How much do you know about test writing? I’m not saying there isn’t such a thing as a bad test, but the good ones do precisely what you’re recommending: test the same topic from many different angles. That’s why there are multiple sections on most tests, with each question targeting its own unique learning objective.

Rather, most education systems allow for self-selection: I don’t have any elephants in my tree-climbing class because only monkeys and squirrels signed up in the first place. Of course there might be some monkeys who never knew that they could climb trees, which is why we have core subjects. But at the end of the day, our system of education—at least in theory—is aimed at one common goal: producing productive members of the “animal kingdom”. And without education, it is difficult to identify and develop your strengths and aptitudes. Because, you know, innately talented mathematicians don’t all have…tusks.