Errors in the tests

[Linda]

The debates that took place here and in the past while have had some productive results. The main result is an increase in the amount of actual and objective errors noted in some of the tests offered on this site as a whole. We have students that partially, if not wholly, rely on these tests to increase their knowledge of English as a second language. I think it is also productive and beneficial to exchange information regarding opinions of frequency of word usage in North America and Europe as well as promote the idea of "if you know and I don't, share it and we both now know."
This site, and its intentions and educational factors as a whole, is a good one that benefits students.
The way in which we debate also educates students on how English is used; how to formulate sentences and correct word usages in a debate are a universal facet of life on this planet.
However, while the debates and points of view are generally valid, the attacks on integrity, insults, and differences of opinion have moved outside of the sphere of professional behavior in a public atmosphere. I am not saying that these things shouldn't occur on this site - they should, just that we should "take it outside" the forum when discussing personal topics and personal characterizations outside the scope of English - its semantics and content notwithstanding. This message is not directed at anyone, but at everyone - including myself - as a reminder to consider where our discussions are taking place and who may view them.
Perhaps, before things escalate, we can agree to disagree quicker and before things get out of hand? Let's work to protect and further the integrity of this site. This is a good site and a lot of time, energy and resources went into developing it. And a lot of time, energy and resources goes into maintaining the site - and more work goes into adding new, fresh and edited material for those return users who we want to attract and retain.
Also, it would do us some good to remember that we are all humans. Yes, there are some errors in the tests but that is to be expected because people are erroneous by Nature. Sometimes, an article is added because it's a typo; sometimes it's there because that person thinks it should be. This is where a moderator can help but should differentiate between an obvious error and a subject that is open to interpretation. Sometimes a clear question can uncover whether an error is present or if there is acceptable rationale behind the use of whatever it is.
Whatever the case may be, we all should keep in mind that criticizing is easier than producing. Editing is an essential part of the process but we're also trying to teach the students how to communicate effectively so using the proper 'delivery' when it comes to errors, editing etc. is just as important for students to see.
Having said that, we can disagree, we can debate - these things are healthy. But, let's just agree that we are a team engaged in facilitating business operations and agree that if we wouldn't say something in public, in front of our boss and in front of our customers in a traditional business setting, we shouldn't say it in front of the students on this forum either.
In the end, this site is a good one and the fact that they the owners haven't censored some of the things that have been said about it, the errors and about their characters, themselves, only further attests to that fact.
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[Yankee]

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May I ask who changed the title of the thread?
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[Linda]

What do you mean?
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[Yankee]

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The title of this thread was recently changed -- sometime in the past few days.
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[Yankee]

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I have now discovered that, as the initiator of this thread, I have the ability to change the title back to its original form. So, that is now what I've done.

If the title of this thread was intentionally changed by one of the moderators or founders, please just let me know. Thanks.
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[Mister Micawber]

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Be careful, Amy-- power corrupts....
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[Yankee]

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I've heard that expression, too, MM. You didn't change the title, did you?
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[Mister Micawber]

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Not I! Actually, I hadn't noticed the change.
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[Mister Micawber]

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Is there an article or something missing in this test question?-- http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic20888.html
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Conchita]

[Alan]

Hi,

I have already written this reply but it seems never to have made a public appearance so I'll try again.The omission of the 'the' in the sentence is natural to me as the expression 'first time' is a two word adverb, in a sense. I would use 'the' when 'time' is qualified as in:

That was the first time I went abroad.

Alan
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[Mister Micawber]

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OK-- thanks, Alan.
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[Mister Micawber]

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There seems to be a comma missing after 'ladies'-- and also I cannot answer the student's question.
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[Tom]

[Mister Micawber]

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Oops.

http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic20987.html
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