Pclm Guide for Leaving Cert English
Understanding pclm is crucial for excelling in your Leaving Certificate English exam. PCLM is an acronym that examiners use to grade your written work, specifically essays and comprehension answers. It stands for Purpose, Coherence, Language, and Mechanics.
For a detailed breakdown of how PCLM impacts your essay scores, see our Pclm Marking Scheme Breakdown.
Understanding PCLM for Exam Success
Each letter in pclm represents a key aspect of your writing. Examiners award marks for how well you demonstrate each of these elements in your answers. Mastering PCLM can significantly boost your overall grade.
Purpose (P)
This refers to how well your writing addresses the question. A strong ‘Purpose’ means you have clearly understood and directly answered the prompt. You must stay focused on the topic throughout your response.
- Examiner Tip: Always refer back to the question in your introduction and conclusion.
- Example: In a personal essay, ensure every anecdote directly supports your central theme.
Coherence (C)
Coherence is about the logical flow of your ideas. Your paragraphs should be well-structured, and your arguments should progress smoothly. Use clear topic sentences and linking phrases to guide the reader.
- Examiner Tip: Plan your essay with an outline before you begin writing.
- Example: When discussing a poem, move from stanza to stanza in a logical analytical progression.
Language (L)
This aspect assesses your vocabulary, sentence structure, and style. You should aim for sophisticated, precise language appropriate for academic writing. Avoid slang and overly simplistic phrasing.
- Examiner Tip: Incorporate literary terms correctly and use varied sentence structures.
- Example: Instead of