South African Students Quizzed on Soap Operas

A ninth-grade South African arts exam quizzed students on soap operas, drawing a furious reaction from a parent who said it discriminated against children without TV, a newspaper reported Tuesday.

The exam asked students to "name two soapies that you enjoy watching and name three characters from each", according to The Star. Bonus points were offered for students to say who was their favorite character and why.

The Basic Education Ministry is investigating the exam after a parent complained that her family did not have a television and that in any case she would not allow her children to watch soap operas.

"Our curriculum and examination (units) are currently looking into it," ministry spokeswoman Hope Mokgatlhe told the paper. If the authorities decide to strike the question, the students' marks would be adjusted, she added.