Sunday, November 16, 2008

English Test

Some of you may remember my friend, colleague, and host Joachim Gudmundsson who came out with us on Robbie Burns day a few years ago. Joachim's trying to become a permanent resident of Australia. To do this, he has to take an english test. Here's one of the questions from the test:

The instructions for a grant application say All students who submit a successful application will receive a copy of the Student Handbook.

Question: Will all students receive a copy of the Student Handbook?

a) Yes
b) No
c) Not enough information to decide

This is actually a difficult question. I know the correct answer (and so does Joachim) but it's not at all clear that the test adminstrators do.

9 comments:

Chris said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chris said...

Is the English test before or after the quiz on Abba?

Mike Just said...

Abba are Swedish. And I'd say the answer was 'No.'

Unknown said...

Mike: Since this is an english test, No is probably the answer they're expecting. If this were a COMP1805 test though...

Mike Just said...

Hmmmm. As I re-read, I suppose I might choose (c) in this case, as it really depends upon how you interpret the language. I do see now that it is possible to interpret as (a) as well.

Anonymous said...

Taken from the UK equivalent:
Question 8
Life in the UK explains what to do if you spill someone's pint in the pub. What, according to the book, usually happens next?

A: You would offer to buy the person another pint

B: You would offer to dry their wet shirt with your own

C: You may need to prepare for a fight in the car park

Chris said...

Of course Abba is Swedish. But Australia has an unnatural fascination with them.

Mike what are you hiding by posting anonymously? Enquiring minds want to know more about this "UK test" incident at the pub. Whose wet T-shirt were you rubbing?

Mike Just said...

T'warn't me.

Jit Bose said...

Am I allowed to submit an unsuccesful application before answering the question?

Jit