In some countries, the conduction of exams and ability tests are the cornerstone of their assessment systems in schools. From my perspective, I am of the view that the benefits of these evaluation techniques far exceed any potential demerit because it helps students to retain knowledge.
On the downside, paper based evaluating methods promote cramming of information among students. The outcome of these exams compel young ones to commit facts and figures to memory without fostering understanding of these concepts. Resultantly, they exhibit theoretical knowledge sans practical interpretations due to this rote culture. For instance, a T.V show featuring the efficacy of various testing methods corroborated this notion that students strive to achieve good grades by memorizing key concepts without getting the gist of their practical utility. However, in my opinion, these assumptions are not significant enough to discard the current testing method completely.
On the up side, they help student to memorize their lesson and excel in their future endeavors. Learning things by heart, they can recall them whenever they need them, and get themselves out of any hassle. As a case in point, learning the rules of Geometry in school may not make any sense for many youngsters but when they grow up, it comes very handy in their day-to-day affairs. Moreover, the outcomes of this form of evaluation is not subjective and has no tendency for the personality bias of a teacher. It is, therefore, an ideal system for checking the real potential of an aspirant by subjecting them to a same paper based test.
In conclusion, Conducting exams and tests , an attribute of modern evaluation system, determine the future of the students in many countries, and I think that its benefits out weigh any potential pitfall due to its capacity to equip people to retain the knowledge for future.