'Are grades a lever for success or a psychological burden?'

A group of primary school students debated the topic: Grades in school: A lever for success or a psychological burden? - Photo: TRONG NHAN

Scores were one of many interesting yet challenging debate topics for students at the final round of the iSMART English Champion 2025 competition held on the afternoon of April 12 in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

This is also one of the largest English debate competitions for students today, organized nationwide.

Every score you say you did your best

Given the topic Scoring at school: A tool for success or a source of stress?, the primary school contestants from Ho Chi Minh City faced one of the most difficult topics of the final round, both in terms of language and thinking.

Le Duy Khanh, a student at Tran Thi Buoi Primary School (HCMC), said that grading is necessary to know what you have learned. But he believes that testing is not always necessary.

For example, teachers can use games, presentations, or other fun activities to assess students. This way, students don't feel intimidated by the word "test."

Doan Minh Vu, a student at Truong Thanh Primary School (HCMC), surprised many people when he cited data from a survey in the US: about 4% of students suffer from mild stress, and more than 38% suffer from severe stress. But only about 30% of students really understand stress and how to deal with it.

From there, Vu thinks that teachers and parents need to help students understand more about stress so that they don't feel pressured by grades. Grades should be something that helps children become better, not something that makes them afraid.

Nguyen Minh Duy, a student at Au Co Primary School (HCMC), gave a close perspective from his classroom: "My teachers don't just look at the scores. They also ask why I find this lesson difficult, or observe how we work in groups, play games like Kahoot or Duolingo. That way, I find learning more fun and I try harder."

A group of middle school students debated the topic of Vietnamese culture - Photo: TRONG NHAN

As for Truong Hong Thy, a student at Le Quy Don Primary School (Dong Thap), she convinced the judges that her teachers encouraged her that it was normal to make mistakes in tests and exams. What was important was what she learned from those mistakes.

"She also said that a successful person is not someone who doesn't make mistakes, but someone who doesn't make the same mistakes again. She reminded me that grades are only a part of it. The important thing is that you continue to try and enjoy studying," Thy said.

The rebuttal after the presentation made the atmosphere even "hotter" when the judge asked the question: "If you think your score is okay but your parents are not satisfied, what will you do?"

Duy Khanh answered sincerely: "I will tell you that I tried my best. I think trying my best is the most important thing."

More than 82,000 candidates attended

In addition to the "hot" topic of scores, the final round also brought many other interesting and challenging debates such as: healthy eating, Vietnamese culture among young people, or solutions to prevent flooding in Vietnam...

Each topic is not only an English test but also an opportunity for students to express their personal views on social issues.

The iSMART English Champion 2025 competition, organized by iSMART Education, attracted more than 82,000 students from grades 3 to 8 nationwide.

The final round was held simultaneously at Canadian International School (HCMC) and Newton School (Hanoi) with the participation of 24 best candidates from across the country.

Mr. Nguyen Bao Quoc, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City, spoke at the honoring ceremony - Photo: TRONG NHAN

Mr. Nguyen Bao Quoc, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City, commented that the contest does not stop at training students' listening - speaking - reading - writing skills, but also helps them develop critical thinking, teamwork skills and know how to present and defend personal opinions.

According to him, to prepare for these exams, students also need to deeply understand cultural and social issues - which are essential in the journey to becoming global citizens. This is also one of the specific activities to gradually realize the goal of making English the second language in schools set by Ho Chi Minh City.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/diem-so-la-don-bay-cho-thanh-cong-hay-ganh-nang-tam-ly-20250412174823407.htm