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From: smith@COS.COM (Steve Smith)
Newsgroups: misc.jobs.misc,comp.misc
Subject: Re: A test of discernment/employment
Message-ID: <429@cos.COM>
Date: Thu, 3-Sep-87 14:45:51 EDT
Article-I.D.: cos.429
Posted: Thu Sep  3 14:45:51 1987
Date-Received: Sat, 5-Sep-87 15:24:13 EDT
References: <957@bc-cis.UUCP> <2515@catuc.UUCP>
Reply-To: smith@cos.UUCP (Steve Smith)
Organization: Corporation for Open Systems, McLean, VA
Lines: 28
Xref: mnetor misc.jobs.misc:655 comp.misc:1183

In article <2515@catuc.UUCP> doug@catuc.UUCP (doug) writes:

>I remember taking a test like this in fifth grade I believe and to this
>day cannot think of why this test was given.

The reason for "tests" like this is to attempt to teach test-taking
skills.  In particular, when you take a test

1.  ALWAYS read the instructions.  The test may not be what you think it
    is.

2.  ALWAYS at least glance over the ENTIRE test before starting.  This
    lets you look for anything unexpected (like missing pages) before
    wasting any time.  Also, you can do the easy questions first - if you
    have looked for them.

Judging from the responses to this item, it seems that the lesson was
pretty much lost.

The question of what tests have to do with what is laughingly called
"the real world" is something else entirely.  "OK, now, Mr. Foobar, it's
time for your annual salary review.  The test is in three parts.  Part
one is multiple choice ..." (:-)
-- 
                           __
 -- Steve          /      /  \      /         "Truth is stranger than
S. G. Smith      I \ O    |  _    O \ I        fiction because fiction
smith@cos.com      /      \__/      /          has to make sense."