In the lecture, Thomson defends the use of examinations, arguing that they are preferable to nepotism. In addition, he identifies the problems of examinations, and how these may or have been resolved, including those of reliability and continuity of standards.

Thomson discusses the merits of internal versus external examination, giving examples from Scotland, England and Germany, and referencing some of his own experience both as a member of a School Certificate Examination Board and as an examination candidate himself, including his meeting aged 17 with Silvanus Thompson, who was one of his examiners from the London external B. Sc.

Also includes a set of rough notes regarding the speech, with notes regarding sociological research in the British colonies.