'Robot' computer to mark English exams in UK

London, Sept 25 (ANI): Computers are to be used to mark English tests set by the parent company of one of England's main exam boards.

Pearson, the American-based parent company of Edexcel, is introducing the artificial intelligence-based, automated marking of exam essays in Britain next month.

Pearson plans to launch the Pearson Test of English Academic next month on 26 October.

It is a computer-based English language test designed to help English-speaking universities assess pupils' use of grammar and vocabulary, according to the Times Educational Supplement.

It is based on correlations between human judges and artificial intelligence systems.

The decision has sparked concern that automated marking will soon be used for GCSEs and A-levels, reports The Guardian.

The English-language exam will include essay questions and will be used in 20 countries, including the UK, to rate applicants' English skills before they are admitted to university.

Computers have been programmed to scan the papers, recognise the possible right responses and tot up the marks. (ANI)