The brothers packed their backpacks early and headed off to sleep. The next morning, they headed back to the language department waiting for Mr. Zigi to call them in.
‘Welcome back to your examination day! Today is the day we will see if you both can make or break your Botilish skills.’ Mr. Zigi stated as he walked into the classroom.
‘Ah great, so how will the exams be conducted?’ Harry asked.
‘Good question, I will briefly explain the process for today. So first of all, the speaking exam will begin first at ten A.M. where you both will be given fifteen minutes to undertake the exam with two unknown examiners and the writing exam will start at eleven A.M. to noon where you will be given an essay topic to respond to. For the written exam your name will be sealed and will be allocated a reference number to enter both exams, hence we can be as fair as possible when it comes to marking the examinations. Does that make sense to both of you?’ Mr. Zigi explained.
‘Yes.’ Harry replied.
‘Yep, it’s clear to me.’ Milo replied.
‘Alright guys, it's now quarter to ten, I will take you both to the examination room and will hand you both your reference number now.’ Mr. Zigi stated as he handed them their reference number on a digital piece of paper.
As Milo and Harry followed Mr. Zigi to the examination room. They waited patiently outside the corridor. A drop of sweat dripped down Milo’s neck as he fiddled with his fingers. At exactly ten A.M., an examiner walked out the door and called out Harry’s reference number.
‘Can number 152799 please make your way to the examination room.’ Examiner one stated.
‘Yes.’ Harry replied in Botilish as he stood up and walked towards the examiner.
‘Alright, can you please tell me your full name?’ Examiner one asked.
‘My name is Harry Quinto.’ Harry replied.
‘Okay Harry, please introduce yourself to us.’ Examiner one requested.
‘Sure, I’m currently a full time space traveller and have always been passionate about space back when I was a little kid.’ Harry replied.
‘Who has inspired you to pursue space travel?’ Examiner two asked.
‘Um, I would say there have been a lot of factors that contributed to my interest in space travel, but the most influential person to me is my grandfather. He used to be a space traveller himself and I had passed on a lot of knowledge to me. Seeing that I would like to pursue the legacy he has left behind.’ Harry replied.
‘So what are some of your interests outside of space travel?’ Examiner two continued.
‘Well, uh I would say that I’m a big fan of tennis and I used to frequently compete in tournaments. I also love reading, especially science fiction in my spare time.’ Harry answered.
‘Okay, I’m now going to ask you a few questions about a specific topic and you may give your opinion on that. So let’s talk about hotels. Do you think everyone likes staying in hotels?’ Examiner 1 asked.
‘Great question, I think it really depends on the individual. Some may love the experience living somewhere new while others may not get used to a new place and feel more comfortable at home.’ Harry replied.
‘Alright, so how about working in hotels? Would you be willing to work in one?’ Examiner one continued.
‘Although I highly appreciate the effort that workers at hotels put in every single day, for me it’s just not my area of expertise. However, if I have to, I would be willing to work in a hotel.’
‘So what about expensive hotels, would you prefer a luxurious one or an affordable one?’ Examiner 1 asked.
‘That’s a tough one, it also really depends on the situation. If I have the budget and would want to go on a fancy vacation, I would choose the luxurious hotel. However, if I'm just there for a short period to attend a meeting or something like that, I would undoubtedly go for the affordable option.’ Harry replied.
‘Thank you Harry, that has come to the end of the speaking exam. You may now exit the examination room.’ Examiner one stated.
‘Sure, thank you very much for conducting this exam and I look forward to the result.’ Harry replied as he walked out the exam room.
Harry waved at Milo before the examiner shortly called Milo to come in.
‘Can number 152780 please make your way to the examination room.’ Examiner one stated.
‘Sure, I’m coming.’ Milo replied as he entered the exam room.
‘Can you please tell me your full name?’ Examiner one asked.
‘Milo Quinto.’ Milo replied.
‘Alright Milo, can you briefly introduce yourself please?’ Examiner one asked.
‘Umm sure, so I am a space traveller and I also play competitive basketball on the side.’ Milo replied.
‘So who inspired you into space travel?’ Examiner one continued.
‘Well, I’ve been heavily influenced by my grandfather and especially my brother Harry. I have followed his footsteps since I was a little child. We used to always explore uh everything that’s um related to space together.’ Milo replied.
‘So can you tell me more about your interest in playing basketball?’ Examiner two questioned.
‘Um, I have played basketball since I was seven years old. Throughout those years, I have competed in many tournaments before with many other basketball teams. I’m still very passionate about basketball as a form of sport.’ Milo replied.
‘Well, I’m now going to ask you a few questions about a certain topic and you will just need to express your opinion on that. The topic will be restaurants. Do you prefer eating at a restaurant or homemade meals?’ Examiner two asked.
‘Uh it really depends on many factors. If I’m in a rush or feel tired, I would prefer restaurants as it is more uh I guess convenient. But if I have enough time, I definitely would make meals at home.’ Milo replied.
‘What about nutrition? Do you think restaurants offer more healthier diets than homemade foods?’ Examiner one asked.
‘Well, this also depends because if you're talking about fast food, I believe homemade diets are definitely healthier as you know what ingredients go inside the food.’ Milo replied.
‘So how often do you think an individual should go out to a restaurant to eat?’ Examiner two asked.
‘I think as long as you are keeping a well balanced diet, it really depends if it's once every few weeks, a week, or even three times a week would all be considered acceptable.’ Milo replied.
‘Alright, if you had to, would you work in a restaurant?’ Examiner one asked.
‘Uhh it’s definitely not my first preference but if this was needed to make ends meet, I will still be happy to do that.’ Milo replied.
‘Okay, it has come to the end of the speaking examination, you can now head back to the waiting room.’ Examiner one stated.
‘Alright, thank you both for conducting this exam.’ Milo replied as he made his way to the exit door.
Meanwhile Harry has been waiting for him outside the hallway. Milo walked rapidly towards Harry, thinking he completely failed the test. Harry could easily tell Milo was upset from his facial expression.
‘Milo, how did you do? Are you okay?’ Harry asked.
‘Like the worst. I think I really messed it up.’ Milo replied.
‘How?’ Harry questioned.
‘I think I let my nerves get the better of me, I mumbled at nearly all the questions they asked. How did you do, by the way?’ Milo asked back.
‘I think it went well, the questions were quite easy but logical at the same time.’ Harry replied.
‘What did they ask you?’ Milo asked.
‘Well, let me think for a second. They first asked to introduce myself and they moved on to a topic about hotels and allowed me to express my opinion on that.’ Harry replied.
‘Oh my god, that’s basically the same as what they asked me but the topic was on restaurants.’ Milo blurted.
‘Well, at least we are assessed on similar content and not completely random things that would be unfair. So I guess just don’t be too hard on yourself and look at the bright side, we only have one more test to complete.’ Harry replied.
‘You’re right, I just need to lighten up a little before and be prepared for the writing exam this afternoon. So should we go back to Mr. Zigi or go straight to lunch?’ Milo asked.
‘I’m not sure, but I think it's better to check with Mr. Zigi first.’ Harry replied as they headed towards Mr. Zigi’s classroom.
‘I guess so, let's go then.’ Milo replied.
‘Hi, sorry to disturb you Mr. Zigi but we have completed the speaking exam already. What should we do now?’ Harry asked as he entered the classroom whilst Mr. Zigi was having a conversation with Yoki.
‘Ah how did you guys go? I think you guys can go for an early lunch break as it's nearly eleven A.M. and the written exam will begin at noon.’ Mr. Zigi replied.
‘I think we both did well, thanks. Well, we will go have lunch and be back fifteen minutes before noon, is that cool?’ Harry asked.
‘Yes that sounds good. Well I’ll let you both get on with it.’ Mr. Zigi replied.
‘Alright cool thanks!’ Harry replied as they headed towards the lift with Yoki.
‘So Yoki, will today be the last day that you will help translate for us?’ Milo asked as they entered the lift.
‘Well, according to the timeframe, yes until you guys have passed the exams. However, in case you don’t, I will still be available until one of you or both of you have left Botilanic City.’ Yoki replied.
‘Got it, thanks. Well I guess our future really depends on this. Anyways I think lets just go have a quick lunch at level 202.’ Milo replied.
‘Yeah, we don’t want to be late for your writing exam.’ Harry added.
‘Sure, please take us to level 202.’ Yoki commanded.
‘Calculating route to level 202.’ Quba replied.
As they arrived at level 202 within a matter of seconds, they all chose a quick snack for lunch and shortly returned back to the language department for the afternoon exam.
‘Please wait here, I’ll go let Mr. Zigi know that you guys are back.’ Yoki commanded.
‘Sure, thanks.’ Harry replied.
‘So what do you reckon we should do now, we have around half an hour left before it starts.’ Milo questioned.
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‘Well, I guess we could go over some key concepts to remember on writing until then.’ Harry replied.
‘That’s a good idea, let's make the most of our time right.’ Milo replied.
After they started to discuss the important things to remember for writing, not before Mr. Zigi had come out of the classroom to call them in.
‘Alright welcome back guys, are you both ready to sit your writing exam?’ Mr. Zigi asked.
‘Yes, we are! We have done a lot of revision last night and over the course of the previous week I think we are well prepared.’ Harry replied.
‘I think so!’ Milo replied.
‘That’s great to hear, I think you two will do just fine. I’ll take you both back to the examination hallway in the next couple of minutes, and I will just go through some basic rules now for the exam. So you both will undertake the writing exam at the same time and will have exactly 1 hour to complete the paper. All your work must be completed individually and cannot discuss anything with each other once you enter the examination room. Does that sound clear to both of you.’ Mr. Zigi stated.
‘Yes.’ Harry replied.
‘Yes, it sounds clear.’ Milo replied.
‘Awesome, please follow me then.’ Mr. Zigi replied as he led them back through the hallway to wait outside the examination room.
Shortly after five minutes, examiner three had called both Milo and Harry into the exam room not knowing their names other than their designated reference numbers. As they each sat down on an individual test table, they saw a thick booklet in front of them with the words do not open until the exam has started written in bold capital letters as well as five minutes of reading time and one hour of writing time stated on the front page.
‘Greetings examinees, the test will officially begin in two minutes. You may only use a blank pen to complete the exam. No electronics are allowed in the examination room, otherwise penalties may apply. You may raise your hand if you need to ask any questions during the exam. Does that make sense?’ Examiner three asked.
‘Yes.’ Harry replied.
‘Yes.’ Milo added.
‘You may begin your five minutes of reading time now.’ Examiner three commanded.
As Harry and Milo opened the exam booklet, there were around three pages for writing and one page for planning and one page stating the task. They both took a look at the writing task first and the topic was Should pets be allowed to travel into outer space? which was a persuasive essay that was required to be written in Botilish only. The word length was approximately between 600 to 800 words. Harry felt an instant sense of relief seeing that it was a very similar topic to the one they practiced on day nine in Mr. Zigi’s class. Milo felt a little more comfortable as well, however the word length is bugging him as it was quite a lot to complete in a short amount of time.
‘Alright, your five minutes of reading time has been concluded. You may start writing now.’ Examiner three stated.
As Harry lifted up his pen, he went immediately to the planning page to write a short plan on what he wanted to express in each paragraph. Meanwhile, Milo had a clear idea hence he went straight to start writing the essay. After thinking for the next minute or so, Harry chose to disagree with the topic considering the ethics and survival rate played into this situation. At this period of time, the extent of technological advancements are not at a high level of certainty that taking animals into space will ensure that they would all survive the mission. That was the main reason why Harry wrote the persuasive piece against the topic. Conversely, as Milo loved pets so much, he chose to agree with the topic and that pets, unlike humans, require a very different environment and that they should be taken seriously if they enter outer space. Milo provided ways in which new innovation should be made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of animals when they were in space and in that way pets can also encounter the experience that humans can. With five minutes left to the one hour mark, Harry had just finished his piece and was using the remaining five minutes to proofread his work. Milo however is just up to his conclusion hoping that he could finish in time. The timer had just rang, promptly examiner four made an announcement.
‘The examination has officially ended, please put your pens down and you may exit the examination room now.’ Examiner four stated.
‘Thank you.’ Harry commented as he stood up and walked out the room.
‘Thanks.’ Milo added as he followed Harry out the room.
‘Wow, that was fast. One hour felt like ten minutes to me.’ Milo commented.
‘Yeah same, how did you do?’ Harry asked.
‘Well I have no idea. I did manage to finish the essay just as the examiner informed us that time was up. What about you?’ Milo replied.
‘I don’t know as well but I think I did well enough to at least pass the exam.’ Harry replied.
‘Well I hope I can too, do you know what score is a pass?’ Milo asked.
‘Not too sure, let’s go ask Mr. Zigi.’ Harry replied as they walked towards the classroom.
‘Mr. Zigi, we have finished the writing exam. We were just wondering if you know what score is a pass for the exams we have undertaken?’ Harry questioned.
‘Ah, I’m not completely sure since I’m not the one to correct your exams. From what I know, examiners one and two will correct your speaking exam and examiner three and four will correct your writing exam. After they have corrected the exams the tests will be handed back to me with your marks.’ Mr. Zigi explained.
‘Right, well no worries at all! So when can we know our exam results?’ Milo asked.
‘Depending on the examiners I’d say by the end of tomorrow would be the earliest.’ Mr. Zigi replied.
‘Wow, that's very fast, so when should we come back tomorrow?’ Harry asked.
‘Around five P.M. would be most suitable, since there would be enough time for the examiners to correct your exams. You guys are free to head off for the remainder of the afternoon. Again congrats on completing both exams!’ Mr. Zigi replied.
‘Oh great, thank you so much we couldn’t have made it so far without your help!’ Milo exclaimed.
‘We appreciate everything you have done for us from the very beginning, see you tomorrow! Bye!’ Harry replied as he and Milo left the room.
On the way back to the hotel, Harry really wanted to find a gift for Mr. Zigi to express his appreciation for him after being the best language teacher they ever had. He just had a question to ask Yoki.
‘Yoki, I know this may sound crazy but is it possible for us to go to any store here that doesn’t require a form of currency exchange?’ Harry asked.
‘You mean a store that sells free items right?’ Yoki asked.
‘Umm yes, I just really want to give Mr. Zigi a present after all the hard work he put in for us. However we don’t have any income so it's really difficult you know.’ Harry explained.
‘Ah, I understand. Let me just check through my digital screen if there’s any stores that can offer that. Uhh, unfortunately I can’t seem to find any stores that do this.’ Yoki replied.
‘No problem, do you have any suggestions on what we can do as a gift?’ Harry asked.
‘Well, Mr. Zigi really appreciates writing. Maybe you guys can write a card or letter to him to showcase your gratitude.’ Yoki replied.
‘Ah Yoki, that's a great idea. You’re a lifesaver!’ Harry blurted.
‘No worries, glad I could help.’ Yoki replied.
‘Well I guess we will see you tomorrow too. Don’t want to waste anymore of your time.’ Harry chuckled.
‘Not at all, this is part of my job to assist you guys. But I do have some business to take care of first. Will see both of you tomorrow.’ Yoki replied as they waved goodbye at each other.
As Harry and Milo got back to their hotel room, they decided to take Yoki’s advice and write a thank you card for him.
‘Harry, what language do you think we should write the card in?’ Milo asked.
‘Oooh that’s a great question. I think since Mr. Zigi doesn't know English and has been taught as Botilish, so we should write the card in Botilish.’ Harry replied.
‘Alright, so should we write a card each or do it together?’ Milo questioned.
‘Either way would be fine, but I think writing a card each can express our appreciation separately.’ Harry replied.
‘Sure, will do!’ Milo replied.
They took the next couple of minutes to write their cards and are prepared to give it to Mr. Zigi tomorrow.
‘I’ve finished Harry, should I read out what I have written?’ Milo questioned.
‘Ah sure if you want to, I’ll share mine with you as well.’ Harry replied.
‘Alright so here it goes:
Voli Mr. Zigi,
Ja wanz tot exoplin hoz qusifoz ja an ofiz aliz de harz wot viu hazi poni intz everz sinizi lesonez oliz de paz forzeen daz. Ja realiz impovez oni jaz Botilisz skizs beconzi ofiz de waz vou telich. Vou haz maxi lenizing e nez foriz lanzini soz muxo morz entarzining anz ja reliz appretini ti.
Sinzerly,
Milo Quinto
Translated version:
Dear Mr. Zigi,
I want to express how thankful I am of all the hard work you have put into every single lesson over the past fourteen days. I have really improved on my Botilish skills because of the way you teach. You have made learning a new foreign language so much more entertaining and I really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Milo Quinto
So that's what I have written so far. What do you think?’ Milo asked as he finished reading out the letter in Botilish.
‘I think that’s awesome, you have expressed your gratefulness wisely. I’ll read out mine now:
Voli Mr. Zigi,
Ja woulz lizi tot qusi vou foz teliching uz Botilisz ni suz e sozin perizi ofiz tinz. De contenz vou hazi taliz uz anz de knozilez wez hazi ganiz haz beiz exponit. Ja nevez thorez ja coulz leni e foriz lanzini ni juz toz weezs. Ja knoz thiz maz noz bei e propez gizi, hozine ja hopiz ja cani stiz exprezo miz grazini anz appretinion ofiz aliz de thinz vou hazi donez foz uz. Wez wouziz hazi maz ti thiz faz witzouz vouz helix! Agini, qusi vou foriz helixing uz aliz de waz tot de finiz exapozin anz ja wisi vou aliz de besit.
Sinzerly,
Harry Quinto
Translated version:
Dear Mr. Zigi,
I would like to thank you for teaching us Botilish in such a short period of time. The content you have taught us and the knowledge we have gained has been exponential. I never thought I could learn a foreign language in just two weeks. I know this may not be a proper gift, however I hope I can still express my gratitude and appreciation of all the things you have done for us. We wouldn’t have made it this far without your help! Again, thank you for helping us all the way to the final examination and I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Harry Quinto
So what do you think?’ Harry questioned.
‘I think yours is much more sophisticated than mine!’ Milo replied.
‘Yours is great as well, I think we complement each other and will be more in depth than if we had combined it into one letter.’ Harry replied.
‘Well I just hope that Mr. Zigi will love it!’ Milo commented.
‘I think he will, it's from the bottom of our hearts right. No matter what happens to us tomorrow whether it's a pass or a fail, we will still appreciate what Mr. Zigi has done for us.’ Harry stated.
‘Yeah, I totally agree! But I do hope that both of us get a pass!’ Milo blurted.
‘Well we just need to wait patiently until tomorrow then!’ Harry replied.
As they spent the rest of the evening hoping for the best outcome, the day next came like a glimpse of light. Harry and Milo had slept until noon when they just woke up.
‘Harry, what time is it?’ Milo asked, barely opening his eyes.
‘Umm just let me check, it's currently midnight right now.’ Harry replied as he turned to the left for his phone.
‘Oh my gosh! Did we sleep until noon already?’ Milo gasped as he stood up from laying in bed.
‘Uh I guess so, but since we don’t have any classes today we can finally have a longer rest and will still be good to meet Mr. Zigi at five P.M..’ Harry replied.
‘Well it's true, I’m just a little shocked as we have never slept in for that long before.’ Milo replied back.
‘Yeah same, so I think let’s just have some lunch first and take some exercise before we head back to the language department. What do you reckon?’ Harry suggested.
‘I agree, let’s do it then.’ Milo replied.
Milo and Harry followed their original plan for the day up until it was nearly five P.M., they headed back to the language department to find out their exam results. As they entered level 201, Yoki was already waiting for them at the front desk.
‘Hi Yoki! Do you know our marks? Did we pass?’ Milo blurted out of curiosity.
‘Unfortunately I don’t, only Mr. Zigi knows. I think he will be coming out to call you guys very soon though.’ Yoki replied.
‘Ah good evening Harry and Milo, please come into the classroom.’ Mr. Zigi stated as he walked out the hallway in an expressionless manner.
As they both entered the classroom, Milo’s curiosity was about to explode! His heart was racing faster than the speed of lightning praying that Mr. Zigi would say they both had passed.
‘Please take a seat.’ Mr. Zigi stated in a strict voice.
‘So have our results come in yet?’ Harry asked.
‘Yes they have. So first of all, I want to inform you guys that the examiners have made their final marks for both examinations. There definitely could be more improvement on both of your essays and pronunciation, however I would like to say congratulations to both of you for passing both the speaking and writing exam! Harry, you have received an A plus on your speaking exam, and an A on your writing exam. Milo, you have received a B plus for both your speaking and writing exam.’ Mr. Zigi stated.
‘Woohoo!! We passed! I still can’t believe it!’ Milo gasped in excitement jumping up and down in the classroom.
‘Ahhh thank you so much Mr. Zigi for believing in us from the very start, we cannot thank you enough!’ Harry commented.
‘Well I think you guys deserved it! It’s such a big accomplishment and you both should really celebrate your results!’ Mr. Zigi replied.
‘We sure will but not without you. Oh, we also wanted to give you two cards, one from each of us. It’s to say a massive thank you to all the work you have done for us!’ Harry commented as he handed over the cards to Mr. Zigi.
‘Really? Well, that is a pleasure to hear! I barely had any students do this for me.’ Mr. Zigi replied.
‘You’re absolutely welcome, it's the least we can do!’ Harry responded as he smiled back.
‘Well, let’s celebrate both of your great achievements for dinner then, shall we!’ Mr. Zigi commented.
‘Sure, let’s go!’ Milo replied.
The four of them left the language department and went to level 306 for a special feast in honour of their pass.