Coming up for air

Okay, so I haven't been around much lately. I have occasionally thought of posts, but haven't actually taken the time to write anything. But now I am in the recta final, the final countdown (forgive me if I don't link to one of the boys' favorite videos, The Final Countdown song with SpongeBob visuals... Actually, you can just go ahead and thank me.)

Saturday is the exam, the first three parts of which only one is a known quantity (the essay on one of the 25 topics, given a choice of 2, which is worth less than one third of the grade for this part.) As for the first exam, questions abound: What format and types of questions will it have? Exactly what level of knowledge are we expected to have? Will we need a calculator, compass, protractor? What language will the test be in?

The second test was originally assumed to be similar to what it was in previous years, although now there are rumors about a change in format in that as well. Who knows.

The third test is the one that everyone knows about, so no questions there, except that the change in format (from us reading our essay to the jury on a subsequent day, to the jury reading it themselves without us present) means that the way we have been practicing all year may not now be the best-- should we use numbered section headings instead of smooth transitions? Can we use white-out if we make a mistake, or will we have to cross out (but neatness counts!) or start over? Can we underline important words, since we can no longer use our voice for emphasis, and of course handwritten text can't use bold print? This last seems like a minor issue, but it is actually fairly important-- and don't get me started on the rules re:underlining and whiteout etc. and the reasons for them.

Anyway, once this part is over I will be free to breathe a bit, catch up on work and home stuff, and prepare the next part of the exam. At this point, that will be very welcome. We may even do a Thanksgiving meal on Sunday...