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Writing Samples
Band 8

Some people believe that exams are an inappropriate way of measuring students' performance and should be replaced by continuous assessment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Introduction
Many schools and universities use final
examinations
Use synonyms
 to measure
students
Use synonyms
' academic performance. Some people believe that
this
Linking Words
 method is ineffective and should be replaced with continuous
assessment
Use synonyms
. I completely agree because regular
assessment
Use synonyms
 shows
students
Use synonyms
' abilities over time and allows a wider range of skills to be evaluated.
Body paragraph 1
The first reason is that a single exam cannot always provide a fair picture of a student's knowledge. It only shows how well someone performs on
one
Use synonyms
 particular day. Even a capable student may receive a low mark because they are nervous, unwell or unable to understand
one
Use synonyms
 question correctly. Continuous
assessment
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,
in contrast
Linking Words
, is based on several assignments completed throughout the course.
For example
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, teachers can consider
students
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' homework, written tasks and class performance when calculating their final grade.
As a result
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, the grade is less likely to be affected by
one
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 unsuccessful exam.
Body paragraph 2
Another reason is that continuous
assessment
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 can measure skills that traditional
examinations
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 often ignore. Projects, presentations and reports require
students
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 to research information, solve problems and communicate their ideas clearly. These abilities are important both at university and in future employment. Regular
assessment
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also
Linking Words
 encourages
students
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 to study consistently throughout the course.
Body paragraph 3
By contrast
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,
examinations
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 may lead learners to memorise large amounts of information shortly before the test and forget it soon afterwards. Some people may argue that continuous
assessment
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 is less objective because different teachers can give different marks.
Body paragraph 4
However
Linking Words
,
this
Linking Words
 problem can be reduced by using clear marking criteria and having important assignments checked by more than
one
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 teacher.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I fully agree that
examinations
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 should be replaced with continuous
assessment
Use synonyms
 because it provides a more reliable picture of
students
Use synonyms
' knowledge and evaluates a broader range of useful skills.

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task response
Your view is very clear from the start, and you answer the full question. To make it even stronger, add one more real example of a project or talk that shows a skill a test cannot show.
task response
You give a fair point for exams: they can seem more equal. You then answer this point well. You could also say why clear rules and two teachers make the marks more fair.
coherence and cohesion
Your essay has a clear start, two main parts, a short other view, and a clear end. This makes it easy to follow.
coherence and cohesion
The links between ideas are good, such as “For example”, “As a result”, “By contrast”, and “However”. Try not to put the other view in a very short part. Join it more closely to the second main point, or give it its own full part.
coherence and cohesion
Each main part starts with a clear main idea and then gives support. The last part repeats your view well without adding new ideas.
task response
You state that you fully agree and keep the same view all through the essay.
task response
Your reasons are clear: regular work gives a more true view of learning, and it can show more kinds of skill.
coherence and cohesion
The order of ideas is clear and natural, so the reader can follow your point with ease.
coherence and cohesion
Your examples of homework, written work, class work, projects, talks, and reports help make your ideas clear.
Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »- a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

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