English Exam finally with the times?

dalta5billion

I have to admit, as a frequent critic of all things education system, the English exam has definitely improved. Ok, so there's still Shakespeare and those idiots who wrote a bunch of rhymes:D, but overall, the exam seems to be keeping up with the times well, unlike some, *cough Business, which are waaayy behind the times.(I'm talking floppy drives here. Yes that was a recent question. Virtual Display Unit? Seriously?)

" Write a speech for OR against the motion, “Social networking sites have had a predominately
negative impact on the lives of teenagers"

" Write a review of one of the following for your school magazine: a mobile phone, an MP3
player, a games console or an electronic reader.
Your answer should include an introduction, description, evaluation and recommendation. "

My mock had various aspects of social media questions on it too:

Like:

Outline an argument for or against social media regulation. Just in case this shouldn't be shown

Yep Just my two cents.

siobhan1894

I agree that it is great to see that the English exam is becoming more up-to-date and is including modern topics and modern paraphenalia. It's time that it was brought out of the dark ages. However, it is important to remember that Shakespeare and poetry are hugely important too. They may not be interesting by today's sensationalist standards but they are still the building blocks of the English language. It is important that we respect them and it is also important for students to be able to experience the joy that they can, if given a chance, bring.

The One Who Knocks

dalta5billion wrote: »

I have to admit, as a frequent critic of all things education system, the English exam has definitely improved. Ok, so there's still Shakespeare and those idiots who wrote a bunch of rhymes:D, but overall, the exam seems to be keeping up with the times well, unlike some, *cough Business, which are waaayy behind the times.(I'm talking floppy drives here. Yes that was a recent question. Virtual Display Unit? Seriously?)

" Write a speech for OR against the motion, “Social networking sites have had a predominately
negative impact on the lives of teenagers"

" Write a review of one of the following for your school magazine: a mobile phone, an MP3
player, a games console or an electronic reader.
Your answer should include an introduction, description, evaluation and recommendation. "

My mock had various aspects of social media questions on it too:

Like:

Outline an argument for or against social media regulation. Just in case this shouldn't be shown

Yep Just my two cents.

Yeah, floppy disks were ridiculous, but in defence of virtual display units (presuming you meant visual) VDU'S are basically moniters, (like computer monitors), and unfortunately, we haven't all moved into the hologram age.


Although it's great that the media questions are moving forward, like siobhan, I agree that we can't leave shakespear behind.

dalta5billion

Jamez735 wrote: »

dalta5billion wrote: »

I have to admit, as a frequent critic of all things education system, the English exam has definitely improved. Ok, so there's still Shakespeare and those idiots who wrote a bunch of rhymes:D, but overall, the exam seems to be keeping up with the times well, unlike some, *cough Business, which are waaayy behind the times.(I'm talking floppy drives here. Yes that was a recent question. Virtual Display Unit? Seriously?)

" Write a speech for OR against the motion, “Social networking sites have had a predominately
negative impact on the lives of teenagers"

" Write a review of one of the following for your school magazine: a mobile phone, an MP3
player, a games console or an electronic reader.
Your answer should include an introduction, description, evaluation and recommendation. "

My mock had various aspects of social media questions on it too:

Like:

Outline an argument for or against social media regulation. Just in case this shouldn't be shown

Yep Just my two cents.

Yeah, floppy disks were ridiculous, but in defence of virtual display units (presuming you meant visual) VDU'S are basically moniters, (like computer monitors), and unfortunately, we haven't all moved into the hologram age.


Although it's great that the media questions are moving forward, like siobhan, I agree that we can't leave shakespear behind.

Trust me, I know that they are monitors (with an o by the way) but seriously: who calls it that? Believe me, ask any program developer what a VDU is and they'll say wuttt?

I agree Shakespeare is very important, I was only trying to raise rows

A sharp intake of breath at the social media regulation question. I couldn't help grinning when I saw that was one of the questions.

dalta5billion

Jamez735 wrote: »

dalta5billion wrote: »

I have to admit, as a frequent critic of all things education system, the English exam has definitely improved. Ok, so there's still Shakespeare and those idiots who wrote a bunch of rhymes:D, but overall, the exam seems to be keeping up with the times well, unlike some, *cough Business, which are waaayy behind the times.(I'm talking floppy drives here. Yes that was a recent question. Virtual Display Unit? Seriously?)

" Write a speech for OR against the motion, “Social networking sites have had a predominately
negative impact on the lives of teenagers"

" Write a review of one of the following for your school magazine: a mobile phone, an MP3
player, a games console or an electronic reader.
Your answer should include an introduction, description, evaluation and recommendation. "

My mock had various aspects of social media questions on it too:

Like:

Outline an argument for or against social media regulation. Just in case this shouldn't be shown

Yep Just my two cents.

Yeah, floppy disks were ridiculous, but in defence of virtual display units (presuming you meant visual) VDU'S are basically moniters, (like computer monitors), and unfortunately, we haven't all moved into the hologram age.


Although it's great that the media questions are moving forward, like siobhan, I agree that we can't leave shakespear behind.

I wonder what will happen if I answer OpenOffice to the 'word processor' question. :P

partyatmygaff

dalta5billion wrote: »

I have to admit, as a frequent critic of all things education system, the English exam has definitely improved. Ok, so there's still Shakespeare and those idiots who wrote a bunch of rhymes:D

How would removing Shakespeare and poetry "improve" the exam? They're timeless masterpieces and examples of English literature at its finest.

AtomicKoala

Shakespearean drama is an intregal part of English.
However as said many questions seem to be waaay behind the times, perhaps this reflects slow pace of curriculum change. Also, those business questions are embarrasingly ridiculous So easy though, guaranteed marks

dalta5billion

partyatmygaff wrote: »

dalta5billion wrote: »

I have to admit, as a frequent critic of all things education system, the English exam has definitely improved. Ok, so there's still Shakespeare and those idiots who wrote a bunch of rhymes:D

How would removing Shakespeare and poetry "improve" the exam? They're timeless masterpieces and examples of English literature at its finest.

I jest, I jest. Very important pieces of work, jus slaggin Willum.

The One Who Knocks

partyatmygaff wrote: »

How would removing Shakespeare and poetry "improve" the exam? They're timeless masterpieces and examples of English literature at its finest.

To be, or not to be: that is the question.