> thats pretty much the best way to learn. But still the exam is harder than it would have been without books, so you are off worse.
So... they're the best way to learn, but you're worse off for getting them? Think about this argument a little more critically---I think what you're trying to say is that such exams are harder (which is true), but what is the purpose of the exam, and of the course itself? Surely an exam structure that is more effective at causing you to learn the material is better for you, not worse, not despite but because of the fact that it makes you synthesise a better understanding of the material.
So... they're the best way to learn, but you're worse off for getting them? Think about this argument a little more critically---I think what you're trying to say is that such exams are harder (which is true), but what is the purpose of the exam, and of the course itself? Surely an exam structure that is more effective at causing you to learn the material is better for you, not worse, not despite but because of the fact that it makes you synthesise a better understanding of the material.