IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
Some people think that schools should not test and grade students. Others think that grades are important
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Sample Answer:
The debate about whether or not schools should test and grade students has been ongoing for many years. On one hand, supporters of testing and grading suggest that these measures are necessary for the development of students. On the other hand, opponents argue that testing and grading create unnecessary stress and anxiety for students. In this essay, I will discuss both sides of the argument before giving my opinion.
Proponents of testing and grading believe that these measures are important to measure the academic achievements of students. For example, grades can indicate the level of knowledge and understanding of a subject, and can be a useful tool for universities and employers to judge the capability of a student. Moreover, tests and exams can help to motivate students to work hard and strive to reach their full potential.
On the other hand, opponents of testing and grading suggest that they can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety in students. For instance, the pressure to achieve high grades can lead to students feeling overwhelmed and can have a negative impact on their mental well-being. Furthermore, tests and exams can also place too much emphasis on memorisation, rather than on the creative process of learning.
Having considered both points of view, I believe that testing and grading are necessary in schools, but should not be the sole focus. Grades can provide useful feedback for students and parents, and can be used to measure progress. However, I think that schools should also focus on developing a love of learning, and should not place too much emphasis on results. Therefore, I believe that schools should place more emphasis on creative learning, and should also use other forms of assessment such as presentations and projects, in order to measure student progress.
In conclusion, while some people think schools should not test and grade students, I believe that testing and grading are important, but should not be the sole focus. Schools should also focus on developing a love of learning, and should use other forms of assessment in order to measure student progress.