ISC Total English Class 11 Solution : Chapter 15

(iII) ‘Public Examinations at school level should be abolished.’ Express your views either FOR or AGAINST the given statement.

Answer:- For the View: Public Examinations at School Level Should Be Abolished

Public examinations at the school level have become a source of significant stress and anxiety for students, making them one of the most dreaded aspects of the education system. These examinations often contribute to ‘examination fever’ and anxiety attacks, as students feel immense pressure to perform well. The high stakes associated with these exams can negatively impact students’ mental and emotional well-being.

Examinations are frequently criticized for not accurately assessing a student’s understanding or application of knowledge. Instead, they often test how well students can retain information, encouraging rote learning rather than a deep comprehension of the subject matter. This method of evaluation promotes mindless cramming, where students memorize facts without genuinely understanding them, which is counterproductive to true learning.

The evaluation process itself is fraught with issues. Manual grading can be inconsistent and biased, affecting the accuracy and impartiality of the results. Additionally, the reliance on a few questions to judge a student’s capabilities is fundamentally flawed. A single examination cannot encapsulate a student’s overall abilities, talents, or potential. It is unjust to measure a student’s worth based on their performance in a limited set of questions on a given day.

The traditional examination system also fails to accommodate different learning styles and needs. It does not account for the diverse ways in which students acquire and demonstrate knowledge. Students who may excel in practical application or creative problem-solving might be unfairly judged based on their performance in a standardized exam setting.

Given these drawbacks, there is a compelling argument for abolishing public examinations at the school level. Instead, a more holistic approach to assessment could be implemented. This might include continuous assessment methods, project-based evaluations, and practical application of knowledge, which could provide a more comprehensive and fair evaluation of a student’s abilities and potential.

Against the View: Public Examinations at School Level Should Not Be Abolished

Public examinations at the school level have long been a cornerstone of the educational system, and there are several compelling reasons to support their continuation. Firstly, examinations play a crucial role in evaluating and classifying students’ performance according to various standards and levels. They offer a structured approach to assess proficiency and ensure that students meet the required educational benchmarks.

Examinations provide a standardized method to test the average level of knowledge and skills acquired by students. This standardization is essential for maintaining consistency in educational outcomes and ensuring that students are adequately prepared for the next level of study. By testing students’ understanding of the syllabus, examinations help determine their readiness for further academic or professional pursuits.

Furthermore, examinations serve as a valuable tool for teaching students how to handle pressure and perform under tense situations. The experience of preparing for and taking exams can instill important life skills such as hard work, dedication, and focus. These attributes are not only essential for academic success but also for personal and professional growth in the future.

Examinations also offer a means to identify areas where students may need additional support or improvement. They can highlight strengths and weaknesses, allowing educators to tailor their teaching methods and provide targeted assistance to students who may be struggling. This feedback loop is an integral part of the educational process, helping to enhance learning outcomes.

Moreover, while there are valid concerns about the limitations of traditional examinations, it is possible to address these issues through reforms rather than abolition. Implementing measures such as open-book exams, practical assessments, and diverse question formats can mitigate some of the criticisms while retaining the benefits of structured evaluations.

In conclusion, public examinations at the school level provide a necessary and effective means of assessing student performance and readiness for future challenges. While reforms may be needed to address their limitations, the complete abolition of examinations could undermine the critical role they play in education.