What was the six-second exam?

Answer 1

The six second exam was a test that took place on Ellis Island. The six second exam was held in the registry room, where immigrants from all over the world had to answer simple math equations, had to draw shapes, put puzzles together and answer questions that some inspectors made up. One of those questions were "How do you wash staris? Top to bottom or Bottom to top?" The reply was "I did not come to America to wash stairs." This was a very famous quote spoken by Paulina Ramos.

The six second exam is pretty self explianitory. Bt I'll tell you any way. It lasted six seconds. If the immigrants answered a question wrong, they would be sent back to their home town!

Answer 2

As immigrants climbed the stairs to the Great Hall of Ellis Island, doctors stood at the top and watched. They were looking for anyone having difficulty coming up the steps. If a medical problem or disability was suspected, one of seventeen different chalk marks was put on the person's clothing. They were then sent for a full physical examination.