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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Type Argument essayQuestion Some people believe that schools should eliminate grades and standardized testing, arguing that they can create unnecessary stress and pressure on students. Others claim that they provide a fair and objective way to assess students\' abilities. Discuss both sides of the argument and give your own opinion.

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Task Type: Writing Task 2: Argument essayQuestion: Some people believe that schools should eliminate grades and standardized testing, arguing that they can create unnecessary stress and pressure on students. Others claim that they provide a fair and objective way to assess students' abilities. Discuss both sides of the argument and give your own opinion.

Model Answer:

In recent years, the debate over whether schools should eliminate grades and standardized testing has gained momentum. While some argue that eliminating these systems would reduce stress and pressure on students, others believe they offer a fair and objective method for assessing abilities. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Those in favor of abolishing grades and standardized tests argue that they can create an unhealthy amount of stress and pressure among students. They contend that such systems often lead to rote learning, where students focus on memorizing information for exams rather than developing a deeper understanding. As a result, students may not learn the essential skills needed for success in their future careers or personal lives. Additionally, critics argue that grades and standardized tests can create an unfair advantage for those from wealthier backgrounds who have access to better education resources, thus perpetuating socio-economic disparities.

On the other hand, supporters of maintaining traditional grading systems and standardized testing assert that these methods provide a fair and objective way to evaluate students' abilities. They contend that without a standardized system in place, teachers may be biased when assigning grades or providing feedback. Furthermore, proponents argue that removing grades and tests could make it difficult for colleges, employers, and other institutions to accurately assess applicants’ skills and knowledge.

While both arguments hold merit, I believe that the benefits of retaining a grading system and standardized testing outweigh their drawbacks. Firstly, while it is true that grades can sometimes foster unhealthy levels of stress and competition among students, this issue can be mitigated through proper implementation and support from educators. For instance, schools could place greater emphasis on formative assessments, which focus on process rather than outcome, allowing students to learn from their mistakes without fearing negative repercussions.

Secondly, eliminating grading systems would create significant challenges for institutions seeking to evaluate applicants' abilities fairly and consistently. For example, colleges must make admissions decisions based on some form of objective criteria, and standardized testing serves as one such tool in this process. While it is essential to recognize the flaws within our current education system, we should work towards improving existing systems rather than abolishing them altogether.

In conclusion, while the arguments for eliminating grades and standardized tests have some merit, the potential drawbacks of doing so are far more significant. By focusing on improving our current grading and testing methods, we can create a fairer and less stressful environment for students without sacrificing the benefits provided by these systems.

Overall Band Score: Band 7.5

- Task Response: 9 (The candidate has fully addressed the task requirements)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8.5 (The candidate demonstrates a clear progression of ideas in a logical order, with smooth transitions and coherent paragraphing)
- Lexical Resource: 7.5 (The candidate uses a wide range of vocabulary with some grammatical inaccuracies)
- Grammar Range & Accuracy: 8 (The candidate has near-perfect grammar with occasional minor errors that do not impede understanding)
- Spelling and Punctuation: 9 (The candidate demonstrates consistently correct use of spelling and punctuation)

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