Why an English examination is not a good measure of writing

I am forwarding this to my editor's desk, then the next time he demands an immediate write-up of 800 words, I shall refer him to this brilliant piece of work and inform him that I need far, far, far more time to reflect, cogitate, rephrase, re-write, look up references and, most importantly, do his job which is to proofread. Thanks.

Anyone taking an examination in English competency ought to be able in the space of two hours to produce a well-thought out, re-drafted and cogent essay on a specific subject. Maybe two hours is an hour too long.

Joe(I started re-writing and then I re-wrote the re-writing, but the writing never got written.)Nation

Joe, that's fine advice for people unfamiliar with the word "deadline", who have never had an editor who yells at you, "Write it so I can cut it anywhere and still retain the gist of the story."

Merry (been there, done that) Andrew

What about creative and original ideas? They may all get lost in the process.

Btw, in writing, I prefer one to be succinct and to the point. Flowery prose, without any substantial or original ideas, please abstain.

You wouldn't be referring to our friend Paul, would you?

I'm beginning to believe that Paul is computer generated.

naah. I think Paul is trying his work on us. When I teach the methods of Geo research to grad students, I like to have the kids read Stephen Kings work "on writing" and I ask one of his favorite questions 'WHAT IF", as in What if it was a requirement to assure that your theses were interesting to a broad audience ?

Paul, what if?

I think she's got it. By Jove, she's got it!

Well, Andy. Anyone who remembers Hollis Ray will understand what I mean?

Letty- HOLLIS RAY!!! S-l-o-w-l-y I turn, step by step, inch by inch.

Phoenix, my first really big laugh of the day. Didn't he have a moustache and wear a silk suit? Someone here reminded me of that.

yeh but ole Hollis Ray would ask deep probing questions like

"If aman of the flesh would take unto him his brothers wife, would he be cast into hell in Gods mercy?"
Then wed get a bunch of really dumass answers from the audience (I always liked to post a dumass answer or two) Then ole Hollis would bless us witha sermon and then the thread would be toast.