Essay: Tests and examinations

Topic: Test 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 all knowledge or experience.

Nowadays, assessments and exams are becoming a major feature of academic structure in several nations. There are many arguments around the world debating that the academic advantages of testing pre – dominate its disadvantages. In my opinion, I strongly agree with this argument. It will be proved by analyzing how examinations can help students enrich their knowledge as well as teachers improve their teaching methods

The main purpose of examination is to identify how well the students absorb from lessons hence teachers will adjust ways to teach each students. Tests may be stressful and cause a lot of pressure but it is the easiest method for the teachers to know that their teaching is successful or not. For example, students in one class might not study at same level, some students are at a lower level than the others so through the tests the teacher will know who they are and have more effective ways to teach them.

A very important aspect of testing is to encourage students to focus on self – study  and review their lessons. If the teachers just come and teach with no exams, students probably forget what they have learnt. Because the exams will cover most of knowledge which the teacher have taught so if the students  do not really study during the courses then they have to refresh their knowledge and revise rapidly their lesson in order to pass with flying colors.

From my point of view, I think the most important point of examinations is making students get together and help each other to pass the exam. The assessments not only assess the knowledge of one student but also test how students work together. Through the exams, students can improve their soft – skills such as team – work, presentation etc in addition  by working as a team, students can get on well with others. Probably we have had many discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of examinations but testing is still the most effective way assess the academic ability of students  until now.