Argument: Exams

	Twice every school year, an event takes place that causes all students to shudder in terror.  The weeks of exams are some of the most hated times for many an FHS student, and many wish that they would just go away.  However, I am of the personal opinion that these exams are necessary.

	The main reason for having exams is so that the school can take a look at whether or not the student has learned anything during his time in a certain class.  For instance, if one were to take a History course, it would be nice to know if the student paid any attention during class, or if they still think that Napoleon was a flavor of ice cream.

	In addition, it helps to take a second glance at the student’s performance in a given class; sometimes, a student will attempt to bluff his way through a course, not actually learning anything.  In this case, when the exam comes, no amount of bluffing will save this student.  Inversely, a student may have had ill luck during the year, learning a great deal, but not doing well in class.  In this case, the exam gives them a chance to prove themselves.

	A third argument for exams is that they help cement the knowledge of the course in the student’s mind, allowing them to ensure that they will remember what they have learned.  If the course suddenly ended, all the things that were taught will quickly slip away in the streams of time.

	Some people argue that the exams are specifically geared to ruin the student’s grade.  However, in theory, one should do just as well on the exam as they did during the year.  If not, then there is some disparity between the exam and the work done during the year.

	Other people put forth the argument that exams cause undue stress.  The problem with this argument is that the students must learn how to balance one’s work, and not overreact to excrucating circumstances.  If one cannot handle high school exams, then the university exams will be even worse.  Also, ordinary life at work involves stress, whether through a report suddenly due, or a deep frier catching fire.

	Overall, the exam experience is a vital part of the present school system.  Without this testing, the entire educational system would need to be overhauled; the exams are the final block in the wall.  Simply put...the students may hate the exams now, but they will be ever thankful for them in years to come.