IELTS writing task 2. Please help to evaluate.
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15 Oct 2013, 23:06
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Tests and examinations are a central feature of school systems in many countries.
Do you think the educational benefits of testing outweigh any disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
model answer:
Being the main characteristic of most academic institutions the examination system helps a school to evaluate the knowledge and skills of its current and prospective students. It is well known that there are lots of debates around available scoring systems used by many schools. Some people believe that current testing methods are not effective any more, while others think that it is not necessary to replace or amend the current scoring methods. In my opinion both sides are partially right.
It is well documented that test questions reflect the academic material used at school lectures and seminars. Such questions cover the most part of the subject taught and evaluate the level information acquainted by the students during the classes. Besides, upcoming examination makes students to learn harder the appropriate field of study. Without evaluation, I think, many students would lose they interest in learning.
On the other hand, modern testing systems require students to obtain huge amount of academic information within short period of time. It is widely believed that only knowledge of subject is not enough to pass the test with higher results. The students are also required to possess strong time management skills in order to get high scores during examination within time limit. I think that this situation makes lots of students to feel pressure which eventually leads to lower scores.
In my opinion examination at schools should be less stressful where students can reveal their true knowledge and will not be demotivated. I think that the time limit of the test questions should be extended since the students can have enough time to think and apply the knowledge, can get higher scores, and will be stimulated to learn further.
283 words.