Should schools scrap CCT?

CCTs, a student's worst nightmare, or maybe not? CCTs (common class test) are termly tests to check on a student's progress in the various subjects. To scrap is basically to discard and remove completely. If you ask me, I would say absolutely no!

A student's life in Singapore may be very stressful, packed with activities and events the whole week. To keep up on one's studies is no easy feat, some do not even try to! Other than through daily homework and assignments, the only other possible way teacher can know if a student is on the right learning path is through tests. Not forgetting the possibility of students copying their homework from friends, in which case is not likely in an official assessment(which could lead to a severe penalty).

It is also a good yardstick of where a student stands in that particular topic. Due to the fact that CCTs are at the end of terms, it summarises the whole term's curriculum and is a good gauge of how much a student understands. Somewhat like a checklist, it covers almost, if not all of the important points one should be fully aware of.

So why are students afraid of CCTs? Well, this may be because of the unintential instillation of a "score" driven mindset in them, by their parents, peers or teachers. They're constantly fearful of failing, or in Raffles Institution's case, not getting a 4.0. Well this should not be the case, as instead of being a stumbling block, it should be a medium to learn and gain knowledge.

In any case, tests shouldn't be considered an absolute measure of one's intelligence, in fact it is a horrible one. Students are so concerned that they will be mocked at for doing badly in a CCT, what they do not know is that they only show one's understanding. As many people know, music prodigy/genius Beethoven was not very proficient in his academic results, yet his works continue to be a great influence to modern musicians.

Finally, I believe perspective plays a great role in one's performance. One can let CCTs make him/her stronger, or break him/her.

To be continued...

Exposition

An exposition is basically to 'expose' the reader to the specific topic. In other words it informs the reader on the meaning and purpose of the subject at hand.

Usually the topic is one of controversy and more often than not, something that is difficult to understand. In exposition, the author will have to state his points, then systematically follow through by expounding on them. Keeping in mind that the whole objective of an exposition is to open up the situation, it will have to be elaborate and not repetitive.