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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people believe that it is fairer to assess a student’s ability based on their performance during the whole course rather than giving a formal examination at the end of the course. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Some people believe that it is fairer to assess a student’s ability based on their performance during the whole course rather than giving a formal examination at the end of the course. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people argue that it is more just to evaluate a student's capability by considering their performance throughout the whole course rather than relying solely on a final exam. In my opinion, I agree with this view, as it provides a more comprehensive understanding of a student's progress and learning abilities.

To begin with, assessing a student's performance over the entire duration of a course allows educators to gain a deeper insight into the student's progress and understanding of the subject matter. This method takes into account the student's consistent effort and engagement, rather than a single high-pressure examination. For example, in my experience, I have seen students who may not perform well in exams but demonstrate a strong understanding of the material through their consistent participation and coursework.

Furthermore, continuous assessment encourages students to stay engaged and motivated throughout the course. When students know that their performance throughout the term contributes to their overall grade, they are more likely to stay focused and actively participate in the learning process. This can lead to a more thorough understanding of the subject matter and better retention of knowledge.

On the other hand, proponents of final exams argue that it provides a standardized measure of a student's knowledge and skills. However, it is important to recognize that a student's abilities and progress cannot be accurately captured in a single exam, which may not fully reflect their true potential.

In conclusion, assessing a student's ability based on their performance during the entire course offers a more holistic and accurate measure of their capabilities. It encourages consistent effort and engagement, leading to a deeper understanding of the material. Therefore, I firmly believe that continuous assessment is fairer and more effective in evaluating a student's abilities.

Model Essay #2:

Some people believe that it is fairer to assess a student’s ability based on their performance during the whole course rather than giving a formal examination at the end of the course. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some argue that it is fairer to evaluate a student's ability by considering their performance throughout the whole course rather than relying solely on a final exam. However, I disagree with this viewpoint and believe that formal examinations at the end of the course are a more accurate and comprehensive measure of a student's capabilities.

Firstly, formal examinations provide a standardized measure of a student's knowledge and skills. This method ensures that all students are evaluated on the same set of criteria, allowing for fair comparison and assessment. In my experience, final exams have been crucial in determining a student's overall understanding of the subject matter, as they test a wide range of topics covered throughout the course.

Moreover, formal examinations help students prepare for real-world challenges by simulating high-pressure situations. The ability to perform well under pressure is a valuable skill that students need to develop for their future careers. By having formal exams, students are encouraged to revise and consolidate their learning, leading to a deeper understanding of the material.

On the other hand, continuous assessment may not provide an accurate representation of a student's progress and capabilities. It is possible for students to perform well in coursework but struggle in demonstrating their knowledge in a final exam. This could lead to an inflated evaluation of a student's abilities, which may not be reflective of their actual understanding of the subject.

In conclusion, formal examinations at the end of a course offer a fair and standardized measure of a student's knowledge and skills. They also prepare students for real-world challenges by simulating high-pressure situations. Therefore, I firmly believe that formal examinations are a more accurate and comprehensive measure of a student's capabilities compared to continuous assessment throughout the course.

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