Critics of strict "promotional gates" at the grade school level point

Question

Critics of strict "promotional gates" at the grade school level point to a recent study comparing students forced to repeat a grade with those promoted despite failing scores on an unscheduled, experimental competency test. Since there was no significant difference between the two groups' scores on a second test administered after completion of the next higher grade level, these critics argue that the retention policy has failed in its expressed purpose of improving students' basic skills.

Which of the following best expresses the argument made by critics of promotional gates?

(A) Anxiety over performance on standardized tests often hinders a student's ability to master challenging new material.

(B) A student's true intellectual development cannot be gauged by his score on a standardized competency test.

(C) The psychological damage a child suffers by repeat a grade outweighs the potential intellectual benefits of a second chance at learning.

(D) Strict requirements for promotion do not lead to harder work and greater mastery of fundamentals among students fearful of being held back.

(E) Socioeconomic factors as well as test scores influenced whether a given student in the study was promoted or forced to repeat a grade

ezinis · Answer

I misunderstood part of the stimulus and confused myself: "difference between the two groups' scores...".
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I thought the one being promoted score no better than the one being held back on the second test

he he. If I am wrong, anybody has the same problem or just me? Thanks.

metallicafan · Answer

+1 D

Between B and D, D is better because the conclusion is focused in the retencion policy and not in the tests.

M23A · Answer

I pick D.

Do you consider this question as Method of Reasoning or Must Be True?

andysimple · Answer

I don't really know why it's not B.

Because there is no major difference between the two groups' scores on the second test => the two groups' students must be intellectually equal?

Can anyone re-explain this question? Why it's D?

Temurkhon · Answer

it is Main Point question type, in which right answer just rephrase the conclusion. Option D does it in best way

Yash26 · Answer

Well the conclusion talks about " improving students' basic skills". So, we must look for the answers that discuss this issue (basic fundamentals/skills) along with retention/promotion policy. So, D.

I hope this helps.

"Game is not finished, as I have still not won"

I hope this helps.

"Game is not finished, as I have still not won"

anurag16589 · Answer

Hi,

I would consider it more of a 'find the conclusion'question.
Here the main idea is: even though the students were retained and forced to repeat the grade, their performance was no better than those who were promoted: which implies that despite knowing and being fearful about the prospect of not being promoted does not encourage students to work harder, hence the strict promotional criteria is of little or no use.

Kudos would be appreciated :lol:

VerbalBot · Answer

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Critics of strict "promotional gates" at the grade school level point

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