We may be very pleased with the rapid progress we have made in every field of study. But the way to test a student's knowledge and ability still remains¹ as poor as it was, We have almost done nothing to improve our examination² system.

It is well known³ that the examination system we are now using may be a good way of testing a student's memory, but it can tell you nothing about a student's ability. It does no good to students and teachers.

As soon as a child begins school,he enters a world of examination that will decide his future of job.

In fact a good examination system should train a student to think for himself. But it now does nothing about that. So students are encouraged to member what is taught. It does not enable⁴ them to gain more and note knowledge. The students who come out first in the examination often may not be the best in their studies.

Besides, the examinations⁵ often force teachers to train students what to do with the coming examination from time to time. There must be some simpler and better way to test a student' s ability besides knowledge. And that is what we should do at once.

1. Now little has been done to________.

A. decide a student's job B. test a student's ability

C. test a student's knowledge D. test a student's memory

2. The examination system we are now using can only make the students________.

A. gain more and more knowledge B. make rapid progress

C. remember what is taught D. think for themselves

3. In order to make students gain high marks in the coming examination, teachers have to________.

A. develop their students' ability B. fill their students' heads with much information

C. teach freely⁶ D. teach their students how to study

4. The passage tells us about the importance of________.

A. getting examination system improved B. taking examinations

C. testing a student' s knowledge D. working hard at all lessons

Keys: 1-4 BCBA