Note (Leaving Cert Spanish): Revision Notes

Writing a note (mensaje)

What is a mensaje?

A mensaje is an informal note that appears as an optional writing task on both Higher and Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate Spanish papers. Students can choose between writing a diary entry or a note. The mensaje is particularly useful for communicating practical information to friends or family members in everyday situations.

Exam requirements and structure

Each note is worth 20 marks in total, with four specific points that must be addressed. Each point carries equal weight (5 marks each), so all four points must be included to achieve full marks. The key to success lies in covering each point clearly and concisely rather than writing excessively long responses.

Your note should follow a logical structure with three main elements: a date/time reference, an appropriate greeting, and a suitable sign-off. Starting each new point on a separate line makes your work easier for examiners to follow and helps ensure you don't miss any required information.

Verb tense accuracy is crucial for achieving full marks, particularly when discussing future plans, past events, or current situations. Students frequently lose marks due to incorrect verb conjugations, so careful attention to grammar is essential.

Guidelines for writing

The tone should remain consistently informal since you're typically writing to friends, family members, or people your own age. This means using the "tú" form rather than "usted" and choosing casual vocabulary over formal expressions.

Keep your language clear and direct. While you want to demonstrate your Spanish ability, overcomplicating your message can lead to errors that cost marks. Stick to structures you're confident with and focus on communicating the required information accurately.

Time management is important during the exam. Since notes are worth the same marks as longer writing tasks, don't spend excessive time on elaborate descriptions. Cover each point efficiently and move on to other questions.

Phrase bank

Spanish	English	Function
Te escribo para decirte...	I'm writing to tell you...	Opening (informal)
Le escribo para decirle...	I'm writing to tell you...	Opening (formal)
Tengo que ir...	I have to go...	Explaining obligations
Voy al supermercado	I'm going to the supermarket	Future plans
He ido al dentista	I've gone to the dentist	Recent past actions
Te llamaré luego	I'll call you later	Future communication
Mándame un mensaje luego	Send me a message later	Requesting contact
Volveré antes de las seis	I'll be back before six	Return times
Te veré esta tarde	I'll see you this evening	Arranging meetings
Vuelvo en media hora	I'm coming back in half an hour	Specific timing

Sample answer analysis

Scenario: You're staying in Granada with your Spanish friend Paco. You need to tell him your foot is very sore, you're going to see the doctor around one o'clock, you can't walk so you're taking a taxi, and you'll be back at the flat before dinner.

The response effectively covers all required points without unnecessary elaboration, demonstrating that conciseness can be more effective than lengthy explanations.

Common mistakes and tips

Missing accent marks: Accents change meaning in Spanish, so words like "médico" (doctor) versus "medico" (I heal) require careful attention. Missing accents can affect your grammar marks.

Overcomplication: Don't attempt complex subjunctive constructions or advanced grammar if you're not confident. Clear, simple sentences with correct basic grammar score better than ambitious attempts that contain errors.

Forgetting the format: Always include a greeting, date/time reference, and appropriate sign-off. These elements are part of the note format and their absence can cost marks.

Word order problems: Spanish word order differs from English, particularly with object pronouns. Practice phrases like "te llamaré" (I'll call you) rather than translating word-for-word from English.

Remember!