MORE THAN 50,000 Junior Certificate students sat yesterday’s higher and ordinary history papers, which were applauded for their scope and presentation.

“The paper featured popular topics and figures and students had a wealth of choice,” said teacher Dermot Lucey.

A document on the subject of an archaeological search for the city of Troy was described as “readable” and “student-friendly”.

The second document, an extract of a piece written by a British army officer serving in the War of Independence, was also very accessible, according to commentators.

Some teachers and students noted an emphasis on modern Irish history on yesterday’s higher level paper.

“Not many students study modern Irish history because the course is very broad and very detailed,” said one teacher.

“Four of the 20 short questions related to this period, as did the picture and one of the documents.”

Teachers welcomed the inclusion of a graph in the social change question, which provided a useful visual cue for weaker students.

More than 15,000 students sat the ordinary level history exam yesterday.

The paper was described as “nice and broad” and featured such topics as the rise of the superpowers and African nationalism.

One in five students goes on to take history for the Leaving Certificate.