'Very topical' Leaving Cert Irish paper covers areas students would have expected

Irish paper 1 'covered issues that students would be genuinely interested in, such as AI which was expected to appear', File picture

Irish paper 1 presented students with topics like AI and asked them to consider if Ireland is a good country to live in, as the Leaving Cert exams continued on Monday afternoon. 

The 2025 higher level Irish paper 1 covered key areas students would have expected, according to teacher Stephen Doyle, subject spokesperson with Studyclix.

“The aural section had clear recordings covering a good variety of topics," he said. 

However, while the questions were “generally fair”, some detailed questions in 'cuid c’ required careful listening skills, he believed.

“The essay options gave students a wide range of current and relevant topics including people they admire, whether Ireland is a good place to live, environmental issues, and timely topics like world politics and current news stories." 

Students could also choose to write a story based on either 'dóchas', which means ‘hope’, or around the statement 'is ait an mac an saol’ which means ‘life is strange and wonderful’.

Mr Doyle added: “The exam was very topical and covered issues that students would be genuinely interested in, such as AI which was expected to appear, as well as global politics and whether Ireland is a good country to live in.”

Ordinary level

The ordinary level paper was also very accessible, he thought. 

“The composition section offered simple choices including writing a blog on shopping, an interesting place or their favourite sports person. 

“On the other hand, the vocabulary needed for section c, the letter, would have challenged any sixth year ordinary level student. 

"The story option would be welcomed by students as it allowed them to discuss music and a concert they attended. Overall, this was a manageable paper.”

Leaving Cert exams continue on Tuesday with Irish paper 2 and biology, while Junior Cycle exams will continue with graphics, Italian and French.