In the modern world there is a movement away from written exams to more practical assessment. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.

Testing
students
and workers takes various forms including written, oral and practical assessment.
However
,
although
written
tests
are still the most popular way to check achievements at work and university, a range of alternative methods like problem-solving, role-play, oral presentation and work-based assessment are becoming more common. Both approaches to evaluating student attainment are valid, but each
tests
different things. Some
people
believe that there is considerable benefit to be gained from using written exams compared to more practical testing methods.
For example
, from an administrative point of view, the former are generally easier to deal with.
Moreover
, if factual
knowledge
is being tested,
then
it is easier to check it on a written paper than in a group problem-solving exercise.
However
, the obvious disadvantage of written
tests
is that they do not suit everyone. Take
students
in Italy where oral exams are used as a means of checking
knowledge
. Switching to written
tests
could
then
be problematic.
Conversely
,
students
used only to written
tests
would be at a distinct disadvantage, if they were asked to take a more practical exam. Other
people
feel that written
tests
are of little benefit, as they do not always assess
students
' or workers' fitness for the vast array of opportunities that the real world of work provides. Functioning in the real world involves making quick decisions, working with other
people
and using different types of intelligence like emotional and social intelligence.
Therefore
, it makes sense to test in the same way. Those
people
who will enjoy success in the future will be those who are able to operate efficiently within systems and find their way around, i.e. the ones who can manipulate
knowledge
and use experience rather than possess
knowledge
.
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structure
Consider adding a clear conclusion to better encapsulate your arguments and provide a more rounded assessment of the advantages and disadvantages.
cohesion
To enhance coherence, try linking sentences and paragraphs more smoothly using a wider range of linking words and phrases.
detail
Include more specific examples to support your points, particularly when discussing the advantages and disadvantages of practical assessments.
balanced argument
Your essay provides a balanced view by discussing both sides of the argument effectively.
structure
The structure of your essay, with clear paragraphs for each main point, aids in understanding your arguments.
vocabulary
You have a good range of vocabulary which helps to express your ideas clearly and effectively.

Include an introduction and conclusion

A conclusion is essential for IELTS writing task 2. It is more important than most people realise. You will be penalised for missing a conclusion in your IELTS essay.

The easiest paragraph to write in an essay is the conclusion paragraph. This is because the paragraph mostly contains information that has already been presented in the essay – it is just the repetition of some information written in the introduction paragraph and supporting paragraphs.

The conclusion paragraph only has 3 sentences:

  • Summary
  • Restatement of thesis
  • Prediction or recommendation

Example:

To summarize, a robotic teacher does not have the necessary disciple to properly give instructions to students and actually works to retard the ability of a student to comprehend new lessons. Therefore, it is clear that the idea of running a classroom completely by a machine cannot be supported. After thorough analysis on this subject, it is predicted that the adverse effects of the debate over technology-driven teaching will always be greater than the positive effects, and because of this, classroom teachers will never be substituted for technology.

Start your conclusion with a linking phrase. Here are some examples:

  • In conclusion
  • To conclude
  • To summarize
  • Finally
  • In a nutshell
  • In general

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