Junior Cert French:There were no major criticisms of yesterday's higher-level French paper, with the listening and written components regarded as fair.
Historical problems with the aural exam were ironed out as students reported a clear and audible CD with well-structured questions at both levels.
On the written paper, students were challenged with questions that grew more searching as the paper progressed. The final comprehension, on life in the circus, was regarded as the most difficult aspect of yesterday's paper by many students.
"The one issue I would have with yesterday's higher-level paper was the inclusion of a formal letter, which is on the course but rarely covered by students," said teacher Anne Weafer.
"They had a choice but since so few would have prepared for the formal letter, they would have been forced to take the other option."
The standard of the higher French paper has risen in recent years, with some commentators noting that some questions are pitched at a similar level to the Leaving Cert ordinary level.
The ordinary-level paper was described as "dull" by one teacher, but students were satisfied with the content. Only one comprehension question, on the subject of mountaineering, demanded specific vocabulary and left some students struggling. More than 35,000 Junior Cert students take French, the majority at higher level.
