Pass this test

Pennsylvania Sixth graders, start sweating! Memorize those multiplication tables, memorize that jingle "in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue", start applying the quadradic equation, learn the scientific method, and start to recite Hamlet. The state of Pennsylvania is going to require you to pass a state exam to graduate high school. I have my opinions on this subject, which I will share in the near future, but I have decided to come up with my own version of this exam. Not just 1 version, but 2. Remember having those "A" exams and "B"exams in school? I certainly do.

Test A

1. How many songs can you download on a 1 GB ipod?

2. What is a microscope?

3. Read the following sentence and answer the question below:

"The cat walked to the store to and purchased a glass of milk"

What did the cat purchase at the store?

4. Add the following 1 + ___ = 3

A. 1

B. 1/2

C. 2

D. 3

5. What is the name of the first president of the United States?

Answers: 1. I have no clue, but I'm sure every 18 year old can tell you, 2. An instrument used in biology to see small things, 3. a glass of milk, 4. 2, 5. George Washington

Test B

1. What is the derivitive of 4X^3 - 2X^2 + 36X + 4?

2. Which of the following is NOT an effect of the Protestant Reformation

A. The Catholic changed their ideas at the Council of Trent

B. Numerous branches of Christianity emerged

C. The rulers of Europe allowed the citizens of their countries to choose their own religion

D. A series of wars emerged throughout Europe

3. Which of the following is a synonym of abdicate?

A. announce

B. renounce

C. abduct

D. application

4. What is the native region of cheetah?

A. North America

B. South America

C. Asia

D. Africa

I'm sure that none of these questions will actually show on a state exam, but generally these tests are written the the highest or lowest level. Keep your eyes out for additional commentary on the Pennsylvania and American education systems. Just remember, Texas is just starting to fingerprint their teachers.

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