This structured essay builder resource helps Leaving Certificate English students develop strong poetry essays on the work of W.B. Yeats. Designed to support students step by step, it guides them through analysing key poems while building the skills needed to write a clear, focused exam response.

The resource focuses on the common exam question:

“Yeats utilises powerful imagery to explore fascinating contradictions that are central to his poetry.”

Students are supported in understanding the question, analysing poems, and constructing their own essay paragraphs.

What’s included:

• A clear introduction to Yeats and his poetry
• Explanation of the exam question and key terms
• A structured paragraph-writing guide (PCLM focused)
• A synonyms bank and linking phrases to support essay flow
  Detailed notes on key Leaving Certificate poems, including:

The Lake Isle of Innisfree
September 1913
The Wild Swans at Coole
Easter 1916
The Second Coming
An Irish Airman Foresees His Death

For each poem:

• Summary
• Key quotes and explanations
• Themes
• Style and tone
• Links to the exam question
• Space for students to write their own paragraph
• Model essay paragraph to demonstrate structure
• Guidance on writing a strong introduction and conclusion
• A post-writing checklist to help students improve their answers before exams