Testing times

Published on 08/08/2012 00:00

Reading your piece, “Pass rate for Highers rises again amid suspicions of dumbing down”, I wondered whether you had noticed the following question in the “Higher Mathematics for Editors” exam paper this year.

1(a) Your copy shows that the Highers pass rate has increased by 2.2 per cent, which is not much of a story. Show how this can be made to look like 45 per cent in a graph.

1(b) Explain why the opinions of the Tory education spokesperson (one MP in all of Scotland) can be used to represent “public suspicion” in your ­headline.

1(c) Your examination pack contains a copy of the Scotsman “Clearings” supplement (same day). Adapt the original text of the sub heading (“How to find where you will enjoy your bright future”) to give more of the message: “Courses for the dumbed down”.

1(d) In not more than 300 words explain what you are 
trying to achieve.

Ian Taylor

Manse Road

Edinburgh