Vocabulary:
- jammer /JAH-mehr/
- surveillance /ser-VEY-luhns/
- baccalaureate /bak-uh-LAWR-ee-it/
- impose /im-POHZ/
- sit idly by /sit AHYD-li bahy/
[noun] a device that stops signals from reaching somebody or something
A radio jammer could keep soldiers hidden until the device is destroyed.
[noun] attentive observation over a person, group, or things
The suspect is still under surveillance since the court’s decision is not final yet.
[noun] a bachelor’s degree
Sophie must pass another math class so she could receive her baccalaureate.
[verb] to officially force a rule to be obeyed
The council has imposed a liquior ban in city parks.
[idiom] to refrain from doing anything
I do not intend to sit idly by while my friend asks me for help.
Internet connection across Algeria and Iraq was temporarily shut down to prevent students from cheating during examinations. Mobile phone jammers, metal detectors, and surveillance cameras were also installed in 2,000 exam centers nationwide. This was due to mandatory high school test papers being leaked and shared widely on social media. According to Algerian education minister Nouria Benghabrit, the Internet was suspended for two hours as students underwent baccalaureate tests on the mornings of the 20th to the 25th of June 2018. Iraq implemented the same restriction for the third time as high school students took the final exams in June.
State-owned telecommunications provider Algeria Telecom explained that the shutdown was imposed in compliance with instructions from the government. The action aimed to ensure that the high school diploma tests turn out well. Ms. Benghabrit informed Algerian newspaper Annahar that she was uncomfortable with the decision. However, she refused to sit idly by in case a possible leak occurs again.
State-owned telecommunications provider Algeria Telecom explained that the shutdown was imposed in compliance with instructions from the government. The action aimed to ensure that the high school diploma tests turn out well. Ms. Benghabrit informed Algerian newspaper Annahar that she was uncomfortable with the decision. However, she refused to sit idly by in case a possible leak occurs again.
True or False:
- Internet usage was restricted for three hours on the mornings of June 20 to 25.
- Iraq also executed similar suspension to high school students who were taking the final exams.
- Ms. Benghabrit told Annahar that she was pleased with the decision.
- The Algerian and Iraqi governments shut down internet connection across both countries.
- Surveillance cameras were placed in 2,000 exam centers nationwide.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think suspending internet connection is beneficial to prevent Algerian and Iraqi students from cheating? Please explain.
- Is it necessary to install surveillance cameras and the like in exam centers? Please elaborate.
- Do you agree that the Internet can affect a student’s way of learning? Why or why not?
- What other methods can the government use to stop pupils from cheating during tests?
- Is it possible for students to get their desired grades without the use of the Internet? Please cite reasons.
Express Your Opinion:
- Paper books are better than electronic ones.
- Students have the tendency to rely on the internet rather than actual facts.
- The Internet is a safe place to gather information.