This is the eighth-grade final exam from 1895 from Salina, Kansas, USA. It was taken from the original document on file at the Smoky Valley Genealogical Society and Library in Salina, KS and reprinted by the local Salina Journal newspaper.

8th Grade Final Exam: Salina, KS - 1895


Grammar (Time, one hour)

    1. Give nine rules for the use of Capital Letters.

    2. Name the Parts of Speech and define those that have no modifications.

    3. Define Verse, Stanza and Paragraph.

    4. What are the Principal Parts of a verb? Give Principal Parts of do, lie, lay and run.

    5. Define Case, Illustrate each Case.

    6. What is Punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of Punctuation.

    7 - 10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.


Arithmetic (Time, 1.25 hours)

    1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.

    2. A wagon box is 2 ft. deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?

    3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50 cts. per bu., deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?

    4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?

    5. Find cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton.

    6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.

    7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per m?

    8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.

    9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per are, the distance around which is 640 rods?

    10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.


U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)


Orthography (Time, one hour)


Geography (Time, one hour)


How would you do on this test? (Even if you modernized some of the units of measure and jargon?) Did you pass eighth grade? Did you pass High School? Did you graduate with a degree from College?

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