More than a century has passed since eighth grade students in Bullitt County, Kentucky were given a recently discovered test that serves as a challenging testament to what many perceive as a severe decline in the educational acumen of students everywhere.
A variety of basic subjects that were covered in the 1912 exam included the three R’s, and pivotal points of historical importance.
As opposed to some current educational tests, which rely on multiple choice options in order to expedite the grading of each test, this test requires a more thorough explanation of a wide variety of topics.
While the spelling, reading and arithmetic aren’t materially different from some tests from today, grammar questions include asking about different components of speech and what properties have verbs.
Geography gets detailed after a request to define longitude and latitude, with questions asking for what state capitals come into contact with the Ohio River one that would likely stump many students from today.
The physiology portion requires much more knowledge of basic anatomy than is currently expected, including focal points of the brain.
Understanding the overall role of government and who the most important people are within it make up many of the civil government questions, with the concept of patents also factoring into that segment.
Finally, historical questions that ask for a description of the Battle of Quebec are included with one dated question asking for the name of the only impeached President.
