Sender's name in examinations

Question

If we need to take an English examination which contains a letter writing task, but the examinee's real name is not allowed to be leaked, what should we write as the sender's name? Is it proper if I use "Joe Bloggs" instead?

JohnParis · Accepted Answer

The name "John Doe" is used as a placeholder for a male, whose true identity is unknown or must be withheld for legal reasons. The name is also used to refer to a male corpse or hospital patient whose identity is unknown. This practice is widely used in the United States and Canada, but is rare in other English-speaking countries (including the United Kingdom itself, from where its use in a legal context originates – see below). The name Joe Bloggs is used in the U.K instead, as well as in Australia and New Zealand.

John Doe is an anonymous party, typically the plaintiff, in a legal action.

John Doe is sometimes used to refer to a typical male in other contexts as well, in a similar manner as John Q. Public, Joe Public or John Smith. For example, on various forms, the first name listed is often John Doe, along with a fictional address or other fictional information, to provide an example of how to fill out the form.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi John, thanks for your information. So is it inappropriate to write my name as Joe Bloggs in a real test? Does it look silly or funny? What would a native speaker do in that case?

OP

Mister Micawber · Answer

On a real test you would write your real name, of course.  Using another would invalidate it, I'm sure.

Sender's name in examinations

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