Topic: the perfect english test for thai students

[slaxster]

i am in the process of developing a written english test that has all the answers contained within the test itself - a test so easy an alien from outerspace could get a 100% score.

why am i doing this?  to keep my sanity.  it all started so innocently.

"hey, rufus.  you've been working on that test for over a week now."
"yeah, it's my third re-write.  i keep dumbing it down, but the schoolmaster says it's still to difficult."
"can i see?"
"sure."

i start looking at the 10 questions and comment,  "question 1a is, 'Where do you come from?  I _ _ _ _ from thailand.'  but question 3a is jumbled word order with the same question and answer.  you're practically forcing them to get it right."

"yeah." says rufus dejectedly.  "and it's too tough a test.  you'll find a lot of answers are in there with the questions."

"rufus, that gives me an idea."

[bomha]

I think that in most Thai schools, any test is perfect.  Any test, in any language, is a perfect way for Thai students to get a passing grade in English.  Did you see Whitey's comment on ajarn forum net, about the Thai test on Buddhism which he and his mate took?  They scored higher than many of the Thai Buddhist students, and Whitey and mate cannot read Thai!

Give them an English test in Swahili, and the answers in Pashtu.  Everybody passes.