Cleaning out old stuff #2

Another favourite was an entrance exam for the "Australian Joint Warfare Establishment", also no doubt, borrowed from elsewhere. No idea who to give credit to but felt the need to record it before throwing it:

Time Allowed:   40 minutes

All questions to be completed.

1. History. Describe the history of the Papacy from its origins to the present day, concentrating especially but not exclusively on its social, political, economic, religious and philosophical impact on Europe, Asia, America and Africa. Be brief, concise and specific.

2. Medicine. You are provided with a razor blade, a piece of gauze and a bottle of scotch. Remove your appendix. Do not suture your work until it has been inspected. You have 15 minutes.

3. Public Speaking. 2500 riot-crazed immigrants are storming the local Citizens Advice Bureau. Calm them. You may use any ancient language except Greek or Latin.

4. Biology. Create life. Estimate the differences in subsequent human culture if this form of life had developed 500 million years earlier, with special attention to its probable effect on the British parliamentary party system. Prove your thesis.

5. Music. Write a piano concerto. Orchestrate and perform it with flute and drum. You will find a piano under your seat.

6. Sociology. Estimate the sociological problems which might accompany the end of the world. Construct an experiment to test your theory.

7. Engineering. The disassembled parts of a high-powered rifle have been placed in a box on your desk. You will also find an instruction manual, printed in Swahili. In 10 minutes, a hungry Bengal tiger will be admitted to the room. Take whatever action you feel is appropriate. Be prepared to justify your decision.

8. Political Science. There is a red telephone on the desk behind you. Start World War III. Report at length on its sociological aspects, if any.

9. Philosophy. Sketch the development of human thought; estimate its significance. Compare it with the development of any other kind of thought.

10. General Knowledge. Define the universe. Describe in detail. Give three examples.

NOTE: A pass mark of 85 percent is required for entry.