I think it's the language that's making people think the test is harder than it actually is. Most of those questions are still asked but in a way that requires the student to demonstrate knowledge rather than regurgitate memorized items. Of course, in BC we don't ask about US history although the kids do learn about Morse, Whitney and Fulton. The biggest difference is the 5-hour test block (we don't go over 3 hours for exams at grade 8).