Dickie Jordan is an intelligent and curious youth. He and his family live in a dystopian future. On Dickie's twelfth birthday, he is required by law to undergo an intelligence examination. Dickie's birthday wish is to do well on his exam. His parents appear stressed and avoid his questions. When the time comes, his father brings him to a government testing facility. There he is given a serum to ensure he tells the truth and given a series of intelligence assessment questions.