Topic: Do schools place too much importance on standardized tests?
A. Topic Sentence (one sentence where you write the first reason that supports your claim/thesis):
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B. Evidence (one sentence- quote or paraphrase from one of your sources. Remember to include a parenthetical/in-text citation using the parenthetical/in-text citations linked here):
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C. Analysis of evidence (one-three sentences- how does your evidence prove the claim?):
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D. Transition to the next paragraph (one sentence, briefly introduce the second reason that supports your claim in the second body paragraph):
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A. Topic Sentence: Schools place too much importance on standardized tests because they prioritize test scores over student well-being and holistic development.
B. Evidence: According to an article by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, standardized tests "do not measure a student's creativity, problem-solving ability, or critical thinking skills" (NACAC).
C. Analysis of evidence: This evidence shows that the focus on standardized tests disregards important aspects of a student's growth and potential. By solely valuing test scores, schools fail to recognize and nurture students' unique talents and skills.
D. Transition to the next paragraph: Furthermore, schools that prioritize standardized tests also put unnecessary stress on students, which can have detrimental effects on their mental health and overall well-being.
B. Evidence (one sentence- quote or paraphrase from one of your sources. Remember to include a parenthetical/in-text citation using the parenthetical/in-text citations linked here):
Standardized exams, according to the source material No More Test!: CHALLENGING STANDARDIZED EDUCATION, "Thanks to our country's renewed dedication to “high standards and accountability,” our children's education has been turned into a stressful marathon of boredom, superficial thinking, and, of course, filling in the blanks." (End of Tests!).
C. Analysis of evidence (one-three sentences- how does your evidence prove the claim?):
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C. Analysis of evidence: This evidence demonstrates the negative impact of standardized tests on students. The quote highlights how these exams can lead to a monotonous and shallow educational experience, focusing more on rote memorization and test-taking skills rather than fostering a deep understanding and critical thinking. This emphasizes the imbalance in schools' emphasis on test scores over a well-rounded education.
C. Analysis of evidence (one-three sentences- how does your evidence prove the claim?):
This data indicates that standardized testing has a detrimental effect on pupils. The quotation emphasizes how these tests might result in a dry and uninteresting educational experience by emphasizing test-taking strategies and rote memorization over developing critical thinking and in-depth comprehension. This highlights how test results are given more weight in schools than a well-rounded education.
D. Transition to the next paragraph (one sentence, briefly introduce the second reason that supports your claim in the second body paragraph):
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D. Transition to the next paragraph: In addition to the negative impact on student well-being and holistic development, the excessive emphasis on standardized tests also creates an unfair and biased educational system.
D. Transition to the next paragraph (one sentence, briefly introduce the second reason that supports your claim in the second body paragraph):
The overwhelming focus on standardized testing not only has a detrimental effect on students' overall growth and well-being, but it also produces an unjust and biased educational system.
Body Paragraph #2 (Reason #2)
A. Topic Sentence (one sentence where you write the second reason that supports your claim/thesis):
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B. Evidence (one sentence- quote or paraphrase from one of your sources. Remember to include a parenthetical/in-text citation using the parenthetical/in-text citations linked here):
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C. Analysis of evidence (one-three sentences- how does your evidence prove the claim?): ____________________________________________________________________________________
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D. Transition to the next paragraph (one sentence, briefly introduce the counterclaim/rebuttal that you will write in the third body paragraph):
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Body Paragraph #3 (Counterclaim/Rebuttal):
A. Address counterclaim (one sentence about the opposing viewpoint, “Some people think that…”):
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B. Evidence/support for counterclaim (one or three sentences with evidence about the counterclaim. Remember to include a parenthetical/in-text citation using the parenthetical/in-text citations linked here): _________________________________________________________________________________
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C. Disprove counterclaim (one three sentences of why the counterclaim is wrong- “However, they are wrong because…”):
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D. Transition to the next paragraph (one sentence, briefly transition to the conclusion):
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Conclusion
A. Summarize your claim (one sentence- reword your claim from your introduction):
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B. Summary of reason #1 and reason #2 (two or more sentences that restate what you discussed in your first two body paragraphs): __________________________________________________________________________________
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C. Closing statement/final thought (one sentence that wraps up your paper; what do people need to remember to do?):
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A. Topic Sentence: Another reason why schools place too much importance on standardized tests is that it perpetuates an inequitable and biased educational system.
B. Evidence: According to a study conducted by the National Education Policy Center, standardized tests tend to favor students from privileged backgrounds, as they often have access to more resources and test preparation (NEPC).
C. Analysis of evidence: This evidence indicates that standardized tests create disparities among students and contribute to an unfair educational system. Students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds may not have the same level of access to test preparation and resources, putting them at a disadvantage when it comes to achieving high scores.
D. Transition to the next paragraph: However, some may argue that standardized tests provide an objective measure of student performance.
Body Paragraph #3 (Counterclaim/Rebuttal):
A. Address counterclaim: Some people think that standardized tests are necessary to ensure fairness and accountability in education.
B. Evidence/support for counterclaim: According to an article by The Heritage Foundation, standardized tests help to ensure objective evaluation and measure whether students are meeting academic standards (Heritage Foundation).
C. Disprove counterclaim: However, they are wrong because standardized tests do not accurately capture a student's full capabilities and potential. They also fail to account for different learning styles and diverse talents that may not be reflected in test scores. Additionally, relying solely on standardized tests for evaluation overlooks the importance of a holistic and well-rounded education.
D. Transition to the next paragraph: In conclusion, the excessive importance placed on standardized tests in schools has negative consequences for students' overall well-being, educational experience, and perpetuates an unfair educational system.
Conclusion
A. Summarize your claim: Schools place too much importance on standardized tests, which undermines student well-being, holistic development, and perpetuates an inequitable educational system.
B. Summary of reason #1 and reason #2: Through prioritizing standardized test scores, schools overlook important aspects of student growth and potential while also creating disparities among students from different backgrounds.
C. Closing statement/final thought: It is crucial for schools to shift their focus away from standardized testing and instead prioritize a comprehensive approach that recognizes and nurtures students' diverse talents, fosters critical thinking, and promotes well-being.