"Let me attempt to calm your nerves," Dr. Ellison says, "even though I know the task to be well-nigh impossible. You cannot fail this test. We merely wish to assess your current level of expertise to better pair you with a tutor."
The student next to you leans over. "Know anything about Professor Ellison?" he whispers.
Next
He's lanky and awkward, hands shoved in the pockets of his acid-wash jeans even while seated. He has brown skin and wears his black hair slicked back. And evidently he wants to start off placement testing by whispering.
"You'll work in pairs under my supervision and with the help of upper-class students." Dr. Ellison indicates five older students near the front of the room.
The other student whispers again, "Sorry, it's just that I don't know that much about her?"
Ugh, he turned his statement into a question.