1. Read the main body paragraphs in Activity 26.

2. Based on the ideas in the main body paragraphs, write an introduction and a
conclusion for the essay:
“Should examinations be abolished?”
Introduction: What, Why, and How?
Conclusion: 3S - Summary, Stance, Suggestion(s)

Looking good everyone :) 5 more minutes everyone!

Group 1

Introduction

Examination is always an important tool for testing students' understanding of different

subjects and abilities in Hong Kong. From TSA in primary schools to DSE in secondary
schools, there are always debates on whether examinations should be abolished. Some
people claimed that examination is irreplaceable to show students’ academic results while
some argued that there could be other ways out. In this essay, the advantages and
disadvantages of the existence of examinations are going to be discussed.

Conclusion
This essay has investigated the advantages and drawbacks of examinations. Although
examinations can provide motivations for students and be a measuring function, they can
affect the psychological state of candidates and the validity has been challenged by
researchers. The arguments are strong on both sides of this issue; however, overall,
examinations are needed in schools as it is important to test students’ abilities. The negative
psychological state of students could be eliminated by offering counselling services with social
workers or counsellors in school. For validity, examinations could accept more possible
answers as correct answers.

Group 2 5 more minutes everyone!

Introduction

Examination is a systematic examination of a person's expertise or ability in a particular

subject or skill. The issue of the abolishment of examinations in Hong Kong has aroused wide
concern among various circles. The advocates put forward the idea that examinations would
affect the psychological state of candidates and they also question the validity of
examinations, while the skeptics insist that it can provide motivation for students to learn and
have a standardised assessment to measure their performance.This essay examines some of
the advantages and disadvantages of the effects of examination.

Conclusion

This essay has discussed the advantages and disadvantages of examinations. Although
examinations can serve as a motivation for students to learn and as a measurement tool to
separate students into different levels,they may put much more pressure on students and it is
not effective enough to estimate students’ abilities. The above analysis indicates that the
disadvantages of examination outweigh the advantages of it. In order to reduce the negative
impact of examinations, it is suggested that the Education Bureau should reform the
examination system and put less emphasis on it.

Group 3 5 more minutes everyone!

Introduction
An examination is the common academic evaluation format at schools all over the world.
However, in recent years, there has been a fierce debate on whether it should be abolished or
not. While some of the public state that students can be motivated to learn better with the
examination and it provides a standard measurement to schools on the abilities of their
students, the others point out that the examination stresses the students out and the
usefulness of examination has been doubted. The following discussion will focus on the
advantages and disadvantages of having examinations at schools.

Conclusion
This essay has presented arguments for and against abolishing the examinations. The
benefits of examinations include providing motivation for students to learn and offering a
standardized assessment for society as a measuring function, whilst the potential side effects
encompass affecting the psychological state of candidates and the questionable validity of
examinations. The above analysis indicates that the benefits of having examinations outweigh
the drawbacks of it. In order to reduce the negative impacts of examinations, schools should
reduce the percentage of examinations and design some high-level thinking questions in
examinations to enable the students to reflect on what they have learned.

Group 4 5 more minutes everyone!

Introductio
Examination is a means of testing ability. Whether the examination system should be
abolished has aroused a wide debate. Some scholars believe that examinations can help
students stay motivated to learn and effectively select talents. However, some people
consider the examinations can cause enormous pressure and the validity of the exam is
questionable. This essay will discuss both views.
Conclusion
To sum up, an examination can provide motivation and encourage students to learn. It can
help students to set and achieve study goals that can help them stay focused. However,
examinations can affect the psychological state of learners. They may have high expectations
of themselves and this can create stress towards students. Also, some examinations do not
require students to have a high-level learning, this cannot represent students’ ability to
elaborate their knowledge and thinking skills. To improve examinations, there should be more
in-depth questions in examination in order to let students apply their knowledge and reflect on
what they have learnt in class.