Stricter Spelling Rules Shake Up Spain's University Entrance Exam

Spain Tightens Spelling Rules for University Entrance Exam Spain's university entrance exam, the PAU, is facing a significant change. Stricter rules penalize spelling, accentuation, and punctuation errors more heavily than before. Students can lose up to two points in Spanish and Literature, and one point in other subjects. This has caused concern among students, particularly those in science subjects. "It's unfair that science students are also penalized so much for minor spelling errors," said one student interviewed by Antena 3 Noticias. Another student noted, "I lost a lot of points because of this, and it didn't reflect the hard work I put in." The report highlights common mistakes, such as the misuse of 'haber' and 'ahí,' and suggests that the increased reliance on technology for writing has contributed to the decline in spelling skills. Despite the concerns, the new rules aim to ensure a standardized evaluation of written expression in the exam. The change underscores the importance of good writing skills in higher education and the ongoing debate about the impact of technology on language proficiency. The upcoming exam will be a test not only of knowledge but also of meticulous attention to detail.