Penalty for using Correction Fluid or Tape in O Levels Examinations

During my times, correction fluid is a must-have in our pencil case because when we make a mistake in writing in our exercise book, we cannot just cancel it. If we do, our teacher will just return the exercise book back to us to “blanco” or “liquid” (terms we used, which means “erasing off” the error written in ink) and re-write the answers.

And as technology become more advance, Correction Tape was introduced. It is less messy than correction fluid and you do not have to wait and blow dry the correction fluid.

However, for the last few year, there is a reversal! Correction fluid has been banned discouraged from use in schools. If there is an error in writing in ink, the student is supposed to strike off the wrong answers and write in a new line / page with the correct ones.

There are pros and cons on the usage of correction fluid or tape, as follows:

PROS

• Neat
• Waste Use less paper, thus kill less trees (save the world =) )

CONS

• Prone to answers being incomplete when you use correction tape or fluid
• Ineligibility of the answers (cos fluid or tape might have smudged)

In examinations these days, correction fluid is banned from usage.

However, many students still use correction tape and fluid, especially for girls which usually like their work to be neat and tidy. They used it either at home or at tuition centres / enrichment centres.

Now, i always hear from my chemistry students that i have coached: – that there will be penalty (marks taken off) if students are found using correction fluid or tapes in national examinations and tests. They claimed that their school teachers told them so.

So out of curiosity, i tried to call up Ministry of Education (MOE) and Singapore Examinations & Assessment Board (SEAB).? While waiting for their pick up, i chance upon a press release in Feb 2009 from SEAB to The Straits Times’ editor with regards to this topic.

Based on the press release, SEAB has assured the editor that candidates are given additional writing papers if they request for them during the GCE O-Level examinations. Also, there will NOT be any penalty should candidates use corrective fluid in the national examinations.

You can view the press release at the source below:

27.02.2009 Use of Correction Fluid in O-Level Exam – Straits Times Article

I hope this clear the doubts of students and parents. It certainly cleared mine.
Got to inform my students about this. =)

PS: Hey students, posting this blogpost does not mean that i encourage you to use correction fluid or tape in examinations. This is because i have seen alot of my students that i have coached accidentally left questions unanswered because of the correction tape / fluid. This blogpost is just for your awareness.

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