Academic Task 2 · Discuss both views
Projects or final examinations?
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Suggested practice level: advanced, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
Some teachers think students should be assessed mainly through long-term projects. Others think final examinations provide a fairer assessment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
How to approach this question
Explain both viewpoints fairly and give your own judgement when the question asks for it.
Discussion essays: cover both views and your opinion →
Education essays: develop ideas, test their limits and use topic vocabulary →
Project view: a longer assignment can reveal planning, revision and the application of knowledge. Consider whether access to outside help affects fairness.
Examination view: common conditions may make individual performance easier to compare, but a single sitting can miss skills developed over time. Explain your preferred balance.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: identify both views and give your own opinion.
- Body 1: explain why people hold the first view and illustrate their reasoning.
- Body 2: fairly explain the second view; show how your judgement relates to it.
- Conclusion: weigh the views and restate your own position.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- consistent assessment criteria
- The same standards used to judge different students’ work.
Consistent assessment criteria can make project marking clearer.
- independent performance
- What someone can achieve without help from other people.
A supervised examination gives one view of independent performance.
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