Madam, - I agree that grade inflation is happening in the Leaving and Junior Certificate as students over-prepare for the examinations. Students are rote-learning essays in English, Irish and French in anticipation that the memorised essay will fit one of the questions asked (in Leaving Certificate English, there was a choice of seven essays).
We have had similar problems with our university students and we addressed it by reducing choice in the examination. I would urge the State Examinations Commission to consider this option. With less choice, there would be a more realistic assessment of students' true capabilities. - Yours, etc,
EUGENE O'BRIEN, UCD School of Architecture, Landscape & Civil Engineering, Belfield, Dublin 4.