As a student I read Professor Frank Ventura's letter (The Sunday Times, June 5) with great interest. Professor Ventura should consider that in Paper 2 either A or B of the English Language has to be done in two hours. This is unfair because there is a lot of work to be done in these papers. Of course, all the 2A candidates completed their writing task but in a hurry because they were pressed for time.

Also, I wish to point out that the three compositions in Paper 2 should be different types of essay titles. On the other hand, the markers would be exhausted correcting the same compositions of thousands of students.

I think the Matsec Board have to work hard and do their utmost in choosing the best way to set up the examination papers but students are becoming more stressed. This is because examinations are becoming more difficult, rather than helping students make the grade after years of sacrifices.

I understand how parents feel because they make a lot of sacrifices for their children, including paying for private lessons to ensure that their children pass their examinations.

My conclusion is that students taking the Matsec examinations have to be prepared for the unexpected.