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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Formal examinations are the only effective way to assess a student's performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects is not a satisfactory way to do this. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Formal examinations are the only effective way to assess a student's performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects is not a satisfactory way to do this. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Formal examinations have traditionally been viewed as the most reliable method to evaluate a student's performance. However, I disagree with the idea that continual assessment, such as coursework and projects, is an unsatisfactory way to assess students. In my opinion, both formal examinations and continual assessment have their own merits, and a combination of both methods would provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a student's abilities.

Firstly, formal examinations are undoubtedly a useful tool for assessing a student's understanding of a subject at a specific point in time. They can measure a student's ability to recall and apply knowledge under pressure, which is an important skill in many real-life situations. However, it's important to note that exams may not accurately reflect a student's overall performance, as they can cause stress and anxiety, leading to underperformance.

On the other hand, continual assessment through coursework and projects allows students to demonstrate their understanding and skills over an extended period. This method provides a more holistic view of a student's abilities, as it assesses their consistency, creativity, and critical thinking skills. For instance, a research project can showcase a student's ability to analyze, synthesize, and present information, which may not be fully captured in a traditional exam setting.

In conclusion, while formal examinations have their place in evaluating a student's performance, continual assessment methods such as coursework and projects offer a more comprehensive and balanced approach. By combining both methods, educators can gain a better understanding of a student's strengths and weaknesses, leading to a more accurate assessment of their overall performance.

Model Essay #2:

Formal examinations are the only effective way to assess a student's performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects is not a satisfactory way to do this. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Formal examinations have long been considered the most effective way to evaluate a student's performance, and I strongly agree with this view. While continual assessment methods such as coursework and projects have their merits, they are not as reliable as formal exams in providing a comprehensive and standardized evaluation of a student's abilities.

Firstly, formal examinations offer a fair and impartial way to measure a student's knowledge and understanding of a subject. They provide a standardized testing environment where all students are assessed under the same conditions, ensuring equality and fairness in the evaluation process. In contrast, continual assessment methods may vary in terms of grading criteria and can be influenced by subjective factors, making them less reliable for comparing students' performance.

Moreover, formal examinations are a more efficient way to assess a large number of students within a specific time frame. They provide a quick and standardized way to measure a wide range of knowledge and skills, making them particularly suitable for evaluating a large cohort of students. Continual assessment methods, on the other hand, can be time-consuming and may not provide a comprehensive overview of a student's abilities within a limited timeframe.

In conclusion, while continual assessment methods have their benefits, formal examinations remain the most effective way to assess a student's performance. They offer a standardized, impartial, and efficient means of evaluating students, providing a fair and comprehensive measure of their knowledge and skills. This makes formal examinations the preferred method for assessing students' academic performance.

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