Write for an Academic Discussion

A professor has posted a question about a topic and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas. Make a contribution to the discussion.
You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on education.

In your response, you should do the following.

• • Express and support your opinion.
• • Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor’s question:

In our discussion about modern education, let's consider standardized tests. These exams are used in many countries to measure student performance and determine university admissions. Supporters claim they offer a fair, objective way to compare students from different backgrounds. However, critics argue that they cause stress and don't reflect a student's true abilities or intelligence. Are standardized tests a fair way to evaluate students? Why or why not?

Student response 1:

I believe standardized tests are a fair tool because they provide a consistent and unbiased measure of academic skills. Without them, it would be difficult to compare students from schools with different grading standards. For instance, these tests ensure that everyone is evaluated on the same core knowledge, creating a more level playing field.

Student response 2:

I disagree, I think standardized tests are unfair because they don't account for a student's individual talents, like creativity or leadership. Furthermore, success on these tests can often depend on access to expensive preparation courses, which gives wealthier students an advantage. A student's overall academic record is a much better indicator of their potential.