This article details the experiences of four journalists taking an A level or AS level examination paper apiece as an experiment. Only a small amount of preparation was undertaken and the purpose of the experiment was to see how well they would perform based upon their existing knowledge. A detailed description of the journalists' varied emotions is provided as well as their reflections upon the content and standards of the papers in question. The article was published in The Financial Times on Saturday August 20th 2005 and is reproduced in Research Matters with their permission.