Two days ago, I had taken a test in Biology, and I knew that I would get my scores in the same class today.

    After the bell rang, every students sat in his or her seat impatiently. Then, one by one, the teacher called our names.

    As each paper was given back to the correct student, the front of the answer paper would always be turned to face the ground and the paper itself would be slightly folded (折叠) to prevent anyone from seeing.

    In fact, folding each test paper is a way to make sure that each student sees only his or her own scores. The scores are seen as private information not to be announced or shown to others. As a way to keep the students' score records secret, each student is given an online account (帐号) with which to check his or her grades posted on the official school website.

    Protecting students' private information always comes first in US schools that want to free students from unnecessary pressure. Academic (学业上的) reports are guarded closely to prevent poor academic grades from damaging a student's dignity and reputation (有损学生的尊严和声誉), which are for himself or herself only.

    However, some insist that although students' feelings and self-dignity are easily hurt, they cannot be forever protected. They say that school also teach their students to make themselves stronger in mind, and the classroom should show the reality of competition in society. Scores that everyone can see might better encourage students to work harder to be better than others.