Koala Reads

"At three quarters past Chenshi, the school supervisor stepped forward and rang the copper gong in his hand. "The list is announced. The in - class exam will start promptly at six quarters past Chenshi. The content of this in - class exam is on - site teaching. For the candidates who have not made it to the shortlist, you will act as examiners together with the students of the Imperial College and attend the lectures given by the ten short - listed candidates.""

"As soon as these words were spoken, there was an immediate buzz in the venue. The candidates who had not made it to the shortlist showed shocked expressions on their faces."

"After everyone had digested this news and the scene quieted down, the school supervisor continued, "The short - listed candidates will have two incense sticks of time for their lectures. After each lecture, please, dear 'students', anonymously write 'pass' or 'fail' on a piece of paper. Fold it neatly and hand it to the invigilator. The top three of this special imperial examination will be determined by the number of 'pass' votes and they will participate in the imperial interview.""