PARENTS and teachers are aware that the majority of our students are generally poor in English but let’s not exacerbate this difficulty by taking a lackadaisical approach when setting exam papers.

We have often seen glaring language errors in many examination papers in the past — both in English and Bahasa Malaysia at all levels – and unless this is tackled with earnestness, we are making the students more confused and our education process a sham.

Pedagogically, the exam process is in itself a learning process.

We should not treat the former in isolation and with indifference. A badly written exam paper reflects the quality of our education.

The recent Ujian Pengesanan Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah 2010 Negeri Pahang for the Science Paper (018) (Primary School Achievement Evaluation Test 2010), is one of the many examples.

The paper which was meant for all standard six pupils in Pahang had glaring grammatical errors, and those who set the questions were not serious in ensuring that they were written in proper English.

As a result there was some confusion as pupils were unable to understand the questions.

The questions below are examples of bad sentence construction, inappropriate phrases and wrong tenses.

The diagram shows three animals which have the difference way to survive of their species.

· What is inference based on this investigation?

· Give observation to support the inference in (a)

· Predict what animal Q do if enemies disturb their eggs?

· What is conclusion can be make from this investigation?

· What conclusion can be make from this investigation?

They notes their investigation below.

(Mereka mencatat penyiasatan seperti di bawah)

· One week life spent
(Satu minggu jangkahayat)

· Tree days life spent
(Tiga hari jangka hayat)

· What is observation from this investigation?

Predict the distance of the ping pong balls move which on carpet surface.

The diagram shows the relationship between a distance of ball from the torch and the size of the shadow.

All exam papers should manifest quality in them. Language teachers on their part have been emphasising on correct language structure when teaching, and it is thus the onus of the school or education department to ensure that all question papers are written in proper English or Bahasa Malaysia.

Having an apathetic attitude towards the issue will not only confuse students but also affect the learning process and the quality of our education.

Unfortunately, this laid-back stance has crept into our education system and exists from primary to tertiary levels.

When we stress on quality education, we should equally stress on excellence when preparing exam papers.

This is taught in training modules for all teachers, and is at all times emphasised in the education process in the developed countries.

Just browse through any of the exam papers prepared by schools and colleges in the developed countries and see how thorough and specific the papers are.

The language used is precise. Many of the exam papers are compiled and sold to the public and those interested can also view them on the Internet.

DR M A NAIR
Via e-mail