[ WP ] Someone decides to have an actual authority defining rules for the correct use of the English language . To enforce it : the Grammar Police .

I waited in front of the tall mahogany doors with the other recruits. No one spoke. There were twelve of us. Only five would continue in the academy. A few were still rifling through their notes. They turned the pages faster and faster, their gestures progressively more frantic as they tried to absorb all the rules anxiety had pushed out of their minds. 
 
 The only one who was relaxed was Daniels. He was leaning casually against the wall by the doors, smiling merrily at anyone who looked in his direction. He had good reason to be at ease. He was top of the class. There was a rumour that he had passed his entrance exam with 100 % and no studying whatsoever. Once or twice he had even corrected the instructors. It had earned him the admiration of his skills, but also their dislike. He had nothing to fear though; his uncle was Director of the Possessive Division. For my part, I rather liked him. He was kind to me, despite my background. While his explanations were often condescending, he was the only one quick to offer help, and genuinely ensured that his pupil understood. He had nothing to fear. He knew he had no competition. 
 
 The mahogany doors opened and we were invited into a large, windowless room. Small desks were arranged in three rows, spaced evenly apart. We sat down and after the proctor had reviewed the rules of the examination, we were handed the exam booklets. 
 
 I turned the first page with trepidation. They started off with easy questions. I had been warned of this. The distinction between `` fewer'' and `` less'' and compound possession. I breezed through those sections but drew my breath sharply when I reached Colloquialism Avoidance. I'd always had trouble with this and I had hoped it would not be included in this version of the exam. I completed the questions I knew and skipped to the next section. About an hour in, Daniels rose from his desk and handed in his test package. He sauntered out of the room. The next student followed him out two hours later. I was one of the last to finish, but I was fairly satisfied with my work. I knew I had avoided some of their traps. Daniels had warned me about falling for `` most importantly''. 
 
 When I finished, I was surprised to find Daniels waiting outside the door. He had changed out of his uniform. I had never seen him in plain clothes before. 
 
 `` Rose,'' he said. He had never used my first name before. `` I want to show you something.'' 

