Why can't the dropper draw the water?

[tedmc]

The above is a question from a local science exam.

A dropper is short glass tube with a rubber bulb at one end and a tiny hole at the other, for measuring out drops of liquids.

Is the question grammatical? I thought contraction of words should not be used in formal English especially in an exam.

How should the question be reworded?

Why can the dropper not draw the water?
Why is that the dropper cannot draw the water?

Do you say "draw up the water" or just "draw the water"(to a higher level)?

 

[Tdol]

If you don't want to use the contraction, you could use either of your questions. I think draw is OK with or without up.

 

[Raymott]

I thought contraction of words should not be used in formal English especially in an exam.

That's wrong.

 

[tedmc]

That's wrong.

https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/contractions.htm
http://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/contractions.htm
http://www.businesswritingblog.com/business_writing/2006/04/dont_use_contra.html

I know opinions vary but many sources seem to discourage its use, especially as a second language and in an exam setting.

 

[Raymott]

That might be sound advice for learners, but I've done more exams than I count, and they do use contractions. Also, only very formal written communications do not use contractions. For example, I can't find them in the Australian Constitution.

 

[Rover_KE]

Ted has also received answers here.

The finest minds on two forums have now addressed this topic.

We recommend posting a question on one forum only initially. If you do not get a satisfactory answer from that forum and you feel that you have exhausted its possibilities, then of course trying a different forum might help. It is only courteous however, to tell the second forum that you have already asked the question on another forum and then give a precis of the answers you received there, along with an explanation of why you are now looking elsewhere.

(emsr2d2)

 

[Tdol]

I know opinions vary but many sources seem to discourage its use, especially as a second language and in an exam setting.

Some exams use them in a deliberate attempt to sound less formal. I suppose it depends on the examiners.

 

[Eckaslike]

Do you say "draw up the water" or just "draw the water"(to a higher level)?

The reason you don't need "up", or anything other than "draw" in this context, is because the word already contains the meaning "to take out".
"3. to bring, take, or pull out, as from a receptacle or source: to draw water from a well; to draw blood from a vein."

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/draw

To me, it doesn't sound any less formal, but just a more efficient use of words.