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Leaving Cert Engineering: Modern & emerging technology

How often Modern & emerging technology comes up on the Engineering papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 6 of the last 9 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

OL Asked on 9 of the last 9 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

June 2028 is the first exam on the new Engineering course. These come from the 2016–2025 papers, so read them as a guide.

Modern & emerging technology, Higher Level(6 marks)

Quick ones on Modern & emerging technology.

(a)Sensors most commonly used for parking assistance in car bumpers?
  1. Thermocouples
  2. Ultrasonic sensors
  3. Light-dependent resistors
(b)Bluetooth is best described as?
  1. A wired data connection between devices
  2. A long-range mobile phone network for data
  3. A short-range wireless radio link between devices
(c)Unlocking a phone using the owner's face is an example of?
  1. Biometric authentication
  2. GPS location tracking
  3. Two-factor data encryption
Show the answers

(a) Ultrasonic sensors

(b) A short-range wireless radio link between devices

(c) Biometric authentication

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Modern & emerging technology.

Higher Level

Asked on 6 of the last 9 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Q1(a), Q6(c)OR
2024Q1(a), Q1(l)
2023Q1(a), Q2
2022Not asked
2021Q1(a), Q1(g)
2019Not asked
2018Q1(a), Q1B
2017Q1(c), Q1(i)
2016Not asked

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Modern & emerging technology questions

Modern & emerging technology, 2 marks

NFC, used for contactless card payments, works over a range of about?

  1. Several hundred metres
  2. Several kilometres
  3. A few centimetres
Show the answer

A few centimetres

Near field communication only works when devices almost touch. The short range helps security. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reach much further.

Modern & emerging technology, 3 marks

How does a GPS receiver work out its position?

  1. By bouncing radar off the ground below it
  2. From the timing of signals from several satellites
  3. By measuring air pressure and comparing it with a map
Show the answer

From the timing of signals from several satellites

Each satellite sends its time and position. From the signal delays from at least four satellites the receiver calculates its distance to each and its location.

Ordinary Level

Asked on 9 of the last 9 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Q1(j)
2024Q1(k)
2023Q1(a), Q1(h)
2022Q1(j)
2021Q1(g), Q1(j)
2019Q1(b), Q1(j)
2018Q1(h), Q1(j)
2017Q1(a), Q1(f), Q1(j)
2016Q1(j)

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Modern & emerging technology questions

Modern & emerging technology, 2 marks

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

  1. A search engine used by engineers online
  2. A type of 3D printer that prints electronic circuits
  3. Everyday devices connected to share data online
Show the answer

Everyday devices connected to share data online

Sensors in fridges, animal collars, tanks or machines send data over the internet, so they can be monitored and controlled from anywhere.

Modern & emerging technology, 2 marks

What is a drone?

  1. A satellite navigation app for a phone
  2. An unmanned aircraft flown remotely or by itself
  3. A robot arm that works on a factory line
Show the answer

An unmanned aircraft flown remotely or by itself

Drones (UAVs) carry cameras or sensors for filming, surveying, farming and deliveries. GPS and gyroscope sensors help them hover steadily.

Modern & emerging technology, 2 marks

What is an autonomous vehicle?

  1. One that can drive itself using sensors and software
  2. One powered only by a battery and electric motor
  3. One steered by a driver using a remote control
Show the answer

One that can drive itself using sensors and software

Cameras, radar and lidar sense the road, and software decides steering, speed and braking. Electric power is a separate feature; remote control is not autonomy.

Other Engineering topics

All of Leaving Cert Engineering