That Essay Problem

Have you ever encountered a long written exam that has an essay part at the end? I have, and it was not good; it was beyond impossible.

Imagine a long written exam in botany. There are problems you need to solve. There are different types of exam format: multiple choice, identification, et cetera. Then there’s the essay part.

If you are the whiz type, you would probably be able to solve the essay problem. What students need during an exam is enough time to solve everything. However, since not everyone can write, not everyone can finish the essay part.

I wanted a good justification on why teachers like to include an essay problem during exams. Then I realized that yes, not everyone can write; and not everyone can solve problems. Some students make up their points through essay problems.

The teachers then make a good point for me.