h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

That's the Open University exam out of the way for this year Sorry I didn't take much part in Forty Two Day, but I was busy revising.

The paper wasn't too bad, but it's amazing how quickly 3 hours goes. I'd have needed 4 hours to tackle all the questions, I reckon.

The only gripe I have (apart from the backache from the uncomfortable chairs) is the size of the desks we had in the exam room. They were probably around 18 inches (45cm) square. Now, you have to arrange on them:

1 A4 question paper with pull-out diagram sheet, graph paper and tracing paper
1 A4 answer book
1 additional A4 answer book, as one isn't enough
1 handbook of formulae (A4)
1 handbook supplement (A4)
1 further page of formulae (A4)
1 registration card (A5)
1 proof of candidacy letter (A4)
1 passport (for proof of ID)
1 pocket calculator
ruler, pens, pencils, rubber, pencil sharpener
1 jubilee clip and 1 paper clip for attaching all the papers together at the end
1 wristwatch
1 water bottle
1 tube of extra strong mints
1 gonk

Now, despite this being an exam on mathematical geometry, there is absolutely no way you can fit all that in an area of 18" square without it being quite a few layers deep. On one occasion, I decided I needed the handbook supplement - it was at the bottom, and, well, I sent a few things flying.

I pity the poor lady doing the Psychology paper to my left, who suddenly found herself staring into the eyes of Gerald the gonk. I just hope she doesn't lodge a formal complaint. I'm not sure she will - in fact, she suddenly seemed to find inspiration and wrote reams of stuff, only breaking occasionally to stare at me, nod knowingly to herself, then carry on writing.

I hope you got high marks, anyway.

I read this to Elektra. She said (wait for it):

"That's just like the time Mr Bean took that exam. Everything you think is a joke in the UK turns out to be true."

Good job I only opened the cola bottle but hadn't started drinking yet.

I didn't realise that you were a masochist. By the time I left school, I understood that 'exams' were just a means of torture. I am only surprised that the seat didn't have nails sticking through and any metal part of the desk or chair wasn't connected to the mains.

Oh, it's not that bad - you get used to it. It's a bit like that tramp whose only luxury is a pair of shoes three sizes too small - he loves it when he takes them off.

Ever thought of mining in Chile?

A watch

You ain't allowed all this stuff, especially not a watch. crikey it could be a communication device.

Looking at people ain't allowed either, just isn't. I've done both OU and formal university exams, and the OU is harder in respect to the way they score, you only get the worst of two scores, but it is easier in the actual exams.

In formal public final exams you are expected to do around thirty hours in a week, no talking, no watches and no calculators, answering questions about things you never seen before.

Yes, I've done the university finals, too. It's a tough schedule, as you say.

They only allow calculators in exams where they are of no use whatsoever (eg geometry). Try getting one into an engineering exam!

Yes, I remember tiny tables, hardly enough room for an answer booklet.