IELTS Task 2 sample essay: standardized tests

While some people argue that pupils should pass standardized tests at school because they encourage competition, I claim they do more harm than good.

One reason why people believe standardized tests are useful is that they can foster competition. When a test is taken to check what children have learned, they often compete against each other, as they want to prove that they are better learners. This will lead to improved engagement during the lessons, and they will start to consult their teachers more. As a result, they will develop academically. However, for students who are academically struggling, this method can backfire. After seeing their friends score much higher than they do, they will stop studying altogether or, worse, turn to cheating.

Therefore, I believe standardized tests often fail to gauge students’ abilities. This one-size-fits-all type of testing system is only useful to check scientific subjects such as math, physics, and biology. Although these subjects play an important role, students who are talented in the arts and sports are usually under-evaluated and even fail because of the flaw in the testing system. These will further discourage them from seeking their passions and progressing academically.

Additionally, this type of testing generally encourages remembering rather than understanding the concept. Unlike spoken tests, standardized tests are usually multiple-choice questions, and such questions are designed to check which terms students can recall rather than assess what student understand. As a result, the classrooms will be perceived as a prison that keeps students locked until they memorize concepts, rather than an epitome of knowledge and wisdom.

In conclusion, standardized tests can help students learn faster because of the competitive spirit they encourage; that said, this will not be particularly beneficial for those who are having academic difficulties. They also do not take talented students in art and sports into account and emphasize more remembering than internalizing the concept. Thus, I believe that schools should do away with standardized tests.