Slang Dictionary: Scantron
What Does “Scantron” Mean?
“Scantron” is a slang term used to refer to a multiple-choice answer sheet, often used for standardized tests and assessments. These sheets are designed with bubbles that students fill in with a pencil to indicate their answers, which are then scanned and graded electronically. The term “Scantron” is sometimes used generically for similar test forms, regardless of the actual brand.
Related Words
Related slang words to “Scantron” include “bubble sheet,” “test form,” and “answer sheet.” These terms are often used interchangeably to describe the same type of testing material.
Where Does This Term Come From?
The term “Scantron” is derived from the name of the Scantron Corporation, a company that specializes in manufacturing machine-readable testing forms and equipment. Scantron Corporation, founded in 1972, became synonymous with the technology and forms they produced, leading to the widespread use of the term “Scantron” to refer to all similar forms, regardless of the actual manufacturer.
Who Uses This Term?
“Scantron” is commonly used by students, teachers, and educational professionals when discussing standardized testing. It’s also widely recognized in the context of test preparation and academic assessments.
Examples of Using This Term
- “Don’t forget to bring a pencil to the exam; we’ll be using Scantrons.”
- “I filled out the Scantron, but I’m not sure I got all the answers right.”
- “Scantrons make grading multiple-choice tests much faster and more efficient.”
What to Replace This Term with in Academic Writing
In academic writing, it’s important to use formal language. Instead of “Scantron,” you should use “machine-readable multiple-choice answer sheet” or a similar description to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.
“The advent of Scantron technology revolutionized the way we administer and score standardized tests.” – Education Expert John Doe
Conclusion
“Scantron” is a commonly used slang term that has become synonymous with multiple-choice answer sheets used in standardized testing. While it simplifies discussions about such forms in everyday conversations, academic and professional writing calls for more formal and specific terminology to ensure precision and clarity.
