JC Irish Ordinary: The odd bogey can't take gloss off fair test

Where did golfer Rory McIlroy put the ball? That was one of the questions facing Junior Cert Irish ordinary-level students yesterday in the comprehension section of their paper.

However, the answer was not obvious, complained teacher Robbie Cronin of the ASTI and Marian College, Ballsbridge, Dublin. He thought the text and that particular question were too difficult.

"Students were asked where he put the golf ball. The text states that he was able to put it in the washing machine from the hallway when he was 10. Ordinary-level students would be looking for the exact answer, which wasn't there."

On the other hand, Mr Cronin described another comprehension text and its questions, about boxer Katie Taylor, as excellent.

Teacher Blaithin Ni Liathain, of the TUI and Kylemore College, Ballyfermot, Dublin, had no problem with either of these texts, but did question the use of two sportspeople.

The first part of the exam was a listening comprehension, which Mr Cronin described as appropriate and student-friendly, although Ms Ni Liathain thought the Donegal accent in one question was unclear.

In the written section, Ms Ni Liathain said the postcard was fine, but weaker students might have been thrown by being asked to write a blog rather than an email, for which they may have been more prepared.

She thought the pictures guiding students in the essay question were very helpful.

- Katherine Donnelly

Irish Independent