A task on the Unified State Exam (EGE) in the Russian language has sparked controversy in Yekaterinburg, with teachers identifying a potential ambiguity that could penalize students. The problematic task, number 20, requires students to correctly place commas in a sentence.

The sentence in question is: “It was visible (1) that the bush was run over by a wheel (2) and only after that it rose (3) and therefore stood sideways (4) but still stood.” The officially recognized correct answer involves placing commas at positions 1 and 4. However, educators argue that placing commas at positions 1, 2, and 4 is also a valid solution.

Artem, a teacher and tutor, stated that the EGE should not contain questions open to multiple interpretations and punctuation. He criticized the compilers for allowing such examples, arguing that they test the compilers’ incompetence rather than the students’ knowledge.

Tatyana Sycheva, a Russian language and literature teacher, concurred that two comma placement options exist. She explained that understanding the correct placement requires context, which the task lacks. Sycheva noted that a comma at position 2 could separate micro-meanings within the sentence, particularly if subsequent context confirms this separation.

Students who encountered this task can file a complaint. Lyudmila Zolotnitskaya, chairman of the Sverdlovsk Parent Committee, outlined two grounds for appeals: disagreement with awarded grades and violations of exam procedures. While test sections are rarely reviewed, an appeal can be submitted within two working days of the results’ announcement.

Complaints regarding the exam’s content can be directed to Rosobrnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science). The situation has raised concerns about the fairness and clarity of the EGE, prompting discussions among educators and parents.