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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should schools eliminate grades and standardized testing?

IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1713316930

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: Should schools eliminate grades and standardized testing?

Model Answer:
In recent years, there has been an increasing debate about whether or not schools should abolish the use of grades and standardized testing in education. Some argue that this practice is essential for evaluating students' progress and ensuring academic consistency, while others claim that it leads to a narrow focus on exam performance rather than holistic learning. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives and provide my own viewpoint on whether schools should eliminate grades and standardized testing.

On the one hand, proponents of retaining grades and standardized testing argue that these methods are necessary for assessing a student's academic performance objectively. They believe that by setting specific benchmarks and measuring students against them, teachers can identify strengths and weaknesses, helping to target areas requiring improvement. Moreover, standardized tests are seen as a useful tool for comparing the performance of schools and educational systems, providing valuable data for policymakers and educators alike.

On the other hand, critics of grades and standardized testing assert that these practices can be detrimental to students' overall development. They argue that excessive focus on exam scores leads to a "teaching-to-the-test" culture, where educators prioritize preparing students for exams over fostering critical thinking and creativity. Additionally, it is suggested that the pressure of standardized testing can negatively impact mental health in students, leading to stress and anxiety.

In conclusion, while there are arguments in favor of retaining grades and standardized testing in education, I believe that schools should consider eliminating these practices. The benefits of holistic learning, critical thinking, and creativity far outweigh the potential advantages of having a measurable benchmark for academic progress. It is important to recognize that education should be about more than just test scores; it should also aim to develop well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Score: Overall, the model answer provides a comprehensive discussion of both perspectives, effectively arguing against retaining grades and standardized testing while supporting the importance of holistic learning. This response aligns well with IELTS scoring standards, receiving a high score for Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Task 2 Writing Band Score: Band 7

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