Most Leaving Cert students think the note is the easiest choice because of how short it is. What they don’t realise is…there is very little room for error.  If you are choosing this task you must make sure everything is top-notch.

Would you like to know how? Keep reading.

I. Note: The Basics

Where does it appear:  Written Production. Section C. 2. b

How many marks: 25 marks

To be finished in 35 minutes

II. Tips for writing a good Note

1. Acknowledge who you are writing the note to.

Silly, right? Well, you wouldn’t believe the number of students that start writing right off the bat. Don’t be rude, always say “hi”

Example “Hola Paula, “

2. Short and Sweet

Strive to write one to three sentences per point (By “Point” I mean “Argument”) Be concise and to the point. Think that you are supposed to write this note while running late or going through the door. You must convey your message quickly and correctly.

3. Make a good entrance…and a better exit.

Before the exam make sure to prepare an Opening phrase and a Closing phrase. It doesn’t have to be fancy but it must be correct.

Example: “Hola Paula, te escribo para decirte que…”

Example: “Un abrazo, ________(Insert your name)”

4. Everything has to be PERFECT.

Pay special attention to having a perfect syntax, verb tenses, and noun-adjective agreement. This is such a short piece that everything has to be top-notch.

5. Use a note layout

Don’t give the examiner reasons to refuse you marks, make sure the structure of the tasks is spot on. Meaning, that it physically look like a note. Use the time and date of the day.

“How am I going to make everything work?” By now you are probably panicking because I said things have to be perfect. (was it the verbs? Everyone worries about the verbs) But there is no need, there is a simple solution: use my magical layout to organise your note short and sweet,

III. This is the magical layout.

IV. Practise, practice Practice

Easy peasy, right? O, maybe not yet. But I assure you, write a bunch of them and you will be feeling confident in no time.

Super suggestion: Write notes to your friends.

Write about the most mundane activities and you will see how it starts making sense.

If your friends don’t study Spanish (Are they even worthy friends then? Just saying…) write to them regardless and be the chaotic child you always wanted to be.

You can also write them to me.

Here in the comments below.

Have a glorious day.