Could you pass English Paper 1? 'Lovely' variety in Leaving Cert exam; Junior Cycle test 'babyish'

Leaving certificate students filling in their exam number on the answer booklet before receiving their first exam paper at Douglas Community School, Cork. Picture: Denis Minihane.

Leaving Cert English was first out of the traps with "lovely" variety and approachable essays while "babyish" Buzz Lightyear material may be a black mark on an otherwise "candidate friendly" Junior Cycle paper.

The first day of the 2023 State exams got off to a start this Wednesday morning, with Leaving Cert English Paper 1 and Junior Cycle English.