The most daunting of my examinations has come to pass. Paper two for English was undeniably going to be the apex of all my stress. Whilst one can typically make educated guesses on which five poets will make the cut, the only guaranteed element is their unpredictability. In contrast, with subjects like mathematics, one can feel secure with the knowledge of having mastered algebra and calculus. English, however, maintains an element of the unforeseen.
To my delight, every poet that we had studied in school was represented on the exam, and I firmly believe that our scholarly guides equipped us excellently. On a sour note though, the question about Slyvia Plath, a poet highly regarded among the younger demographic, was frankly a letdown. We were tasked with discussing how the vivid imagery in her poetry showcases her prowess as a social critic, a concept diverging vastly from our school studies.
Thankfully, our instructors ensured we had an extensive understanding of other poets, so I opted for a question on Seamus Heaney instead. This posed the query of how Heaney employs what seems like a simplistic style to express his astute observations about individuals and locales.
I was equally thrown aback by another question on Hamlet. Specifically, the secondary option that asked us to deliberate about the factors of Shakespeare’s Hamlet that render it an unexpectedly optimistic and promising drama. I was already a good ten minutes into answering this question when I realised the sheer difficulty of it all. I was hit with a wave of panic, accompanied by a pounding heart at the thought of having squandered precious exam time that necessitated comprehensive writing.
Nevertheless, I managed to get through the paper in its entirety. Despite the slew of unpredictable queries, I was content with the outcome and relieved to have gotten through it. I now find myself in a whirlwind of exhaustion and relief, having crossed my major hurdle.
I’ve made a conscious effort to squeeze in some breaks over the week, and I am fortunate enough to have a basketball court within close proximity to my house. This allows me to shoot a few hoops or engage in a friendly game of basketball, allowing a much-needed escape from the exhaustion of studies.
Feeling adequately prepared for the forthcoming exams, especially maths, a subject I excel at, I’ve committed substantial time for practice. My birthday celebrations were postponed due to the Leaving Cert exams, but once they’re done, I plan to travel to India and spend time with my relatives and friends living near Delhi.
Upon returning, a new chapter awaits me at university. I am filled with a blend of emotions at the thought of this significant transition, yet the thrill of it is gradually settling in. Daksh Wadhwa (16), a student at Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School, is about to embark on his Leaving Cert exams.