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
Methods of evaluating a student’s performanceEvaluation methods of a student’s performance have always been an area of contention around the world. Many believe that students can be assessedthis can be done by continual assessment of their assignments and project work. On the other hand, people are also in favour of formal examinationsexamination. I believe the latter is a more appropriate option. This view is supported by the fact thatThis can be proved by analysing the fact that homeworkthe homework and projects done at home can be copied and a student’s memoryand also the memory of a student can be tested only in a formal testin a formal test only.
Firstly, the workbook assignments
Secondly, examinations that are conductedthe examination that is taken in educational institutionseducation institutes require students to understand the conceptsmakes students learn the concept and also memorise what they studied in classmemorise the same that they have studied in their class. Moreover, these are conducted in the presence of an invigilatorin 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 consideredconsidered as a more reliable method of testing one’s ability.
To conclude, based on this discussionlooking at the discussion it is clear that the advantagesclear that advantages of formal testing outweigh the benefits of assessment through assignments and projectsadvantages of testing by assignments and projects. I believe the method should be implementedimplied across the globe and it can be predicted that many countries will adopt this formway of assessment because of its effectiveness.
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
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.