There seems to be an increasing trend towards assessing students through exams rather than through continual assessment. What are the advantages and disadvantages of exams as a form os assessment?

In recent years, there has been a growing reliance on examinations to assess

students

Use synonyms

' performance rather than on continual assessment. Whilst

this

Linking Words

trend has certain advantages, I firmly believe that its disadvantages far outweigh the benefits. On the one hand, evaluating

students

Use synonyms

through

exams

Use synonyms

alone has some advantages. Schools can assess examinees not only using standardised and objective questions but

also

Linking Words

under the same timed conditions, which promotes fairness.

For example

Linking Words

, numerous educational institutions depend on international tests,

such

Linking Words

as IELTS, TOEFL, and SAT, because they offer a consistent measure of academic ability within a fixed time frame.

Moreover

Linking Words

, examinations test

students

Use synonyms

' abilities to answer a wide range of questions under time pressure, which might consolidate their knowledge and build resilience

On the other hand

Linking Words

, reliance only on

exams

Use synonyms

has significant drawbacks.

Firstly

Linking Words

exams

Use synonyms

tend to assess memory and exam-taking strategies rather than comprehension, creativity, and teamwork skills, which are essential in the workplace.

Secondly

Linking Words

exams

Use synonyms

often create a high level of stress and anxiety, which may hinder performance and negatively impact mental health.

For instance

Linking Words

, a 2021 study in the United States reported that exam-related stress was one of the leading contributors to depression among undergraduates.

In contrast

Linking Words

, continuous assessment, including team projects, oral presentations, and assignments, allows

students

Use synonyms

to demonstrate their abilities over a whole semester, encouraging a consistent effort

while

Linking Words

providing opportunities for feedback and improvement.

To conclude

Linking Words

although

Linking Words

examinations have merits, I am convinced that it is a negative trend to depend solely on

exams

Use synonyms

rather than combining them with continuous assessment. Testing learners exclusively can elevate stress and,

as a result

Linking Words

, lead to a substantial decline in

overall

Linking Words

performance.

afib

Sep 3, 2025

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task response

Your stance is clear. Add more strong links between points and give one extra specific example to show how exams and continual work affect learning.

coherence cohesion

Use simple words and short phrases in each paragraph. Start with the point, then give a small example, then say why it matters.

task response

Clear view on the topic with balanced discussion.

coherence cohesion

Good flow of ideas with linking words.

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15
Linking words
meeting the goal of 7 or more
2
Word repetition
meeting the goal of 3 or fewer
0
Grammar mistakes
detected issues

0123456789.0505

Overall Band Score

Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0

Logical structure

Introduction & conclusion present

Supported main points

Accurate linking words

Variety in linking words

Lexical resource: 8.0

Varied vocabulary

Accurate spelling & word formation

Grammatical Range: 9.0

Mix of complex & simple sentences

Clear and correct grammar

Task Achievement: 7.0

Complete response

Clear & comprehensive ideas

Relevant & specific examples

Appropriate word count

4 paragraphs

274 words

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Topic Vocabulary:

exam
test
assessment
advantage
disadvantage
benefit
drawback
fair
unfair
stress
fear
score
grade
result
memory
recall
understanding
idea
plan
practice
feedback
time
pace
cheating
honesty
progress
equality
conditions
learning
measure
mark
criteria

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There seems to be an increasing trend towards assessing students through exams rather than through continual assessment. What are the advantages and disadvantages of exams as a form os assessment?

Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society. To what extent do you agree with this view?

some people think that constrcuting bigger roads will help to prevent traffic problems

Modern forms of communication such as email and messaging have reduced number of time people spend seeing their friends. This has had a negative effect on their social lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree

The advantages brought by the spread of English as a “global language” will outweigh disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?