What's the good answer ?

There are essay type questions. There are short answers. And then there are multiple choice questions.

When I was in school, most of the exam was dominated by essay type questions. The number of supplements taken and the bruised fingers counted for more than the marks. And thus I flourished under the system, pouring my heart out, letting my active imagination have total control over my fountain pen.

Here in grad school, they demand short answers. I cannot write short answers. I cannot convey my idea in 100 words. At least not under a time limit. Who knew being brief and simple could cause so much grief ?! And elaborateness could be so effortless and comforting ?!

If short answers didn't muddle me enough, multiple choice questions came along and completely got my goat ! Every time I see a multiple choice question I can almost see the underlying fine print - "I know you have no clue, but wait, how about one more alternative?"

I am not sure if this is an upbringing issue, or a spatio-temporal issue, or an excess baggage issue but I know that this is definitely becoming an ego issue.

Stand back, I am going crisp and meaningful.