Rote learning

Our education and examination system have produces outstanding students in the years that it was revamped back in the mid 80’s. Although I have since left secondary school and college way after it was introduced and implemented, recently I had the privilege to expose myself to some feedbacks from friend’s children who scored distinguished and numerous A’s in their examinations. Below are comparisons of questions that I have sat for and between those younger generations who excel in this new system.

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Essay 1: Peter went to the bank to withdraw money today.

Before 80’s

Question: If Peter said on Tuesday he is going to the bank in 3 days, what day will that be when he goes?

80’s onward

Question: What did Peter do at the bank today?

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Essay 2: Ahmad traveled to Johor Baru from Kuala Lumpur with his family. He started very early in the morning at 6.30am because the distance was 240km away and he reached Johor Baru at 9.30am.

Before 80’s

Question: Ahmad drove at 80 km per hour to reach Johor Baru by 9.30am. If he drives at 90km per hour, what time will he reach Johor Baru?

80’s onward

Question: What time did Ahmad start his journey from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Baru?

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Essay 3: When the police arrived at the house after receiving a 999 call 20 minutes ago, the robbers have already fled from the scene. They escaped with a total value of RM5,000.00 of jewelries and cash thru the back door of the house just 5 minutes before the police arrived.

Before 80’s

Question: If the call to the police was made at 12.13am, what time did the robbers escaped and what time did the police arrived?

80’s onward

Question: How much the amount of jewelries and cash did the robbers stole?

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Essay 4: John, Jerry and Jimmy are brothers. Each of them have son. John’s son is Jacob. Jerry’s son is Jeremy. Jimmy’s son is Jake. John is uncle to both Jeremy and Jake. While both of them are nephews to John, Jacob is cousin to them both.

Before 80’s

Question: What relation is Jacob to both John’s brothers?

80’s onward

Question: Name Jeremy and Jake’s fathers.

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Essay 5: The cat managed to climb into the opened window after smelling the fish left by the kitchen table. The cat then grab the fish by its teeth and jump out the window into the garden and escape just as the dog stroll into the kitchen.

Before 80’s

Question: Did the dog scares the cat when it appeared in the kitchen?

80’s onward

Question: What stroll into the kitchen?

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