5 September 2001, London: As the nation's children return to classes this week new research released today from Amazon.co.uk reveals that their parents also should go back to school if they are to help them with their homework.

A staggering 59% of adults failed--that is scored 40% or less--a test of sample exam questions designed for National Curriculum Key Stage Two pupils aged between 7 and 11 years old. Key findings include:

· the average adult score was just 4/10
· of the 1,000 people questioned not one scored 10/10
· fewer than 1 in 6 scored top marks - 70% or above
· only 1% could answer 9 out of 10 questions correctly

The test, consisting of 10 randomly selected Key Stage Two multiple-choice questions covering topics such as science, maths and history, was designed to see if adults knew their square numbers from their prime numbers and their solids from their liquids.

Maths

More than two in five (42%) adults could not identify a square number as one that is formed by multiplying a number by itself.

Science--Physical Processes

The questions which caused the most problems, with only 41% of adults answering correctly on average.

Barely half (47%) of those asked knew why the sun appeared to move across the sky from east to west (because the earth spins on its axis).

And only just over a half (52%) of those asked could correctly identify which of a range of metals would be attracted to a magnet. Even more worryingly, 7 out of 10 respondents (69%) did not know that the moon--as opposed glow-worms, stars and car headlamps--was not a source of light.

History

The history questions focused on Roman history, a period that few UK parents seem familiar with.

Over half (55%) thought Julius Caesar was the last king of Rome, when it was in fact Tarquin the Proud. And just one in four (24%) knew that the Roman Empire had been in existence for 700 years by the time Julius Caesar tried to invade Britain in 55 BC.

But parents needn't worry. Amazon.co.uk has developed a Back to School page on its site, featuring a comprehensive range of educational software, including the popular Encarta titles; a wide range of revision books, from Key Stage Two right up to A-level; and a fantastic selection of toys to help younger kids learn--including the popular LeapPad. With amazing prices, some titles up to 50% off, parents can now help their kids learn better than ever before--and polish up on their own knowledge.

Commenting on the findings, Donna Rossignol, General Manager for Toys & Kids! at Amazon.co.uk said: "Parents are one of the first places kids turn when seeking help with their schoolwork. The results of this research show that some parents could perhaps do with some assistance in helping their kids learn. Amazon.co.uk has some great software titles, books and toys to support them in this task".

The Back to School Range can be found on www.amazon.co.uk/toysandkids

For further information please contact the Amazon.co.uk press office on 020 8636 9280.

About Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.co.uk opened its virtual doors in October 1998, and strives to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online. Amazon.co.uk and sellers list millions of new and used items in categories such as Books, Music, Video, DVD, Software, PC & Video Games, Electronics & Photo, Home & Garden, and Toys & Games!. Through Amazon Marketplace, zShops and Auctions any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.co.uk's millions of customers. Amazon.co.uk customers enjoy the benefits of industry-leading online-shopping technology, such as secure credit-card payment, personalised recommendations, streamlined, 1-Click® ordering and hassle-free Bid-Click® auction bidding. Through Amazon Anywhere, Amazon.co.uk is also available on mobile phones with WAP technology--see www.amazon.co.uk/anywhere for details.

Amazon.com and its affiliates operate seven websites: www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.ca, and www.joyo.com.

As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Forward-looking Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to potential future losses, significant amount of indebtedness, competition, management of growth, potential fluctuations in operating results, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions, and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, international expansion, consumer trends, inventory, limited operating history, government regulation and taxation, fraud, and new business areas. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, and all subsequent filings.