gistfile1.rb

describe "GET current" do
    before do
      @request.cookies['hidden_notices'] = "1,#{notices(:permanent).id}"
      get :current, :format => 'js'
    end

    it { should respond_with(:success) }
    it { should set_cookie(:hidden_notices).to("#{notices(:permanent).id}") }
    it { should render_template('notices/current') }
  end
end

# vs

test "GET current (or preferably an explanation WHY we are testing it)" do
  @request.cookies['hidden_notices'] = "1,#{notices(:permanent).id}"
  get :current, :format => 'js'

  assert          respond_with(:success)
  assert_equal    "#{notices(:permanent).id}", cookies[:hidden_notices]
  assert_template 'notices/current'
end

I can't take a design opinion seriously from the person who built rails.

Plus all the things that other people have pointed out about these examples being no way near equivalent.