In ancient times, the most important examination was spoken, not written. In the schools of ancient Greece and Rome, testing usually consisted 31 saying poetry aloud or giving speeches.
Generally, however, modern examinations are written. The written examination, where all students are tested on the same questions, was probably not known 32_________ the nineteenth century. Perhaps it came into 33 (exist) with the great increase in population and the development of modern industry.
Two types of tests are 34 (common) used in modern schools. The first type is sometimes called an “objective” test. It 35 ___________ (intend) to deal with facts, not personal opinions. On objective tests, the student has just one task: he must recognize the correct answer and then he must copy its letter or number onto his examination paper. Sometimes there is 36 answer sheet on which the four letters or numbers are printed. Then the student only has to circle the one 37 go with the correct answer.
For testing some kinds of learning, however , such a test is not very satisfactory. A lively student 38 guess the correct answer without really knowing the material.
For a clearer picture of 39 the student knows, most teachers use another kind of examination in addition to objective tests. They use “essay” tests, and the tests require students to write long answers to broad, general questions. When some essay questions are used along with some objective questions, 40 , a fairly clear picture of the students’ knowledge and ability can usually be obtained.
