Critically discuss that the European Union (EU) has evolved into a “U.S. of Europe.” Critically discuss the free movement of people, goods, services and capital. Are human rights adequately protected under EU Law? There is a democratic deficit in Europe: affirmative or negative? Critically discuss the EU Parliament, the EU High Courts, the EU Commission…
Points, sub-points, counterpoints, caveats. Write, write, shake my hand from to relieve the pain of an ergonomically incorrect pen grip, and begin again.
For two days I had been preparing responses to these questions and now it was just a matter of cramming in every word possible within the allotted time. For a brief moment while I was rubbing the joints in my hand I said a short prayer of thanks for the Brasenose library. The venue exudes an air of getting down to business and prepping for exams. My mind then flashed to the stuffed cat I saw curled on top of a stack of ancient volumes, and I diverted that thought as quickly as possible.
While I understand that stuffing a dearly beloved cat might be a positive thing, in remembrance of the feline soul and all that it gave the library over the years, all I could think was, “Icky!” (See 19th Century stuffed pets.)
Back to the exam. I haven’t used a “blue book” since my undergraduate years. I filled mine full save one page, stopped writing, leaned back in my chair and breathed in slowly. Then out. Done. One down, one to go.
And in case you are now bandying about the answers to the questions in the first paragraph to entertain yourself, just let me know when I get home. I’ll meet you at the pub and we’ll have ourselves a robust dialogue.
I’d love too, in fact. Just let me know.
