Embarrassing question: Open varsity launches inquiry into matric English paper

Students were required to ‘describe age, physique and looks’ of their elder sisters

ISLAMABAD: The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has launched an inquiry into how an “embarrassing question” found its way into the English language question paper in recently-held exams.

The functional the English paper for matric level carried a question requiring students to describe the personality of their elder sisters in terms of age, physique, height, looks and attitude. The exam was held a few days ago.

The university ordered the inquiry after an image of the question paper went viral on social media.

In a statement, the university termed the question “inappropriate” and said that an inquiry committee had been formed to fix responsibility. Stern action will be taken in light of the inquiry committee report, it said.

AIOU Vice-Chancellor Dr Shahid Siddiqui has directed the committee to submit its report within a week.

A university spokesperson said that question was against the norms and values of our society. He said university teachers prepare the question papers. He said it was not clear how the paper was set and how the ‘questionable’ question was cleared by officials.

He said the inquiry committee would determine how this happened. The spokesperson also said that there was no reaction from students in the examination hall and the issue was only highlighted later on.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th, 2016.