Mock University Scholastic Aptitude Test Occurred Yesterday

Recent analysis of the 2005 Mock University Scholastic Aptitude Test (USAT), which took place on June 2 under the supervision of KICE (Korea Institute of Curriculum and Education), revealed that EBS Channel`s USAT programming covered 60 to 80 percent of the questions in each area.

However, the students` reactions were that the USAT was easier than expected, and that EBS` programming did not contribute in a special way since similar examples are also available through textbooks and reference books.

The head of KICE, Mr. Chung Kang-jung, stated in an interview at the Sejongro central government building in Jongro, Seoul this day that they "attempted to include questions in the EBS` programming that are integral to the curriculum."

"Since we based the questions on the curriculum itself, those that were faithful to the school classes might have found the questions easy," he added.

EBS stated, "Fifty-two of 60 questions in the Korean section, 20~22 of 30 in Math, and 39 out of the 50 questions in the English area were related to questions covered in previous EBS programs."

Current student Ms. Kim Soo-ji, an 18-year-old senior at Seoul`s Sangmyung Girls` High School, commented, "EBS` materials are not too different from others in the market. I`m not sure if it the EBS programs really helped."

Today`s mock test, which showcased the format of this year`s USAT, was the first to implement the 7th Educational Curriculum. 564,782 students participated at 875 locations in 73 different national test regions.

KICE will be accepting appeals on posted answers from June 2 to 6, then pending the finalization of answers on June 14, it will be sending participants grade reports containing the average scores of each area as well as the participant`s rank and percentile.

Seong-Chul Hong sungchul@donga.com