Quality Control, China Style, Part 2

(This is a continuation of Quality Control, China Style, the recap of a test that we foreign teachers are required to take.)

Section 2: "Elementary" Knowledge Test

I think it would be prudent to say here that when I was introduced to this test, I had a completely misguided idea of what it would be like.  I was chatting with my boss one day when she told me that I needed to take this online test, to make sure I was qualified to stick with my job.  Now, to me it seemed entirely appropriate to assume that I would be taking a test primarily consisting of English knowledge, effective teaching methods, and perhaps a smattering of linguistics.  Interestingly, my boss seemed to be thinking on the same lines.  And, actually, I was fairly confident on my way to the test; I know that stuff! Wow, though, was I far off.

Due to the large volume of fantastic questions in this examination, I had a hard time picking my favorites.  Here is what I ended up with, starting with the first and, of course, my favorite question.

Although I probably should have been slightly worried that the first question of the "Elementary Knowledge Test" was about moon cakes, I was instead super excited, because I Know This One!

And, in no particular order:

What are the eight major cooking styles in China?

• Shangdong, Sichuan, Anhui, FuJian, JiangSu, ZheJiang, Hunan, Anhui
• Shangdong, Sichuan, Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangsu, ZheJiang, Hubei, Anhui
• Beijing, Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangsu, FuJian, ZheJiang, Sichuan, Hubei
• Shangdong, Hubei, Guangdong, Sichuan, JiangSu, Hunan, ZheJiang

I can see how this might affect my effectiveness as a teacher.  10 points if you know the answer to this question without research.

Who are the astronauts in Shenzhou VI?

• Junlong Fei, Liwei Yang
• Liwei Yang, Haisheng Nie
• Junlong Fei, Haisheng Nie
• Boming Liu, Liwei Yang

Are you kidding?  I can't even remember the names of the students in my class!  There are actually quite a few more obscure Chinese trivia questions, so I won't include them all here; just trust me, you probably don't know the answers.

2008+2007+2006+2005-2004-2003-2002-2001+2000+1999
+1998+1997-1996-1995-1994-1993+1992+…
…+6+5-4-3-2-1=? 

• 284790350023
• 4016
• 3901
• 2510

No calculators, please.

Who is the current president of the USA?

• Hosni Mubarak
• Angela Merkel
• Vladimir Putin
• George W. Bush

Alright, fair enough, I guess this news is only like 10 months old.  I assume readers here don't need this explained.

A British prime minister normally serves a term of ______.

• two years
• five years
• four years
• six years

However, if you don't find this question humorous (i.e. U.S. readers), try a little research.

In which year was Longrnan Group UK Ltd. founded?

• 1721
• 1722
• 1723
• 1724

I can only assume after some brief research that they meant "Longman", instead of "Longrnan", and that they might be referring to what is now "Pearson Longman", a large ELT company, but I do not nearly have the drive to actually figure out this answer.  So if you just happen to know it off of the top of your head, then friend, I salute you.  You will certainly make an excellent teacher here.

Which day of the year is World Environment Day? 

• 5th June
• 4th July
• 14th May
• 22nd May

This is the kind of question you probably just want to get wrong intentionally, along with the rest of the conspicuously out-of-place, environment-related questions.  China doesn't have the patience for you whiny hippie types.

Which personality trait is common among most Chinese people?

• Fiery
• Enthusiastic
• Suppressed
• Crazy

Trust me, I don't care how obvious the answer here is, it's a trap.  Just pick B!

When interest rates increase, what generally happens to stock prices on the exchange?

• Stock prices increase
• Stock prices decrease
• Stock prices remain stable
• Changes in stock prices are uncertain
  

Ah, yes, now I see how this question is related to my ability as a language teacher.

Which is the largest island in China?

• Hainan Island
  
• Chongning Island
  
• Xiamen Island
  
• Taiwan Island
  

Obviously, the answer is Taiwan, and don't you dare say otherwise...

And we'll end on an easier note:

In which continent is China?

• Asia
• Africa
• Europe
• South America
  

Whew, finally, a freebie.  Thanks, China.

(Browse related posts: Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - DIY Exam Link)