This question involves the common plot and setting of novels. The following are the possible explanations: In some novels, the teacher might ask students to secretly observe other students 'papers during the exam to understand the difficulty of the exam and the situation. This was seen as a form of "surveillance", which might be seen as immoral or unjust, but in some novels, it could be described as a way to protect students. Another possible explanation is that in the novel, the teacher might ask students to observe other students 'papers in order to provide some extra encouragement and support. This behavior might be described as a way to "motivate" and "help" students better cope with exams. It should be noted that in reality, it is immoral and against the rules for teachers to ask students to observe other students 'papers. Teachers should keep their students 'exams a secret.