Pte 70 Score Essay on “According to many people, formal examinations are an unfair indication of a student’s ability”. What is your opinion?

According to many people, formal examinations are an unfair indication of a student’s ability. What is your opinion? In what ways are examinations unfair?

A considerable proportion of people in the society do not believe in the effectiveness of formal examinations. Hence there is a transition from formal examinations to other forms of assessment. I tend to agree with this group of people for more than one reason.

It is claimed that tests enable the teacher to know how well the student has understood the subject. A good result makes the teacher as well the parents happy. Some schools award citations and certificates and give scholarships to those students who excel. Such awards prompt the students to work hard. However, there are certain flaws in the examination system. Firstly, Students tend to learn things by heart without applying their mind. As a result, cramming enables many students to pass examinations. Thus, instead of  checking a student’s knowledge or ability, examinations become mere ‘memory tests’.

Moreover, examinations cause unbearable stress in the mind of students. Most students look towards their examinations with an anxious mind. Students do not get enough spare time for games and are unable to give wings to their hobbies due to the burden of examinations. Failure in the examination arouses a feeling of low self-esteem and negative self-image in the minds of the students. At times, students break down under pressure and resort to extreme measures like running away from their homes or even committing suicide.

In total, it becomes evident that formal examinations cannot be considered a perfect reflection of a student’s ability. There is the need for more effective ways of assessment that do not pressurize the students.