The Merits and Demerits of Written Examinations IELTS Writing Task 2

These tests are typically standardised tests, which implies that every student takes the same test under the same circumstances. As a result, teachers can identify such exceptional pupils with ease and assist them in raising their academic standards. All students have the opportunity to demonstrate why they are worthwhile investments. They might be eligible for a scholarship from one of the top universities in the world, for instance. As a result, it is asserted that the formal exams are the most effective means of evaluating a student's academic success. The fact that there is no other means to assess a student's performance is regarded as the second reason. For instance, some nations just implemented a new educational system. In accordance with this approach, an interview that was conducted at specific times throughout the year was used to evaluate students' academic development. However, several studies have revealed that many students made attempts to cheat while taking the test, and some examiners were unable to catch those pupils. Additionally, it is now asserted that some students might pay off the examiner in order to ace the interview and receive a high grade. It follows that it is obvious that no alternative method of assessment would ever take the place of formal exams. In conclusion, a lot of people believe that formal exams are not the ideal approach to assess a student's overall achievement. It can be stated that the formal exams are the best way to evaluate a student's academic development.

They promote justice by placing the same requirements on each exam taker. Additionally, different question kinds are used in tests to assess and advance students' abilities in a variety of areas. Such as questions with multiple options, fill-in-the-blank questions, or essay activities. Exams do, however, have certain drawbacks as well. Pen and paper tests typically show that someone with test-taking abilities can perform well academically. And even better than the diligent student with more information. For the multiple-choice question, for instance, students may choose the random response. This random selection's accuracy is so astounding. Another student is working extremely hard to figure out the solution, but they are unable to do so since they made a mistake at the final step. Additionally, students who are under pressure or worry cannot perform well on the test and work to the best of their abilities. In these circumstances, we could see that the exam has a great deal of issues. To ensure that all kids are treated fairly, I believe that the process for evaluating students' capacities to overcome subjective issues needs to be changed. In addition to traditional exams, we can also use various techniques to assess students. Such as group projects, in-class presentations, or conducting practical research. We are best able to assess every student's talents in this way. In order to ensure an accurate and impartial evaluation of the student, tests are crucial. To ensure that the test is a valuable component of the educational system, it would be ideal if we could develop and supplement alternative modes of assessment. It can be done in addition to the traditional exam.

Since grades and class rankings are determined by formal exams, students will make every effort to finish their work on time and achieve high marks. Formal "pen and paper" tests are also given to all students equally. In order to prevent cheating, traditional exams call for students to take a test under identical conditions and at the same difficulty level. On the other hand, there are certain disadvantages to viewing formal exams as the best way to evaluate students' performance. First off, the fact that taking exams is a requirement for graduation can put real pressure on students. It has been shown that when pupils study under pressure, they become exhausted and struggle with their academic performance. Second, "pen and paper" exams are unfair to pupils who struggle to demonstrate their knowledge on paper. For instance, a great deal of students perform better verbally than they do in writing. Some people have better body movements for certain talents like acting or dancing. Schools should therefore use a variety of abilities in tests to provide pupils who are strong in diverse areas the chance to fail. Additionally, in order for students to retain and apply their information in real-world situations, they must practise it often. As a result, continuous assessment should be used to gauge students' progress at all times. As a conclusion, formal "pen and paper" exams have a lot of advantages. But in my opinion, the variety of exams is more crucial for education in the present world.