Tried exam given two poor marks (6)

I believe the answer is:

tested

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'tried' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'exam given two poor marks' is the wordplay.
'exam' becomes 'test' (synonyms).
'given two poor marks' becomes 'ed' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'test'+'ed'='TESTED'

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(Other definitions for tested that I've seen before include "Proven" , "critically examined" , "Subjected to examination or trial" , "Subjected to examination, put through paces" , "Probed or analysed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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