Letter: Insult to teachers

Sir: It is of little surprise that most teachers could not explain the origin of the words "chortle" and "dosh" ("All teachers must take maths test", 4 February). To know that Lewis Carroll invented the former and that the origin of the latter is unknown would demonstrate at best a breadth of general knowledge, not competence in the teaching of grammar. However, should better trained teachers therefore receive more dosh, then all, I am sure, would chortle.

IAN MAGGS

Hexham, Northumberland