Junior Certificate geographyThe weather was the principal topic on the Junior Certificate geography higher paper yesterday with questions from depressions and cyclones to how climate attracts tourists and industries cause acid rain.

However, the most contentious issue among geography teachers was the decision to format the higher-level paper in colour and the ordinary-level paper in black and white.

Andrew McDonald, a teacher at Rockbrook Park secondary school in Rathfarnham, Dublin, said it was unfair to make such an obvious differentiation between the higher and ordinary level.

"I don't see why ordinary-level students should suffer a sub-standard paper as it's sending the wrong message out," he said.

His concerns were echoed by Jacqueline Sheil, a TUI subject representative, who noted that the absence of colour on photographs and charts made calculations and assessments more difficult for students. In general, students were said to be pleased with the higher-level paper yesterday, with Ms Sheil concluding that the paper provided "something to suit everyone" and was a "very student friendly paper".

She noted that some sections, such as one question which asked students to supply three answers to fit a crossword, were unfair on some, particularly those who might have spelling difficulties.

Some significant changes to the paper were noted by Mr McDonald. Usually, the sketch map and photograph question appears as the first detailed question but was yesterday given as a smaller question further down in the "geography mix" section.

Although the expected themes of tsunamis and earthquakes failed to appear on the higher paper, Mr McDonald said the question on the expansion of Dublin was predictable and accessible.

"The short questions were extremely straightforward and provided an either/or option or a get-out clause for students who may have found the first aspect hard," he said. The ordinary-level paper provided more choice with the topical and predictable themes of tsunamis, earthquakes and acid rain.