Hi ljk,
The content of your answers is much more important on the exam than demonstrating a high degree of fluency in English. Most, if not all, of the exam questions can be answered by providing a list of points that support your design decision.
For example, since you are offered in the assignment instructions a choice between RMI and sockets for your network communications solution, you might possibly be asked on the exam to justify your choice. The following example is from Trottier's book (
Java 2 Developer Exam Cram 2):
Describe your choice between RMI and sockets and provide a justification for that choice:
I chose RMI.
1)
Thread safety is built into RMI.
2) RMI comes with its own communications protocol.
3) RMI is a simpler programming model.
4) RMI is built on sockets, but is easier to understand.
5) blah, blah, blah,
6) "
7) "
8) etc.
I think Sun realizes that English is not the native language for many people taking the exam. In my opinion, it's not a
test of whether you can write a coherent essay in English, but whether you can convey technical information in support of your design decisions and make the grader comfortable that you have a sound grasp of why you did what you did. Remember one of the main purposes of the essay exam (maybe the only purpose) is to demonstrate that the project you submit is actually your own work.
The grader may even be happier to read the answers in a brief bulleted list format than have to wade through a verbose explanation even if delivered in perfectly grammatical English. Also, realize that the essay exam is basically pass/fail. Either the grader believes that you have demonstrated sufficient familiarity and understanding of your submission, or he doesn't. I don't think you need worry about losing points because some of your responses may contain grammatical anomalies.
Hope this helps,
George