Mr. Jackson was our science teacher. On the first day of class, he gave us a talk about an animal called wampus. He told us that the wampus lived on earth millions of years ago during the Ice Age and died out because of the change of climate (气候). We all listened carefully and took notes of everything he said. Later he had a test.
When the exam paper was returned to me, I was surprised and sad. There was a big red "X" through each of my answers. I failed. But how come? Anyway on the test paper, l had written down what Mr. Jackson said in class.
Then I realize that no one passed the exam at all. What had happened?
"Very simple, "Mr. Jackson explained, "I had made up all that story about the wampus. There had never been any such animal, so the information in your notes was not correct. Do you expect to get high marks for incorrect answers?"
There was no need to say we were angry. What kind of test was this? What kind of teacher was he?
How could we believe he gave us so much information about an animal that had not been there at all? How was it possible for us students to doubt what the teacher taught us?
"The zeros on your papers will be recorded in your grade books," he said. And he did it.
Through the experience, Mr. Jackson hoped that we would learn something. Teachers and the books are not always right. In fact, no one is. He told us not to let our mind go to sleep. Instead, we should keep thinking all the time and speak up if we think there are mistakes in our teacher's words or in books.
We should develop the habit of doubting, and the ability to decide by ourselves. What a special lesson he gave us.
