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My rule in making up examination questions is to ask…

“My rule in making up examination questions is to ask questions which I can't myself answer. It astounds me to see how some of my students answer questions which would play the deuce with me.” quote by Henry Adams
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“My rule in making up examination questions is to ask questions which I can't myself answer. It astounds me to see how some of my students answer questions which would play the deuce with me.”

Henry Adams

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He creates questions he cannot answer to challenge himself and expose student limits.

In simple terms: Ask unanswerable questions to test knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty in teaching.

Themes

education humility challenge

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

pedagogical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • classroom discussions
  • exam design
  • research seminars
  • peer review

Key Concepts

self-awareness critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance difficulty and fairness?
  • What benefits arise from unknown unknowns?
A Different Perspective

May discourage students if overused.

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