Exams are an essential part of the education system, and there are different types of tests that students take. Some exams are written, and others are oral. In recent years, there has been a debate on which type of exam is better. In this article, we will examine why oral exams are better than written ones.

1. Better Assessment

Oral exams provide a better assessment of a student's knowledge and understanding of a subject. During an oral exam, the examiner can ask follow-up questions and clarify any misunderstandings the student may have. In contrast, written exams only test a student's ability to recall information.

2. Testing Communication Skills

Oral exams test a student's communication skills. In today's world, communication skills are essential for success in all fields. Oral exams help students develop their communication skills, including their ability to articulate their thoughts, listen actively, and respond to questions.

3. Encourage Critical Thinking

Oral exams encourage critical thinking. During an oral exam, the examiner can ask open-ended questions that require the student to think critically and come up with an answer. In contrast, written exams usually have closed-ended questions that only require a student to recall information.

4. Reduce Cheating

Oral exams reduce cheating. Written exams can be copied or shared, making it easier for students to cheat. Oral exams, on the other hand, require students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in real-time, making it difficult for students to cheat.

5. Personalized Learning Experience

Oral exams provide a personalized learning experience. During an oral exam, the examiner can tailor the questions to the student's level of understanding and knowledge. In contrast, written exams have a fixed set of questions that may not be suitable for all students.

6. Better Feedback

Oral exams provide better feedback. During an oral exam, the examiner can give immediate feedback to the student, which can help them improve their understanding of the subject. In contrast, written exams usually only provide a grade, which does not give students specific areas to improve on.

7. Develop Confidence

Oral exams help students develop confidence. Oral exams require students to speak in front of others, which can be intimidating. However, with practice, students can develop the confidence to speak in front of an audience, which is a valuable skill in all aspects of life.

8. Real-Life Application

Oral exams have real-life applications. In many professions, such as teaching, law, and medicine, professionals need to speak confidently and articulately. Oral exams help students develop the skills needed for these professions.

9. Encourage Creativity

Oral exams encourage creativity. Oral exams require students to think on their feet and come up with solutions to problems. This can help students develop their creativity and come up with new and innovative ideas.

10. More Memorable Experience

Oral exams provide a more memorable experience. Oral exams are a unique experience that students are likely to remember long after they have taken the test. In contrast, written exams are often forgettable and do not leave a lasting impression.

11. Develop Listening Skills

Oral exams help students develop their listening skills. During an oral exam, students must listen carefully to the examiner's questions and respond appropriately. This can help students develop their listening skills, which are essential for success in all areas of life.

12. More Engaging

Oral exams are more engaging. Oral exams require students to be present and engaged during the test. In contrast, written exams can be dull and boring, and students may lose interest and focus.

13. Easier to Grade

Oral exams are easier to grade. Oral exams require the examiner to listen to the student's responses and assess them based on their knowledge and understanding of the subject. In contrast, written exams can be time-consuming to grade and may require multiple graders to ensure accuracy.

14. Reduce Stress

Oral exams can reduce stress. Some students may find written exams stressful, which can affect their performance. Oral exams can help reduce stress as students can have a conversation with the examiner, making it a more relaxed and comfortable experience.

15. Improve Memory Recall

Oral exams can improve memory recall. During an oral exam, students must recall information from memory, which can help strengthen their memory recall skills. This can be beneficial in all areas of life, from studying to working.

16. Develop Interpersonal Skills

Oral exams help students develop their interpersonal skills. Oral exams require students to communicate effectively with others, which can help them develop their interpersonal skills, such as empathy and active listening.

17. More Authentic Assessment

Oral exams provide a more authentic assessment of a student's knowledge and understanding. In real life, students will need to communicate effectively with others in various situations. Oral exams help simulate these situations, providing a more authentic assessment of a student's abilities.

18. Develop Problem-Solving Skills

Oral exams can help students develop their problem-solving skills. During an oral exam, students may be asked to solve problems or answer questions that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This can help students develop their problem-solving abilities, which are essential for success in all areas of life.

19. Reduce Anxiety

Oral exams can reduce anxiety. Some students may find written exams anxiety-provoking, which can negatively impact their performance. Oral exams can help reduce anxiety as students can have a conversation with the examiner, making it a more natural and comfortable experience.

20. Develop Presentation Skills

Oral exams help students develop their presentation skills. In many professions, such as marketing and sales, professionals need to present information effectively. Oral exams can help students develop these skills, making them more employable in the future.

21. More Interactive

Oral exams are more interactive. Oral exams require students to engage in a conversation with the examiner, making it a more interactive experience. In contrast, written exams are passive and do not require interaction.

22. Develop Time Management Skills

Oral exams help students develop their time management skills. During an oral exam, students must manage their time effectively to ensure they answer all the questions within the allocated time. This can help students develop time management skills, which are essential for success in all areas of life.

23. More Interesting

Oral exams are more interesting. Oral exams require students to engage in a conversation with the examiner, making it a more interesting and engaging experience. In contrast, written exams can be dull and boring.

24. Develop Social Skills

Oral exams help students develop their social skills. Oral exams require students to communicate effectively with others, which can help them develop their social skills, such as making eye contact and using appropriate body language.

25. More Fun

Oral exams are more fun. Oral exams require students to engage in a conversation with the examiner, making it a more enjoyable and fun experience. In contrast, written exams can be tedious and boring.

26. Develop Confidence in Speaking

Oral exams help students develop confidence in speaking. Oral exams require students to speak in front of others, which can be intimidating. However, with practice, students can develop the confidence to speak in front of an audience, which is a valuable skill in all aspects of life.

27. More Engaging Assessment

Oral exams provide a more engaging assessment of a student's knowledge and understanding. Oral exams require students to engage in a conversation with the examiner, making it a more interactive and engaging experience. In contrast, written exams are passive and do not require interaction.

28. More Personalized Feedback

Oral exams provide more personalized feedback. During an oral exam, the examiner can give specific feedback to the student, which can help them improve their understanding of the subject. In contrast, written exams usually only provide a grade, which does not give students specific areas to improve on.

29. Develop Empathy

Oral exams help students develop empathy. Oral exams require students to communicate effectively with others, which can help them develop their empathy skills, such as active listening and understanding another person's perspective.

30. More Natural Assessment

Oral exams provide a more natural assessment of a student's knowledge and understanding. In real life, students will need to communicate effectively with others in various situations. Oral exams help simulate these situations, providing a more natural assessment of a student's abilities.

Conclusion

Oral exams are better than written exams as they provide a better assessment of a student's knowledge and understanding, test communication skills, encourage critical thinking, reduce cheating, provide a personalized learning experience, provide better feedback, develop confidence, have real-life applications, encourage creativity, provide a more memorable experience, develop listening skills, are more engaging, are easier to grade, reduce stress, improve memory recall, develop interpersonal skills, provide a more authentic assessment, develop problem-solving skills, reduce anxiety, develop presentation skills, are more interactive, develop time management skills, are more interesting, develop social skills, are more fun, develop confidence in speaking, provide a more engaging assessment, provide more personalized feedback, develop empathy, and provide a more natural assessment. Overall, oral exams provide a more comprehensive and authentic assessment of a student's knowledge and understanding, making them a better option than written exams.