Knowledge of US law?

[Ahmadov]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #259 "US Government Questions Test (7)", question 10

Every American citizen, over the age of ........., has the right to vote via prior amendments in the US Constitution.

(a) 16
(b) 18
(c) 21

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #259 "US Government Questions Test (7)", answer 10

Every American citizen, over the age of 18, has the right to vote via prior amendments in the US Constitution.

Correct answer: (b) 18

Your answer was: correct
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I know it is not an easy task to design tests, but this one has stricken me. I think this needs to be removed asap...
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Learning is a sacred engagement.

[Yankee]

That's a good point, Ahmadov. As it stands, this question does not focus on knowledge of the English language but rather knowledge of US law.

Just for the record, I believe it is only the 26th Amendment to the US Constitution that specifically mentions age and the right to vote. ("The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.")

[Torsten]

Hi Zahir,

Why do you think this test should be removed? What good is theoretical knowledge of English grammar if you don't know anything about life in countries like the US or the UK?
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[Linda]

Hello,
Yes, I think this question focuses less on English and more on knowledge of the system. Good point and it will be changed very soon.
Thanks,
Linda
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[Linda]

Hi Torsten,
I didn't see your comment. I do agree with you but a moderator has made several points about it so I thought it would be best to change it and not cause any more confusion.
When I tried to learn a new language, the history, laws and customs of the people really helped me learn more of the language and its usage in every day life. I agree with you but I don't like to cause confusion so let me know what you think about the question.
Thanks for the input.
Linda
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[Yankee]

Hi

I'd suggest possibly blanking out some other part of a sentence such as this so that the test focuses more directly on language. The subject matter would still be there, but the question itself would test language.

[Ahmadov]

Hi Torsten,

I agree with Yankee if you want to keep helping users know more about the laws of the USA or UK.
I know that this web site has an audience with diverse background, including education in law, but I think the average user would like to read more about the traditions, people and social life of the mentioned countries, rather than law, which is more specific than those I am offering.
Please, let me know what you think about this suggestion. You always have good ideas which I use outside this web site

Good luck

PS: I was happy that I found the correct answer for the test in question because the age limit is the same in my country, Azerbaijan.
_________________
Learning is a sacred engagement.

[Torsten]

Hi Zahi,

I think Amy's suggestion is very sound. If we leave the question as it is but blank out another part (instead of the age), we can kill two birds with one stone. The idea is to create tests that focus on language aspects while containing useful factual information.
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Ahmadov]

Great, so there is no difference in opionion.