Many people argue that exams give a lot of pressure to students and prevent them from studying freely, so taking exams is not a good way to encourage students to learn. However, I strongly belive that exams encourage students to learn because they study a lot to prepare for tests and the results of tests show what they need.
To begin with, most students study hard to prepare for their tests. Even though sometimes preparing for tests gets students stressed out, in order to get high score on the tests, students do very hard works. Some students force themselves to stay up untill late studying. For example, when I was a high school student, I used to stay at school studying untill 10 P.M to obtain high grade. Although it was a little stressful, I was able to push myself to do so. I could gain high grade and much knowledge from the study. If there had not been for the tests, would I have studied until that late time? My answer is 'NO'. It is understatement that my knowledge which has been accumulated for several years results from my hard work. It was defenitely due to exams.
Secondly, exams show what students need. The results of tests can be indications for students about what aspects they should reinforce. That is, exams function as a feedback. Students can figure out what their strong point is or weak point is. By observing the results, students are able to correct themselves, set the next destination and move forward. In this sense, taking exams, analyzing them and knowing what they should do really motivate to study harder. From my personal experience, as an electrics major, while I got all A+s in physics courses, I got a B+ in math course in last fall semester. It completely showed that I have a week point over mathmatics. This result motivatied me to study mathmatics. I promised myself that I would get an A+ in math class in winter semester. I put all my effort into studying mathmatics during the semester. As a result, I got A+ on math test and confidence as well. Like what I experienced, exams stimulated me to learn hard. It affected me in a very good way.
In conclusion taking exams may be so stressful and annoying. However, it totally encourages students to learn harder becuase they prepare for tests for better grades and discover what they need. Although exams require hard working and much time, they are worthwhile in that students get motivatied and encouraged by them. They absoutely help students, so should continue to be given to students.
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