Final Exams

Our students are deep into final exams. Derek's students began today so he is desk warming for the next week and my students are rushing to cram as much as they can into their brains before tomorrows test. I gave my students the chance to use my class time to study for their exam. I walked around glimpsing at their test preparation and found myself with a puzzled look of "seriously?" Here are two examples of what my students are facing tomorrow:

"Consciously and unconsciously, people tend to imitate those around them. That’s why the latest research shows things like happiness, depression and obesity can spread like wildfires through social networks. So, surround yourself with friends who can also be good role models. You can hang out with people who look and act the way you would want to. Social imitation is the easiest form of self-improvement. Social support is critical to changing all kinds of behavior. Good friends can not only help you through bad times, but they can also help you stay focused on your goals."

This paragraph is asking the student to elaborate on the term "role model." This isn't my idea of a role model and I think there are some Korean Values embedded in the paragraph. Social imitation is a way of life here. Individuality involves deciding which famous person to imitate. But, either way, my point is that this paragraph is on last years test...my students struggle with subject/verb agreement. This is way beyond their level! They are busy trying to memorize this exact paragraph, which will not be on the test!

The Republic of Africa is a country located at the southern tip of Africa, with a 2,798 km coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans. To the north (A) lie/lay Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe; to the east are Mozambique and Swaziland. This country is known for its diversity in languages. Eleven languages are (B) official/officially recognized. English is the most commonly spoken language in official and commercial public life; however, it is only the fifth mostspoken language at home. Although 79.5% of the South African population is black, the people are from various ethnic group (C) speaking/spoken different Bantu languages.

Here is example number 2 and any typos you see are direct from the test. I sometimes get asked to proof the test questions. After I'm finished the paper is generally filled with red marker! I know for a fact that my students can't pronounce more than half of this paragraph, but they can memorize it!