Guide to English Writing

Tests vs. Projects/Independent Studies
Tests
: level playing field (everyone takes same test), ability to adapt to situation, real-world 
demands, conformity, get an overall picture of a student’s progress, relative achievement (relative 
scores to other students), regional comparisons, test of ability to prepare for a test, mean score, 
not personal, high pressure, stress, anxiety, make or break (pass and succeed or fail), university 
entrance exam preparation, concrete numbers (objective, remove biases)
Projects
: learn teamwork and collaboration/cooperation, requires self-motivation and discipline, 
manage deadlines, learn to ask for assistance, build research skills, develop a skill set (organization, 
time management, critical thinking, writing), easier to cheat, can pay others to do the work 
(outsourcing, plagiarism, internet sources), resourcefulness
other: 
@IELTS_Council

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THE WRITE IDEA - Education
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WritetoTop.com
Homework
Student
: 
pros
— reinforce lessons of the day, eliminate misunderstandings, can identify weak 
areas and work on them, keep up with classmates (have more time to solve problems without 
holding up others), can get extra help (parents, tutors, etc.), may enjoy the subject and want 
to learn more, have a sense of accomplishment and independence, learn time management 
and organizational skills, practice makes perfect, show parents hard work, real-world demands 
(workplace, other commitments, etc.); 
cons
— increased pressure from demands and deadlines, 
using up more time, can’t engage in other hobbies/activities, if subject is not interesting than 
extra boredom, remain indoors, repetition, competition with other students, may not add 
anything to one’s understanding
Teachers
: 
pros
— can make sure students are following the material, help manage the class by 
keeping everyone on the same page, can reduce lesson planning time by checking homework 
in class, can reduce tests and quizzes by evaluating and grading homework assignments; 
cons
— 
burn out (too much extra work involved making the workday too long and unpaid time), less time 
for teaching new material & more time checking, parents’ increasing demands, students lose 
interest or get annoyed
other: