Quebec students to get full marks for history exam essay question

Quebec students who wrote the Grade 10 history exam will get full marks for an essay question that was leaked online.

The province's Education Ministry originally cancelled the results of the question, which was worth 12 points out of a total of 50.

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After reviewing the exams, the government has decided to give everyone the points regardless of whether the answer was right or wrong.

The education ministry says that was the fairest solution to the problem.

SuanneStein Day, chair of theLester B. Pearson School Board,points out that the leaked question ordeal put undue stress on many students who need to pass that exam to complete high school.

She said shewishes the ministry had reached this decision two weeks ago.

"Some of [the students]felt they sacrificed a lot of study time because the question was eliminated. Others are sacrificing because they gave up summer plans. Camp or vacations or time at the cottage," she said.

Students who still failed can register to take it again July 27.Passing the exam is required to receive a high school diploma.

The answer to the question wasleaked onlinethe night before the exam.The ministry says it is working to improve security of its exams to prevent further leaks.