Alphabet Soup

If A=F and B=G, D=? (Hint: It’s not I.)

Need a moment? About 65,000 seventh-graders in New York City faced an English test in January where the lettering system for some questions didn’t match up with available answers.

Administrators found the goof before kids actually took the test. Rather than reissue new answer sheets or give children extra time, teachers instructed students to be aware of the problem.

It’s not rocket science to mark F instead of A, but this make-or-break exam determines whether students go on to eighth grade next year or not. Tom Dunn, of the New York State Department of Education, said the alternating ABCD FGHJ pattern (skipping the I) represents “the latest thinking in tests.” He added that state officials believe the test is valid and will analyze the results.

Note: Officials will get some extra time to check their own answers.

Photo: Corbis