Maths work in pen

As a math teacher in America, one thing really bothered me (well, lots of things, really, but that's another post...). I would insist that my students complete their math work in pencil. I became very bothered by work which was scratched-through or crossed-out.

In England, however, it seems that it is required to complete maths work in ink. When I asked one of my classes why, I was told that it was to prepare for the maths exams when ink was required.

And perhaps it does force them to be a bit neater with their work.