Only formal examinations, written or practical, can give a clear picture of students' true knowledge and ability at university level. Continuous assessment like course work and projects are poor measures of student ability. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In contemporary education, the evaluation of
students
'
knowledge
and
abilities
at the university level remains a subject of debate. Some argue that only formal
examinations
can accurately gauge
students
' true capabilities and believe that continuous
assessment
methods are inadequate measures.
This
essay strongly disagrees with
this
statement because
while
official
examinations
have their merits, continuous
assessments
play a crucial role in providing a comprehensive understanding of
students
'
abilities
.
To begin
with,
while
formal
assessments
are often designed to cover a wide range of topics within a limited timeframe, testing learners' ability to recall information and apply concepts, it is essential to recognize their limitations . These
assessment
tests often prioritize rote memorization over deeper understanding, leading to a superficial grasp of concepts. They primarily assess theoretical
knowledge
rather than practical skills or critical thinking.
For example
, in Belarus, often only formal
examinations
are used to evaluate
students
.
As a result
, many men and women, when they graduate, do not understand their strengths and weaknesses, and do not know how to apply their
knowledge
in real-world situations.
Furthermore
, continuous
assessments
such
as coursework and projects offer a more holistic approach to evaluating
students
'
abilities
. These
assessments
allow learners to demonstrate their understanding through various mediums, including essays, presentations, and practical tasks.
Students
have the opportunity to receive timely feedback, identify areas for improvement, and develop essential skills
such
as research, analysis, and communication.
Thus
, they are more prepared to show the world what they have gained in universities.
To conclude
,
while
formal
examinations
serve as valuable tools for evaluating
students
knowledge
and
abilities
, they should not be the sole method of
assessment
at the university level. Continuous
assessment
through coursework and projects offers a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of
students
’ capabilities, allowing for the development of essential skills beyond memorization.
Submitted by natallia.khrenava on

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idea development
For improving further, consider exemplifying your points with a broader range of examples, including positive examples of continuous assessment from different educational systems worldwide. This will not only strengthen your arguments but also demonstrate a global perspective.
argument strength
To enhance your essay even further, consider incorporating a brief counter-argument section before concluding. Acknowledging the opposing viewpoint and then refuting it can help in showing a balanced understanding of the topic.
task response
The essay effectively addresses the prompt, presenting a clear perspective and well-supported arguments against the notion that only formal examinations are adequate measures of student ability.
coherence & cohesion
You have maintained a logical flow of ideas throughout the essay, with a clear introduction, supportive main body paragraphs, and a conclusive ending. This makes your essay persuasive and easy to follow.
supporting examples
The use of specific examples, such as the situation in Belarus, serves to concretize your argument, demonstrating a good understanding of the essay's topic.

Your opinion

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...do you agree or disagree?...do you think...?...your opinion...?

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