O.W.L.s and how they're calculated

[corinthum]

No: HPFGUIDX 89745

Ali wrote:

> "Written exam for a class is worth one OWL;and the pratical exam is 
> worth one OWL; so, each subject is worth two OWLS" p. 109.
> 
> Now, it is possible that this is how they're calculated, but it 
> seems unlikely. 

I agree with you; I certainly never got the idea that the practical 
and written parts were graded separately, and I'm sure I'd have 
remembered it if it were ever mentioned explicitely.


> Unfortunately, the alternative isn't very satisfactory either. How 
> could Crouch have achieved 12 O.W.Ls if there were only 12 
> subjects, 
> and Hermione was only able to take them with the aid of a time 
> turner? Unless, the time turner had been given to previous 
> exceptional students? One final alternative is that certain 
> exceptional students get to take extra papers in say Potions, so 
> that they're awarded 2 O.W.Ls. 

Hermione was only able to take 12 subjects _during the same year_ 
with the help of a time turner.  I think this is indeed a very rare 
thing for a student to do.  

However, it isn't written in stone that a student has to keep the 
same electives from the third year on.  Nor it is stated that it is a 
requirement to be enrolled in a class in order to take a particular 
exam.  I think that with a little independent study, certain students 
could prepare themselves for exams in several subjects, even if they 
haven't actually studied that subject in school every (or any) year.

 
> "You can pass with an "Acceptable" or you can pass with 
> honors "Outstanding".
> 
> Whilst I guess this must be an attempt to translate the marks into 
a 
> different exam system, it neatly misses out "Exceeds expectations" 
> (to be fair, this is mentioned earlier, but no attempt is made to 
> translate what it means). I'm not sure you can equate these marks 
> into pass and honours, unless you also find a direct equivalent for 
> Exceeds expectations.

Well, American schools often use both honors and distinguished 
honors.  But I see no reason to come up with designations such as 
these for the O.W.L.s.  

-Corinth