Practice writing on topics similar to those that have been included on the exam in previous years. Write a practice essay on one of the following: your home, young people have too much freedom, or the laziest person you know. These may not be the exact choices for the first essay, but practicing will help establish the format. Give your essay a thesis: make it an argument that you can support. This will make your essay stronger and result in a higher score. Typically, an essay is at least five paragraphs long; an introduction, three body paragraphs to support your argument, and a conclusion.
Write a review of a television series that you regularly watch; you can focus on the theme of the show, the setting or the characters. This will assess your ability to think critically about popular culture. Write at least five paragraphs about the show, focusing on one topic to make the essay coherent.
Write an essay reviewing a novel or short story that you have studied in school. Concentrate on one facet of the work, such as theme, tone, the characters or the setting. You do not have to include quotes from the work, but include as many specific details as possible when writing your review.
Practice writing essays in the five-paragraph form; make sure that you include an argumentative thesis in your introduction. Practicing writing essays will help you develop an argument and organize the essays when it comes time to sit for the examination. This will also develop the critical thinking and writing skills necessary for the exam and for higher education.
Apply to take the Junior Certificate examination on the State Examination Commission's website. The SEC is responsible for assessing the examination. The exam is graded based on the strength of the candidate's ability to analyze and critically write. A score of 85 and above merits an A grade, 70 to 84 is a B, 55 to 69 is a C, and so on.
Pay the fee for the examination before January 30 in the year you are taking the Junior Certificate exam. As of 2010, the fee for the exam was 103 euros.