Formal examinations are the only effective way to assess a student's performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects is not a satisfactory way to do this. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Sample Response
Evaluation methods of a student’s performance have always been an area of contention around the world. Many believe that this can be done by continual assessment of their assignments and project work. On the other hand, people are also in favour of formal examination. I believe the latter is a more appropriate option. This can be proved by analysing the fact that the homework and projects done at home can be copied and also the memory of a student can be tested in a formal test only.
Firstly, the workbook assignments
Secondly, the examination that is taken in education institutes makes students learn the concept and also memorise the same that they have studied in their class. Moreover, these are conducted in the presence of Invigilator. Hence, restricting students to take any external help. This shows how much grasping power does an individual have. Therefore, this can be considered as a more reliable method of testing one’s ability.
To conclude, looking at the discussion it is clear that advantages of formal testing outweigh the advantages of testing by assignments and projects. I believe the method should be implied across the globe and it can be predicted that many countries will adopt this way of assessment because of its effectiveness.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use a gerund phrase Original: Evaluation methods of a student’s performance Suggested revision: Methods of evaluating a student’s performance Why it matters: The revised phrase uses the natural grammatical structure for describing assessment methods.
- 2. Clarify the reference Original: this can be done Suggested revision: students can be assessed Why it matters: The pronoun is vague, so name the assessment of students directly.
- 3. Use the plural form Original: formal examination Suggested revision: formal examinations Why it matters: A plural noun is needed when referring to formal examinations as a general method.
- 4. Avoid an overstated phrase Original: This can be proved by analysing the fact that Suggested revision: This view is supported by the fact that Why it matters: The revision expresses support for the argument without claiming absolute proof.
- 5. Remove the article Original: the homework Suggested revision: homework Why it matters: Homework is uncountable here and does not take the definite article.
- 6. Use possessive structure Original: and also the memory of a student Suggested revision: and a student’s memory Why it matters: The possessive form is more concise and natural in this context.
- 7. Place only correctly Original: in a formal test only Suggested revision: only in a formal test Why it matters: Placing only before the prepositional phrase makes its scope clear.
- 8. Use natural passive wording Original: the examination that is taken Suggested revision: examinations that are conducted Why it matters: Examinations are conducted rather than taken when the institution is the implied agent.
- 9. Use the standard term Original: education institutes Suggested revision: educational institutions Why it matters: Educational institutions is the conventional expression for schools and similar bodies.
- 10. Match the plural subject Original: makes students learn the concept Suggested revision: require students to understand the concepts Why it matters: The plural subject requires a plural verb, and the revised wording is more natural.
- 11. Remove awkward reference Original: memorise the same that they have studied in their class Suggested revision: memorise what they studied in class Why it matters: The same does not refer clearly to the material the students studied.
- 12. Add an article Original: in the presence of Invigilator Suggested revision: in the presence of an invigilator Why it matters: A singular countable noun needs an article, and the common noun should not be capitalised.
Suggested Rewrites
- Evaluation methods of a student’s performance Methods of evaluating a student’s performance
- this can be done students can be assessed
- formal examination formal examinations
- This can be proved by analysing the fact that This view is supported by the fact that
- the homework homework
- and also the memory of a student and a student’s memory
Why this response received Band 5.5
The response maintains a clear preference for formal examinations and offers a relevant argument about supervised testing, so its central message is easy to identify. However, it is substantially under length and the unfinished coursework paragraph leaves the case against continual assessment largely undeveloped. The highest priority is to complete that argument with specific explanation and an example, then connect it explicitly to the stated position.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Detailed feedback by IELTS writing criterion after the annotated essay.
Task Response
A clear position and relevant reasons are present, but the response is under length and one main idea is left entirely undeveloped.
Develop the coursework argument in a complete paragraph with explanation and a concrete example.
Coherence and Cohesion
The overall direction is recognizable, but the isolated unfinished paragraph and some mechanical linking disrupt progression.
Give each main idea a complete topic sentence, explanation, and logical link to the conclusion.
Lexical Resource
There is an adequate range for the topic, although several word choices and collocations are imprecise.
Replace inaccurate expressions such as implied and grasping power with precise academic wording.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A mix of sentence forms conveys the main meaning, but fragments, awkward inversion, and recurring structural errors reduce control.
Write complete sentences and check clause structure, articles, and subject-verb patterns during revision.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Formal examinations are the only effective way to assess a student's performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects is not a satisfactory way to do this. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.