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Subjects · Leaving Cert Technology

Leaving Cert Technology: Sketching & graphic techniques

How often Sketching & graphic techniques comes up on the Technology papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

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

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

Sketching & graphic techniques, Higher Level(6 marks)

Quick ones on Sketching & graphic techniques.

(a)In orthographic projection, what is the view from directly above called?
  1. Front elevation
  2. Plan
  3. End elevation
(b)What is the main effect of a colour splash behind a sketch?
  1. It gives the object's overall size and dimensions
  2. It shows hidden detail inside the object
  3. It makes the object stand out from the page
(c)In isometric drawing, receding lines are drawn at what angle to the horizontal?
  1. 30°
  2. 60°
  3. 45°
Show the answers

(a) Plan

(b) It makes the object stand out from the page

(c) 30°

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Sketching & graphic techniques.

Higher Level

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

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025A8, A15
2024A8, A15
2023A9, A15
2022A8, A15
2021A13, A15
2019A15
2018A13, A15
2017A13, A15
2016A13, A15

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

More Sketching & graphic techniques questions

Sketching & graphic techniques, 3 marks

In first-angle orthographic projection, where is the plan drawn?

  1. Above the front elevation
  2. To the left of the front elevation
  3. Below the front elevation
Show the answer

Below the front elevation

In first angle the plan goes below the elevation, and the end view seen from the left is drawn on the right. Third angle reverses these positions.

Sketching & graphic techniques, 2 marks

In a sectional view, how are the cut surfaces shown?

  1. Left blank, with only a thick outline around them
  2. Hatched with thin lines, usually at 45°
  3. Shown with short dashed (hidden) lines
Show the answer

Hatched with thin lines, usually at 45°

Hatching marks where the cutting plane passes through solid material. Parts next to each other are hatched in opposite directions so they can be told apart.

Sketching & graphic techniques, 2 marks

How are hidden edges shown on an orthographic drawing?

  1. Short dashed lines
  2. Chain lines of long and short dashes
  3. Thick continuous lines
Show the answer

Short dashed lines

Hidden detail uses thin short dashes. Chain lines show centre lines, and thick continuous lines show visible outlines.

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
2025A4, A12
2024A5, A7, A10, A12
2023A7, A12, B3a
2022A7, A12, B2c
2021A7, A12
2019A7, A12
2018A7, A12
2017A7, A12
2016A7, A12

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

More Sketching & graphic techniques questions

Sketching & graphic techniques, 2 marks

An orthographic drawing shows an object…

  1. As one 3D view drawn at 30 degrees
  2. With its parts pulled apart along axes
  3. As separate 2D views, e.g. front and plan
Show the answer

As separate 2D views, e.g. front and plan

Orthographic projection gives flat views (elevation, end view, plan) with true shapes and sizes, which makes it ideal for dimensioned working drawings.

Sketching & graphic techniques, 3 marks

Shading a sketch so some faces are darker than others mainly…

  1. Hides the construction lines
  2. Makes it look three-dimensional
  3. Shows the object's dimensions
Show the answer

Makes it look three-dimensional

Tone shows how light falls on each surface. Faces turned away from the light are darker, which gives form and depth to a flat drawing.

Sketching & graphic techniques, 2 marks

In isometric drawing, horizontal edges are drawn at…

  1. 30 degrees to the horizontal
  2. 45 degrees to the horizontal
  3. 60 degrees to the horizontal
Show the answer

30 degrees to the horizontal

Isometric uses a vertical axis and two axes at 30 degrees, drawn with a 30/60 set square. Vertical edges stay vertical.

Other Technology topics

All of Leaving Cert Technology