Exam Meaning
Exam Definition & Usage
A formal test or assessment to evaluate someone's knowledge, skills, or ability in a particular subject.
Examples
- "She studied for weeks in preparation for her final exam."
- "The exam was harder than I expected, and I barely finished on time."
- "Many students experience stress before exams, which can affect their performance."
- "The teacher handed out the exam papers at the start of the class."
- "He failed the exam because he didn't review the material properly."
A brief or informal evaluation of someone's abilities or skills, often used in a more casual or metaphorical sense.
Examples
- "The interview was more of an exam of my patience than my qualifications."
- "He gave his team a quick exam on their knowledge of the new software."
- "The meeting felt like an exam, with everyone questioning my decisions."
- "She faced the exam of handling a difficult customer alone."
- "That job interview was a real exam of my confidence under pressure."
Cultural Context
The word 'exam' comes from the Latin 'examinare', meaning 'to weigh' or 'to test'. It has been used since the 16th century to refer to formal evaluations of knowledge and skills. The concept of exams is integral to education systems worldwide and often signifies a major hurdle for students. In many cultures, exams are viewed as pivotal moments that can determine academic progression, career opportunities, and personal success.
The Big Exam
Story
The Big Exam
Jenny had been preparing for weeks. Her final exam in literature was just around the corner, and the pressure was mounting. She had always been an excellent student, but this exam seemed to weigh on her in a way no other had before. The clock on the wall ticked ominously as she reviewed her notes for the last time before heading to the exam room. She could feel her heart racing as she walked through the hallways of the university. Her mind wandered back to the many times she had experienced exams before – from the small quizzes in high school to the major tests in university. Each one had its own weight, but none compared to the final exam she was about to take. Inside the exam room, Jenny found herself staring at the paper, the questions intimidating in their complexity. For a moment, she questioned whether she had studied enough. But then she remembered all the mock exams she had taken in preparation, and the countless hours she had spent practicing the material. The exam wasn't just a test of her knowledge—it was a test of her nerves, her ability to stay focused under pressure. As time ticked by, Jenny could feel her confidence growing. Each question she answered was another step closer to the finish line. When the exam finally ended, she walked out of the room with a feeling of both exhaustion and accomplishment. It had been an exam of endurance as much as it had been a test of intellect. But little did she know, this was not the only exam she would face that day. The real exam was the phone call she would receive later that evening, informing her of her acceptance into the graduate program she had dreamed of for years. It wasn’t just an academic exam that had tested her abilities—it was also a test of her resolve, her perseverance, and her passion for the field she loved.
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