I'm proud to say I would've gotten many of these right that I don't think most would, but I'd still fail it...

Are You Smarter Than A 1954 8th Grader?

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"You get the respect that you give" - cnredd

As to the seminal question, viz.: "Are You Smarter Than A 1954 8th Grader?"

Sometimes. On an exceptional day, perhaps.

But one should really not expect it of me on a consistent basis.

Question:
If you were an eighth grader in 1954, does that disqualify you from taking the test?
Just asking for a friend.

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...

That 1954 8th grader had a chance to study the material and it was fresh in their young minds. In school they said I "tested well"...some people do not test well so "smarter" is subjective. Now 45 years later...and without a chance to "study" the material...I could answer a good many of these questions but certainly not all of them. It would be more interesting to compare today's 8th grade class with that 1954 8th grade class...

I think today's 8th graders would find that their predecessors weren't so dumb after all.

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The Pessimist complains about the wind.
The Optimist expects it to change.
The Realist adjust the sails - William A. Ward

As a child back in 1954 I must admit I would have failed that test, of course I couldn't read at the time as I was one year old! Having said that, I would not have been able to answer those questions today without a great deal of studying first!

Good post! I doubt the kids today could pass this test considering you have kids in college who think the civil war was fought in 1960!

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Courtesy of Swissman

A gun in the hands of a free man frightens and angers the autocrat, not because he fears the power of the gun, but, rather, the spirit of the man who holds it.

ANONYMOUS

Many of whom will soon be teachers...and college professors...
...and the spiraling down continues...

A few years ago, in the "Jaywalking" segment of Jay Leno's Tonight Show, the host asked someone (who appeared normal enough) where Cuba is located; to which he replied that it is in Asia.

Well, I never did exceptionally well in "Social Studies" (roughly a combination of history and geography) when I was in school, either; but that degree of ignorance is really disturbing...

any of those man on the street interviews where they ask questions pertaining to government and I cringe at some of the answers.

Being my state borders Canada we get the CBC and there is a guy named Rick Mercer, a comedian, who comes across the border every once in a while and does man on the street interviews asking about Canada. If you want to see dumb Americans you have to watch one of his shows. God it is embarrassing!


Rick Mercer's "Talking to Americans!" [Full Version]

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Courtesy of Swissman

A gun in the hands of a free man frightens and angers the autocrat, not because he fears the power of the gun, but, rather, the spirit of the man who holds it.

ANONYMOUS