Curve (grading)
Meaning: Adjusting exam or course grades upward so that the average or highest score meets a predetermined standard.
'Is there a curve?' is the most important question after a brutal exam. Curving means the professor adjusts grades so a 68% might become a B. 'Grading on a curve' acknowledges that a test was too hard or the material was too difficult. 'The curve saved me' is a common post-exam relief. Some professors curve generously; others do not curve at all. In competitive programs (pre-med, engineering), the curve can be the difference between continuing in the program and changing your major.
Examples
- The average on the exam was 45% but the professor curved it, so my 52% became a B. 考试平均分只有45%,但教授调了分,我的52%变成了B。La media del examen fue un 45 %, pero el profesor aplicó la curva y mi 52 % se convirtió en un notable.試験の平均点は45%だったけど、教授がカーブをかけてくれて、52%の私はBになった。시험 평균이 45%였는데 교수님이 커브를 줘서, 52%였던 내 점수가 B가 됐다.
- Is there a curve? Because I am going to need one after that exam. 会调分吗?因为那场考试之后我太需要了。¿Hay curva? Porque la voy a necesitar después de ese examen.カーブはあるの? あの試験の後じゃ絶対必要なんだけど。커브 있어? 그 시험 끝나고는 무조건 필요하거든.
- The curve saved my GPA this semester. 这学期全靠调分救了我的GPA。La curva me salvó la media este semestre.今学期はカーブのおかげでGPAが救われた。이번 학기는 커브 덕분에 학점이 살았다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academics, exams, grades
Tone: hopeful, relieved
✓ Do Say
- Is there a curve on this exam?这次考试会调分吗?¿Hay curva en este examen?この試験にカーブはありますか?이 시험에 커브 있어?
- The curve saved me.调分救了我。La curva me salvó.カーブに救われたよ。커브 덕분에 살았어.
✗ Don't Say
- Curves can disadvantage top students in some systems.在某些评分体系中,调分反而对尖子生不利。Las curvas pueden perjudicar a los mejores estudiantes en algunos sistemas.カーブは一部のシステムでは成績上位の学生に不利に働くことがある。커브는 일부 시스템에서 상위권 학생에게 불리할 수 있다.
Origin & History
The bell curve (normal distribution) applied to grading became common in American universities in the mid-20th century.
Cultural Context
Era: 1960s–present
Generation: All generations (students)
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: All regions
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