What would happen if you did an exam in pencil?

The SQA specify that all exams besides objective tests must be done in black or dark blue ink. Has anyone ever written in pencil? What would happen? Surely you can't be disqualified on the basis of using the wrong writing utensil. Any idea what would happen?

Reply 1

laut_biru

You'd probably annoy everyone else around you in the exam hall for a start..

The world would end.

All would seem in black/white.

Reply 4

Toxic Lullaby

Writing in pencil = less chance that it will be read-able when they scan it on the computer = annoyed examiner who can't read your answers = fail D:

Reply 5

Panda Bear

17

I know for Edexcel, test papers are scanned before being sent around to markers online. The scanning machines don't really pick up lead. If the marker can't see anything, s/he can't mark anything.

Reply 6

thegodofgod

19

The scanned answers would not be as obvious as when they are written in black ink. Hence the examiner would get :mad:

and you'd fail.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 7

Rzc

12

I'd walk past you and rub all your answers out :colonhash:

Reply 8

TheUnbeliever

16

Original post by INeedToLoseWeight

Surely you can't be disqualified on the basis of using the wrong writing utensil.

Why not?

Reply 9

animelover123

9

Original post by TheUnbeliever

Why not?

The only exam i use pencil in is maths becuase what happens if you make a mistake.

Reply 10

TheUnbeliever

16

Original post by animelover123

The only exam i use pencil in is maths becuase what happens if you make a mistake.

You put a straight line through it and continue/restart.

Reply 11

loz876

7

But you have to draw diagrams in pencil in maths... so surely the scanners pick it up somehow?

Reply 12

username356927

13

Original post by INeedToLoseWeight

The SQA specify that all exams besides objective tests must be done in black or dark blue ink. Has anyone ever written in pencil? What would happen? Surely you can't be disqualified on the basis of using the wrong writing utensil. Any idea what would happen?

I did every maths exam in pencil. Standard Grade, Higher and adv Higher. Never hindered me in any way :smile:

Reply 13

Quick-use

20

Original post by TooSexyForMyStethoscope

I did every maths exam in pencil. Standard Grade, Higher and adv Higher. Never hindered me in any way :smile:

My whole year did the Standard Grade Maths exam in pencil. However, when we sat our final exam of the day (Credit Calculator) we were forced to use a pen. :frown:

Although, we thought we were allowed to use a pencil for Maths (and no, no-one read the first page!); so the Invigilator in-charge gave us some 'advice'.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 14

badumdumtscht

16

Just stop being awkward and use a pen. It won't kill you.

Reply 15

Kelz_26

In Standard Grade I used a pencil in Maths and nothing happened. In Higher I used a pen and ended up scoring a lot out!

Reply 16

username356927

13

Original post by Quick-use

My whole year did the Standard Grade Maths exam in pencil. However, when we sat our final exam of the day (Credit Calculator) we were forced to use a pen. :frown:

Although, we thought we were allowed to use a pencil for Maths (and no, no-one read the first page!); so the Invigilator in-charge gave us some 'advice'.