GP / 04 Q.1 and 2

Identify how much money is spent by the United States government on testing students, from

Source 1.

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Answer explanation

In many parts of the world, governments are introducing more tests of students’ achievement in

schools. Since 2000, eight countries in Europe have introduced national tests for students in primary

and secondary schools.

In the United States, the government spends $1.7 billion on testing students. Most students take about

112 tests between the ages of 5 and 19; about 8 tests per year. This takes about 25 hours every school

year. Japan, Mexico, and South Africa also have significant external testing of school students.

Identify two reasons for testing students.

• Raise the achievement of students

• Select people for university and higher education

• Measure the quality of schools

• Measure progress in learning

• Measure the quality of teaching

Which reason for testing students do you think is the most important? Explain why.

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Explain why testing in schools is an important personal issue.

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‘We should stop having tests in schools.’

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the argument supporting this claim?

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Answer explanation

I did not want to go to school today. I like learning but not taking tests. We should stop having tests in

schools.

At the end of the year, we take an important test. We have to revise a lot and the teacher stops sports

and art lessons so that we can practise for the test.

I saw a programme on television about tests. There was an expert who said that too much testing

makes children unhappy at school. He also said it causes stress and makes children scared of trying

new things. He said that their health could be affected. This happened to me and some of my friends.

I failed a test last year. I did not want to come to school because other students might be unkind. The

teachers put me in a different class and I miss my friends.

‘Too much testing makes children unhappy at school.’

How could you test this claim? You may consider the types of information, sources of evidence

or methods you might use.

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