Tests and Exams

I believe that test and exam scores are important. You need good grades to advance to the next level. However, I think that it is equally important to know how to speak and write proper English. It is great that students take tutorial classes to improve their grades. However, if students are only trained to take tests and exams, they will be ill equipped to deal with real life situations such as writing emails, blogs, letters, essays, reviews, and opinions. Students may also be uncomfortable in conversing in English if they only focus on studying to get better grades. Some students may have grades good enough to study abroad but they may not have the language skills to continue or do well in their studies abroad. I have unfortunately met many students who have excellent grades but they cannot speak or write English properly. It is really quite sad to see parents spend so much money on helping their children do extremely well in various English exams and yet their ability to communicate in English is limited.