Comprehension: The Origin of Examinations

Topic Content:

• Title: The Origin of Examinations
• Text: New Oxford Secondary English Course for SS2 pages 34-35

          As they were preparing for their final examinations, two students in the college reading room took time off to discuss examinations in general.

          “I wonder why examinations should be deemed necessary”, said Musa.

          “Why?” said Obi, “aren’t they a necessary evil?”. “No, you haven’t thought of it”, said Musa, “you attend classes for years, your teachers labour night and day to teach you, and you spend endless days learning the different subjects. Should that not be enough?”

          “I see, quite interesting,” said Obi, “Except that you’ll find it pretty difficult to propose a substitute, to work out a different yardstick to decide who deserves a certificate.”

          “Look, my brother,” said Musa, are apprentice mechanics, carpenters, tailors and masons subjected to the rituals of examinations before they are adjudged competent to set up on their own? Or, does a father set up an examination for his son whom he has