – What were Brian Faulkner’s strengths and weaknesses as a political leader?2012 – How effective was the contribution of Terence O’Neill to the affairs of

Northern Ireland?2011 –2010 –2009 – Who was the more effective leader of Northern Ireland, Brookeborough or

O’Neill? Argue your case, referring to both.2008 – How successful was the government of Northern Ireland in responding to

social and economic problems, 1949–1969?2007 – What impact had the introduction of the welfare state to Northern Ireland on

one or more of the following: education; health; housing?2006 – During the period, 1949–1969, what was the impact of the welfare state on

one or more of the following: education; health; housing?– What was the contribution of Terence O’Neill to the affairs of Northern

Ireland during the period, 1949–1969?

Civil rights, Direct Rule and The Troubles

2013 – What was the impact of Republican and Loyalist terrorism on NorthernIreland?

2012 – What political attempts were made to resolve the ‘Troubles’, 1969–1993?2011 –2010 –2009 – What were the social and economic effects of the ‘Troubles’?


2008 – Why did the Civil Rights movement emerge in Northern Ireland and was itsuccessful?

2007 –2006 – Why was Direct Rule (from London) introduced in 1972, and why did it last

so long?

Sunningdale Agreement (Case study: The Sunningdale Agreement and the power-sharing Executive, 1973–1974)

2013 –2012 – What political attempts were made to resolve the ‘Troubles’, 1969–1993?2011 –2010 – Compulsory Documents Study2009 – What was the importance of one or more of the following: Sunningdale

Agreement, 1973; the Anglo-Irish Agreement, 1985; the Downing StreetDeclaration, 1993?

2008 – What moves were made towards finding a peaceful resolution of the‘Troubles’, 1973–1993?

2007 – Account for the fall of Stormont and the collapse of the power-sharingExecutive, 1973–1974.What was the importance of each of the following: The Anglo-IrishAgreement, 1985; the Downing Street Declaration, 1993?

Apprentice Boys of Derry

2013 – What was the significance for Northern Ireland of one or more of thefollowing: religious affiliation and cultural identity; the Apprentice Boys ofDerry; Seamus Heaney?

2012 – What was the significance of the Coleraine University controversy and/or theactivities of the Apprentice Boys of Derry?

2011 – Compulsory Documents Study2010 –2009 – To what extent were the activities of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and/or the

choice of Coleraine as the site of Northern Ireland’s second universitydivisive?

2008 –2007 –2006 – What was the contribution of the Apprentice Boys of Derry to the celebration

of religious and cultural identity among the city’s unionist minority?


Coleraine University (Case study: The Coleraine University controversy)

2013 –2012 – What was the significance of the Coleraine University controversy and/or the

activities of the Apprentice Boys of Derry?2011 –2010 –2009 – To what extent were the activities of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and/or the

choice of Coleraine as the site of Northern Ireland’s second universitydivisive?

2008 – Why was the choice of Coleraine as the site for Northern Ireland’s seconduniversity controversial?

Ecumenism

2007 – What problems and opportunities did ecumenism present to society inNorthern Ireland between 1965 and 1993?

Society and economy

2013 – How was Northern Ireland affected by developments in one or more of thefollowing: education; health; housing?

2012 –2011 –2010 –2009 –2008 – How successful was the government of Northern Ireland in responding to

social and economic problems, 1949–1969?2007 – What impact had the introduction of the welfare state to Northern Ireland on

one or more of the following: education; health; housing?2006 – During the period, 1949–1969, what was the impact of the welfare state on

one or more of the following: education; health; housing?

Key personalities

2012 – What was the impact of one or more of the following on Northern Ireland upto 1993: Bernadette Devlin; Ian Paisley; Seamus Heaney?


Ordinary level


Case studies

Why were the activities of the Apprentice Boys a source of tension in Derry?What was proposed by one or more of the following: the Sunningdale Agreement,1973; the Anglo-Irish Agreement, 1985; the Downing Street Declaration, 1993?Why the power-sharing Executive, 1973–1974, ended in failure.What were the aims and activities of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, and how did theyaffect life in the city?What was the significance of the Sunningdale Agreement and the power-sharingExecutive, 1973–1974?What were the arguments for and against siting the new university at Coleraine?

Key personalities

How successful was Terence O’Neill as Prime Minister of Northern Ireland between1963 and 1969?To what extent can the poetry of Seamus Heaney be seen as response to the Troubles inNorthern Ireland?What were the highlights in the political career of Ian Paisley during the period, 1966–1993?What part did John Hume play in the affairs of Northern Ireland?As British Prime Minister, what policies did Margaret Thatcher follow with regards toNorthern Ireland?

Other topics

The welfare state in Northern IrelandThe impact of the Troubles on everyday life in Northern IrelandThe impact of the Troubles on the Northern Ireland economyThe Downing Street Declaration, 1993How important was one or more of the following in the politics of Northern Ireland:gerrymandering; sectarianism; ecumenism; cultural identity?


Past exam questions on Dictatorship andDemocracy in Europe, 1920–1945Higher level

Communism in Russia

2013 – How did Stalin transform the Soviet economy and/or use show trials toconsolidate his power?

2012 – What were the main characteristics of Stalin’s rule in Russia?2011 – To what extent did Lenin and/or Stalin bring about social and economic

change?2010 – How effective were the internal and external policies of Josef Stalin?2009 – How did dictators use propaganda and/or terror to maintain their power?2008 – What did Lenin and Stalin contribute to communism in Russia?2007 – How significant was the role played by the Soviet Union in World War II?2006 – To what extent did Stalin transform the society and economy of the Soviet

Union?

Fascist Italy/Nazi Germany

2013 – What were the characteristics of fascist regimes in Europe in the inter-warperiod?

2012 – To what extent was Hitler’s foreign policy, 1933–1939, responsible for theoutbreak of World War II?How did anti-Semitism and the Holocaust affect Europe, 1920–1945?

2011 – How effective were the internal and external policies of Benito Mussolini?What were the main characteristics of the Nazi state in Germany, 1933–1939?

2010 – What were the main developments in church-state relations under Hitler andMussolini?

2009 – How did dictators use propaganda and/or terror to maintain their power?2008 – What contribution did Joseph Goebbels and/or Leni Riefenstahl make to

Nazi propaganda?2007 – What were the main characteristics of the Nazi state in Germany between

1933 and 1939?2006 – During the inter-war period, what conditions in Europe contributed to the

growth of fascist regimes?

Economic and social problems in the inter-war years

2013 – What were the challenges facing Britain in peace and war, 1920–1945?2012 –


2011 – What did one or more of the following achieve in Britain during the period1920–1945: J.M. Keynes; those who took part in the Jarrow March, October1936; Winston Churchill?

2010 – How successfully did German governments deal with the social and economicproblems of the period 1920–1939?

2009 – What were the main social and economic challenges facing Britain, 1920–1945?

2008 – Which had greater social and economic problems during the inter-war years,Britain or Germany? Argue your case, referring to both countries.

2007 – What were the causes and consequences of the Jarrow March, October, 1936?2006 – How successfully did Britain deal with the social and economic problems of

the inter-war period?

Anglo-American popular culture

2013 – What did you learn about radio and cinema, 1920–1945, from your study ofone or more of the following: Charlie Chaplin; Leni Riefenstahl; BingCrosby?

2012 –2011 –2010 – What was the impact of Anglo-American popular culture on Europe, 1920–

1945?2009 –2008 –2007 –2006 –

Third Republic and Vichy France

2013 –2012 – What were the main challenges facing France, 1920–1945?2011 –2010 –2009 – How was France unstable during the period, 1920–1940?2008 – What was the impact of World War II on the civilian population of Britain

and/or France?2007 – What problems did the Third Republic of France encounter between 1920

and 1940?2006 –


World War II

2013 – What were the challenges facing Britain in peace and war, 1920–1945?2012 – To what extent was Hitler’s foreign policy, 1933–1939, responsible for the

outbreak of World War II?2011 –2010 –2009 – What did you learn about World War II from your study of one or more of the

following: wartime alliances; collaboration/resistance; technology of warfare?2008 –2007 – How significant was the role played by the Soviet Union in World War II?2006 – What developments took place in the technology of warfare during the

period, 1920–1945?

Society during World War II

2013 –2012 –2011 –2010 –2009 –2008 – What was the impact of World War II on the civilian population of Britain

and/or France?2007 –2006 –

Ordinary level


Case studies

How did the Nuremberg Rallies and/or Leni Riefenstahl contribute to the Nazi regime?Why did Stalin set up show trials and did they achieve his desired result?What were the economic and social conditions in Britain that led to the Jarrow Marchin October 1936?Why did the Jarrow march take place, October 1936, and what did it achieve?

Key personalities

Would you agree that the leadership of Mussolini was a disaster for Italy?What developments took place in church-state relations in Italy under Mussolini?What did Charlie Chaplin and/or Bing Crosby contribute to entertainment?Winston Churchill – How successful was Winston Churchill as a wartime leader


between 1940 and 1945?LeninHow did Joseph Goebbels and/or Leni Riefenstahl use the German mass media topromote the Nazi movement?What social and economic changes did Lenin and/or Stalin bring about in Russia?

Other topics

Anti-Semitism and the HolocaustVichy France/France during World War IIChurch-state relations in Fascist Italy and/or Nazi GermanyTechnology of warfare, 1920–45Collaboration and Resistance during World War IIThe growth in radio and cinema, 1920–1945The Battle of Stalingrad

Past exam questions on The United States and theWorld, 1945–1989Higher level

Compulsory Documents – study question

2009 – (Case Studies – The Montgomery Bus Boycott, 1955–56)2008 – (Case Studies – Johnson and Vietnam, 1963–68)

US politics

2013 –2012 – How well did President Harry Truman or President Lyndon Johnson handle

the challenges he faced?2011 – How did the US Presidency develop from Roosevelt to Reagan?2010 – What were the successes and failures of the presidency of Lyndon Johnson?2009 –2008 –2007 –2006 –

US foreign policy (Case study: Lyndon Johnson and Vietnam, 1963–1968)

2013 – Which president was more successful in his handling of US foreign policy,Harry Truman or Lyndon Johnson? Argue your case, referring to both.

2012 – What part did one or more of the following play in US foreign policy: Korea;Cuba; SALT and Star Wars?


2011 – Why did the US lose the Vietnam War and/or what was the significance ofthe Moon Landing?

2010 – What was the importance for US foreign policy of one or more of thefollowing: Berlin; Korea; Cuba?What were the successes and failures of the presidency of Lyndon Johnson?

2009 –2008 – (Case Studies – Johnson and Vietnam, 1963–68)2007 – What were the significant developments in US foreign policy, 1973–1989?2006 – Which had the greater impact on the United States: involvement in Korea or

involvement in Vietnam? Argue your case referring to both.

Domestic factors in US foreign policy

2013 –2012 –2011 –2010 –2009 –2008 –2007 – How did McCarthyism and/or the anti-war movement affect US foreign

policy, 1945–1972?2006 – What was the importance of one or more of the following: McCarthyism; the

Moon Landing, 1969; developments in information technology?

US economy

2013 – What was the impact on the US economy of one or more of the following:the multinational corporation; the military-industrial complex; internationalcompetition from Japan and Europe?

2012 – To what extent did the US economy experience both success and declineduring the period 1945–1989?

2011 –2010 – Why did the United States experience an economic boom, 1945–1968, and

what was its impact on society?2009 –2008 –2007 –2006 –


Troubled affluence (Case study: The Montgomery Bus Boycott, 1955–56)

2013 – What were the main developments in race relations in the US, 1945–1968?2012 – What was the significance of one or more of the following in US history:

Hollywood, 1945–1968; the Montgomery bus boycott; religion in modernAmerican culture?

2011 – What was the contribution of Martin Luther King to US affairs?2010 –2009 – (Case studies – The Montgomery Bus Boycott, 1955–56)2008 –2007 – In what ways did the Montgomery Bus Boycott, 1955–56, advance the cause

of the civil rights movement?2006 – During the period, 1945–1989, what was the impact of one or more of the

following on American society: racial conflict; urban poverty; organisedcrime?

Advances in technology (Case study: The Moon Landing, 1969)

2013 –2012 –2011 – Why did the US lose the Vietnam War and/or what was the significance of

the Moon Landing?2010 – What was the impact of the Moon Landing on US domestic and foreign

affairs?2009 –2008 –2007 –2006 – What was the importance of one or more of the following: McCarthyism; the

Moon Landing, 1969; developments in information technology?

Other

2013 – What was the contribution of religion and/or the mass media to modernAmerican culture?

2012 – What was the significance of one or more of the following in US history:Hollywood, 1945–1968; the Montgomery Bus Boycott; religion in modernAmerican culture?

2011 – What did one or more of the following contribute to American culture:Marilyn Monroe; Muhammad Ali; Billy Graham?


Ordinary level


Case studies

What problems did President Johnson encounter in dealing with Vietnam?How was it possible for the United States to achieve a moon landing in 1969 and whatwas its importance?Why was the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1956) so important to the story of the civilrights movement?

Key personalities

How successful was Lyndon Johnson as a political leader at home and abroad?What part did President Truman play in the history of the United States?How did Senator Joe McCarthy influence the direction of foreign policy in the UnitedStates?What did Norman Mailer and/or Marilyn Monroe contribute to American culture?Betty Friedan and the changing role of womenHow and why did Billy Graham become such a popular religious leader in the UnitedStates?

Other topics

Urban poverty, drugs and crimeThe United States and CubaYouth culture in modern AmericaThe ‘Red Scare’ in post-war United StatesMohammad Ali
