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Subject: London Matriculation Exam 1899 (Was: 8th Grade 1895 USA)
From: John Lawler <jlawler@tetris.gpcc.itd.umich.edu>
Newsgroups: alt.usage.english
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 17:29:40 GMT
Maria's fascinating post on the 8th-grade test from 1895 Kansas reminded
me of the test Crystal included in his English Language encyclopedia.
Note: my impression is that a "Matriculation examination" is one taken
before (and to demonstrate knowledge suitable for) *entry* into
university, and therefore would be taken at approximately age 18
(= USA HS graduate level). Please correct me if I'm wrong.
In any event, it would be a rare college graduate these days who
could pass it.
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The English language paper which was set as part of the London
Matriculation examination for senior pupils in June 1899.
(from "The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language", p.192)
I. -- LANGUAGE
(Not more than seven of these ten questions are to be attempted)
1. Explain carefully what is meant by the term "grammar." Give the
chief divisions of "grammar," with definitions and examples.
2. Comment on the following statements:
a) "To reform Modern English spelling would be to destroy
the life-history of many of our words."
b) "The spelling of Modern English is little better than a chaos."
3. At what periods, and under what conditions, have Latin words been
introduced into English directly or indirectly? Give examples.
4. Derive and explain:
Matriculate, parliament, isle, alderman, mayor, cricket;
and mention some derivatives from and
some cognates with these words.
5. What is meant by "relative pronouns"? Differentiate the uses of
the relative pronouns in Modern English, giving instances of each.
6. Write notes on the following words:
worse, nearer, but, it, songstress,
riches, alms, ye, first, Wednesday.
7. Classify adverbs, according to their origin and formation,
with examples.
8. How are (i) infinitives, and (ii) participles distinguished from
other parts of verbs? Write down and discuss six sentences
illustrating the various uses of (i) the Infinitive and
(ii) the Present Participle.
9. What is meant by "defective verbs"?
Discuss the conjugation of any three.
10. "To make a revolution every day is the nature of the sun, because
of that necessary course which God hath ordained it, from which
it cannot swerve but by a faculty from that voice which first
did give it motion."
(i) analyse this sentence;
(ii) underline the words of Latin origin.
-John Lawler
http://www.umich.edu/~jlawler Michigan Linguistics Dept
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"The purpose of a fishtrap is to catch fish, and when the fish are caught
the trap is forgotten. The purpose of a rabbit snare is to catch rabbits.
When the rabbits are caught the snare is forgotten. The purpose of words
is to convey ideas. When the ideas are grasped, the words are forgotten.
Where can I find a man who has forgotten words?
He is the one I would like to talk to." -- Chuang Tzu
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