Junior Cycle English short story question sparks criticism from teachers

An exam centre in Ballincollig Community School, Cork, ready for the state examinations. Picture: Denis Minihane

English teachers have criticised the inclusion of an “unwise and unfair” short story question that appeared on this year’s Junior Cycle exam paper this week.

Many students reported their surprise at the question on the higher-level paper, which asked students to outline how a setting has a vital influence on a short story they studied.