Examination Technique

Abstract

Why do examinations exist? Why must we all go through our educational lives in the shadow of an ogre — the examination — waiting there at the end of the course? Our increasingly sophisticated and specialised society demands that some academic assessment be made of its members, so that they can be placed where they can contribute most. We all play our part in keeping the everyday machinery of modern life going, but some of us are more highly specialised and polished components than others. Naturally, to produce such components costs money and since society is paying it wants to see evidence of a profitable investment. Those selected for further training, often because of previous examination results, have to complete their course successfully to fulfil their own ambitions and their social obligation. It is really a mutual bargain struck between society and the individual. Society needs specialists, and in return for evidence of successful work at a rigorous, advanced level, the individual who is now equipped to make an important social contribution receives social status and a monetary reward. Of course, this is an over. simplification of the whole affair, but the general idea is valid.