The examination consists of tests in spelling, arithmetic, penmanship, copying from plain copy, location of buildings, streets, plazas, etc., in the City of Manila, reading addresses and simple tests in English.
The following is an example of the questions asked by the Philippine examiners in an examination for letter carrier:
Spelling.—Question, Column, Regular, Possible, Precious, Guardian, Entrance, Separate, Official, Eager, Patience, Position, Exceed, Language, Explain, Business, Receive, Copyist, Certify, Specimen.
Arithmetic.—1. Add the following numbers: 7,820, 140, 616,487, 18,021,762, 5,329,456, 5,647,893, 432,890, 23,578,932, and 45,004. From the sum of these numbers extract 8,641,762.
2. Multiply 794.4 by 450-3/5, and divide the product by 49.65.
3. A clerk received a salary of $720 a year. He spent 3/5 of it for board, 1/4 of the remainder for clothing, and $144 for all other expenses. How much did he save?
4. An open court contains 160 sq. yds. How many stones 9 inches square will be required to pave it? (1,296 sq. in. equals 1 sq. yd.)
5. A Manila grocer imported 1,083 pounds of butter at 39 cents a pound and sold it at 5/13 more than it cost. If his expenses were $36.47, what was his net profit?
Letter Writing.—Two subjects for letter writing are given, and the competitor may select either upon which to write a letter of not less than 125 words. The exercise in letter writing is designed chiefly to test the competitor’s skill in composition.