Engilsh Essays

THE DUTIES OF STUDENTS IN TIMES OF WAR

      Students, form the backbone of any nation. In times of emergency, such as war, famine, floods or drought, a country has to meet various demands to face the situation. In such emergencies all eyes are turned towards the students, the youth of the country.

No war can be fought without an efficient army. It needs far-sighted and intelligent officers. Jawans who meet the challenge of death smilingly, are needed in every-increasing numbers, but even the best and bravest of tough fighters will only sacrifice their lives in vain, if the leadership of the army does not come upto the mark. Only the students reading in colleges and universities can supply much needed leadership. This is, no doubt a big challenge, but the students can face it. They are being given training under N.C.C. and P.E.C., to make them good citizen in times of peace. But these very trained or under training students can join the army and become officers in times of war. It is the duty of students to take this training seriously so that they may serve their motherland when the need arises.

There is no doubt that it is the duty of the military to defend the freedom of the country. Every country maintains an army only with this aim. But it can look after only the frontier and face the enemy. Wars are generally lost due to internal disturbances and troubles. Every country has some black sheep. Students, by virtue of their education, can easily maintain internal peace and order. In war times, exemplary discipline is needed in every walk of life. Students should set an example for others by their own disciplined life. They should be willing to undergo all hardships. They should never behave in an indiscipline way.

Modern wars are not fought only at the battlefield and the fronts. Behind every Jawan, works the strength of the whole nation. Unless there is increased production in the fields and the factories, the requirements of military vehicles, ever increasing quantity of good grains, are needed to keep the military well provided. So factories have to work round the clock. Every inch of land has to be brought under the plough to increase agriculture production. Students get so many opportunities to serve their motherland.

They can continue to study and also devote their spare time to such productive channels.

Modern wars are technological and scientific. Only those countries can withstand the pressure of war which are technically and scientifically well advanced. Students, and students alone, are suited to undertake responsibilities in various fields. They should put in their heart an soul in their studies. They should take technical training and should study science. If the students study scientific and technical subjects, the country at war may be sure of its ultimate victory.

Students, by virtue of their youth, are best suited for tough jobs. They can undergo any type of sacrifice. They have the vigour, vitality and stamina to face the greatest hardship. Students have a fund of knowledge, which if channelized in proper direction can prove of immense value. In war times, all these qualities are of great use. Naturally, a nation at war depends upon its students. Whenever the honor an freedom of their country is in danger, it is they who must come to the forefront and protect it by giving even the last drop of their blood.

 

THE HOSTEL LIFE: ITS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

It is said that home is sweet. But even then life at home, cannot be compared to the life in a hostel. At home one has to live as other members of the family live.

Elders are always there to check the activities of youngsters. One cannot even frame one's own timetable of studies. One has to keep in mind the convenience of others. One has to study while others keep on talking and gossiping. Often one room, one kerosen lantern or lamp is used jointly by two or three brothers and sisters. If some relative or guest comes in, the whole programme of studies is upset. In fact, at home there is no atmosphere for serious studies. There is constant disturbance due to one reason or the other.

The life in a hostel is different from that of the home. The greatest blessing of hostel life is independence. You may sleep whenever you like. You may get up late in the morning but none will question you. Apart from the general rules and regulations, which are to be followed necessarily by everyone, one is his own master. It is due to this reason that many students do not like to go home even in long vacations. Those who love freedom, love the hostel life

In hostel, life is full of opportunities of amusement. One is constantly in touch with young men of one's age. One can make friends with one's hostel fellows who have varied tastes and aptitudes. He may choose his friends according to his own liking. Mutual discussions of their favorite film actors and actresses, long criticism of the latest picture seen by them, and story-telling, add charm to hostel life. Good arrangements of games and sports, Sunday specials and eating competitions, and day-to day merry-making, make the hostel life a thing of envy for all.

In a hostel, a student comes in contact with a number of other students. He acquires many good qualities form them. When a student sees his next door neighbor daily taking morning exercise, he also gets inspiration. He too tries to be healthy. One good student may become an example for other hostlers. When one is ill, all his hostel fellows try their best to serve him. Mutual cooperation, sympathy, and love are characteristic of hostel life. It will not be an exaggeration to say that only a hostel is the place where an all-round development of personality is possible.

Hostels provide the best atmosphere for study. If students enjoy the hostel life in different ways, they also work very hard when the time comes for it. Weaker students can always get help from their friends. When a careless and negligent student sees his partner of his neighbor competing for position, he also tries to follow his example. Hostel life not only develops the spirit of healthy competition, but also teaches the lesson of mutual cooperation.

Hostel life with its so man advantages has some drawbacks also. Students coming for the first time to a hostel, find entirely new atmosphere. The freedom of the hostel leads them astray. They begin to smoke, gamble and at times even to drink. Daily visit to some cinema becomes a routine. They fail to choose good companions. The unlimited freedom proves harmful for such students.

Parents send their wards to hostel for study, but there they waste their time in enjoyment and merry-making. As long as they go on receiving money, they care little from where it comes and to where it goes. They waste their precious time and the hard earned money of their parents like water. In later life, they have to repent for this folly.

Much of the usefulness, as well as harmlessness of hostel life depends upon its management. A badly managed hostel is bound to spoil the lives of its inmates. A well-managed hostel is sure to prove a blessing for those who are lucky enough to live in it.

THE AIMS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Success of democracy depends upon the people. Individual citizens must understand their duties and rights. They should honor the rights of others and perform their duties earnestly and honestly.

Without self-discipline, there can be no peace in society. It is necessary that our people should be broad-minded. They should be ready to receive new ideas and thoughts. They should be able to think clearly and impartially on various problems. This is necessary, because in a democracy individuals have to form their own judgment. There is no supreme authority like a dictator to the basis of co-operation. So the competitive spirit is to be replaced by the co-operative one. It means that the individual is to be developed for the benefit of society and not vice-versa. Our education must have this aim as its ideal. In short, the first object of education in a democratic country is, therefore, the full, all-round development of the personality of the individual.

The world has shrunk due to the inventions of science. We cannot afford to be narrowly patriotic. We are now the citizens of the world. We may be proud of the greatness of our country. We may sing the song of her glories. But we must also be ready to admit her weaknesses. The character of the people should be so developed that they not only become good patriots, but also have the sense of world citizenship. The development of character for national and international good is another important aim of education. Education should inculcate the lesson not only of national integration but also of international integration and unity. Our country is one and it must remain united. But the oneness or unity of the world is equally important. This can be achieved only through education.

It is matter of common experience that our workers waste their time while they are on duty. When they are left alone, without any supervisor, either they gossip or smoke or sit idle. So is the case with the office clerks and other educated workers. This mentality must be changed. If we begin to train our children in schools and colleges through different arts and crafts, they will learn to work in a responsible way from the very beginning. Their education must not be purely bookish and theoretical, as such education produces only white collared clerks. They should be taught to do productive work. So the improvement of vocational efficiency is another important aim of education.

Man cannot work for all the twenty-four hours. He must get leisure. The way in which this leisure is utilized is an important factor which affects the personality of the individual. Through the utilization of this leisure in a healthy way, cultural progress becomes possible. But if a man is not educated properly in his childhood, he cannot rightly utilize his leisure. It is through different co-curricular activities that the interests an tastes of students are developed and good habits are formed. Therefore the aim of education should be to cultivate among students such interests, as they may follow in their leisure time and thus contribute, in later life, to our cultural heritage.

It is said that leaders are born and not made. But it is also true that good education does prepare the students for the heavy responsibilities of the future. Dr. Radha Krishnan once said that the aim of education is 'to turn out leaders of men' and the universities, 'should inspire young men and women with noble ideas'. Such an education is al the more necessary in a democratic society.

It is the young men who are to occupy the place of responsibility in different walks of life. Education should develop in them a sense of responsibility. They should develop confidence and self-reliance. They must learn to shun violence in every form. Public property must not be damaged or destroyed. It is unpatriotic. A sense of selfless service is very important for those who occupy high positions. Originality and initiative are some other qualities which make a man successful. Our education must develop these qualities in our young men, so that they may be ready to meet the call of the nation.

           THE BENEFITS OF MEDICAL SCIENCE

Researches in medical science have benefited mankind immensely. Medical science provides remedies, cures and safeguards man against various diseases. Different countries have different systems of medicine. Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Acupressure etc. are becoming popular today.

Diseases like cholera, polio, malaria, pox etc. have almost been eradicated. Once considered incurable, diseases like cancer and tuberculosis, can be cured today. Organ transplants, brain surgeries, use of artificial limbs and organs, genetic engineering and cloning can be done easily. Medical science also lays emphasis on cleanliness and a balanced diet. It has its negative sides also but those can be taken care of. In fact, medical science has made life healthier, happier and longer than before.

Man always wishes to remain healthy. The saying, 'Health is wealth' is absolutely true. Medical science has been of great help to man against various diseases. Medical science has helped in the proper working of the human machine.

Man has been suffering from various diseases since time immemorial. He has done intensive research to find cures and remedies for those diseases. This gave birth to different systems of medicine in different parts of the world. These are the Egyptian system, the Chinese system, the Indian system (Ayurveda), the German system (Homeopathy) and the Western system (Allopathy). Homeopathy is based on the principle 'like cures like'. Allopathy is based on the principle 'opposite cures opposite'. Acupuncture, the method of pricking skin or tissues with needles for treatment of various diseases was developed by the Chinese. Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Acupuncture are becoming popular today.

In the last few decades, medical science has made rapid progress. Medicinal and surgical treatments have developed very fast. Diseases such as small pox, chickenpox, polio, plague, malaria etc. have now almost been eradicated. Many other diseases have been controlled through immunization. Open heart surgeries, organ transplants, brain surgeries, treatment of deadly diseases like, cancer, tuberculosis etc. have all become possible. Internal tumors and stones which were considered incurable a few years back can now be cured.

Hidden diseases in the body can be diagnosed easily with the help of X-rays. Gamma radiations are used for the treatment of cancer. Eye disorders can be corrected with lenses and spectacles. By surgical operations, eyesight can now be given back to a visually challenged person and power of hearing to a hearing impaired person. In a medical breakthrough, in 2007, doctors at All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi used one cornea to provide sight to three patients.

Blood transfusions can give new life to those who are dying of wounds, or suffering from any other ailment caused by blood loss. The year 2007 witnessed an another important breakthrough in medical science. It can make all humans universal donors. Danish scientists have converted A, B and AB blood types into O. O is the universal donor blood group which can be given to anyone in need of a blood transfusion. This breakthrough could potentially mean the end of blood shortages.

Giving artificial limbs and organs are now increasingly becoming common. Painless and even bloodless operations are carried out without difficulty. Laser surgery enables surgeons to operate without ripping open the body. Scientists have even succeeded in cloning animals.

Blood banks and sperm banks have been established. The application of genetic engineering works wonders. Many incurable genetic and other diseases can be cured by the process of genetic engineering. Advances in medical science have resulted in increase of average human life span and use of contraceptives has been a major factor in the decline of birth rate.

The first test tube baby was born in August 1978 in America. Blood banks and sperm banks have been established. The application of genetic engineering works wonders. Many incurable genetic and other diseases can be cured by the process of genetic engineering. Advances in medical science have resulted in increase of life span and use of contraceptives is responsible for decline in birth rate.

Forensic science deals with the application of medical science to tackle legal issues. It helps in identifying the cause of death by autopsy. Technique of DNA fingerprinting is frequently used for tracing and identifying criminals. This branch of medical science is helpful in solving crimes and murder mysteries. Researches in medical science have brought forth the necessity and importance of a balanced diet. A diet is balanced if it contains nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, proteins and minerals in the right proportion. A balanced diet helps one to remain healthy and free from diseases. Sometimes a person's regular diet may be deficient in some important nutrient. Multivitamin pills, tablets etc. are available to help overcome such deficiencies.

In earlier times, a general physician treated diseases afflicting any part of the body. Today specialists and super-specialists are available for treatment of different diseases. They are dentists. The specialists have a better knowledge about the organs they deal with.

Progress in medical science has led to certain social evils too. The sex-determination test is being misused for female feticide. cloning and euthanasia have created a serious moral dilemma. But these can be taken care of by man himself. Excessive and indiscriminate use of medicines for simple diseases like fever, headache etc. should be avoided.

Medical science has thus proved a boon to mankind. It has lengthened life. It has helped man to fight diseases. It has made life healthier and happier.

The Pollution

          The word, 'pollution' means to make dirty. Pollution causes imbalance in the environment. Environmental pollution is a serious problem. Nearly 35 percent of India's total land area is subject to serious environmental pollution.

Industrialization has led to urbanization, which has added to the pollution problem. Air pollution is the most dangerous form of pollution. land and water pollution have worsened the situation. Pollution causes several types of harmful disease. We must control pollution for our survival.

The word pollution 'pollution', has been derived form a Latin word, 'pollutionem,' which means to make dirty. Pollution is the process of making the environment. i.e. the land, water and air dirty by adding harmful substances to it. Pollution causes imbalance in the environment. This imbalance has threatened the very survival of life. It is a threat to the whole world.

Environmental pollution is a serious problem of the industrialized societies. The industrial development and the Green Revolution have adversely affected the environment. People have converted the life supporting systems of the entire living world into their own resources and have vastly disturbed the natural ecological balance. Serious degradation and depletion have been caused thought overuse, misuse and mismanagement of resources to meet the human greed.

Environmental pollution is defined as the unfavorable alteration of our surroundings. It is by product of man's activities through direct or indirect efforts of changes. These changes could be in the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of land, air or water that harmfully affect human life or any desirable living thing. Human population explosion, rapid industrialization, deforestation, unplanned urbanization, scientific and technological advancement etc. are the major causes of environmental pollution. Nearly 35 percent of India's total land area is subjected to serious environmental pollution. Three fourths of the earth consists of water, yet there is is a scarcity of potable water. In India, all the sources of water like rivers, lakes, ponds and wells have been polluted and are unfit for drinking. As a result of the increased use of fertilizers, the rivers, seas and oceans have become contaminated with harmful pollutants. It is estimated that more than 500 tons of mercury enters the ocean every year. Oil slicks, pollution caused by the flow of industrial waste, sewage and fertilizer have also threatened the aquatic life.

Industrialization has led to urbanization. The migration of rural population to the cities in search of work has created an unhealthy environment. It ha led to overcrowding, establishment of slum areas. Towns and cities are full of smoke, fumes, dirt, dust, rubbish, gases, foul smell and noise. Air, water and land pollution have further worsened the very survival of human beings.

Air pollution is the most dangerous form of pollution. It results form gaseous emission from industry, thermal power stations, domestic combustion etc. Due to air pollution, the composition of air is changing all over the world. Most of the gases and air pollutants are produced by burning fuels. Burning of coal produces carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide etc. which are responsible for acid rain. Chlorofluorocarbons are widely used as propellants and as refrigerants which cause ozone depletion.

Water pollution adversely changes the quality of water. It disturbs the balance of the ecosystem and causes health hazards. Water becomes polluted by the presence or addition of inorganic, organic or biological substances. Noise is also one of the major pollutants. The general noise level in the cities is rising alarmingly. Nuclear explosions and nuclear tests also pollute the air. The Taj Mahal in Agra is affected by the fumes emitted by the Mathura refinery. Reports estimate that the monument would get defaced with a span of twenty years because of the harmful effluents of the mission from the refinery.

Soil pollution usually results from the disposal of solid and semi-solid wastes from agricultural practices and from unsanitary habits. The soil is heavily polluted day-by-day by hazardous materials and microorganisms, which enter the food chain or water and create numerous health problems.

The emission of greenhouse gases has led to climatic changes. The increase in pollution has resulted in global warming. Global warming is an average increase in the Earth's temperature due to greenhouse effect as a result of both natural and human activity. The term climate is often used interchangeably with the term global warming. The ice-caps in the polar regions have begun to melt fast. This has resulted in the rise of the water level of the seas and oceans. Grass sprouting in Antarctica and snowfall in the desert of the United Arab Emirates are all the warning signals of global warming. These are caused by the Greenhouse Effect. India is a tropical country. Destruction of forests has to led to climatic changes. It has also led to the extinction of many rare species of wildlife.

It is now considered by the overwhelming majority of scientists that global warming is the most important threat to humanity. It is becoming more apparent that humanity may be facing more drastic problems in the near future as a result of global warming which will be unavoidable unless great measures are taken very soon.

The Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM) and The Indian Public health Association had urged the Indian government and the civil society to take prompt action to prevent the effects of global warming on health.

According to the fourth assessment report of UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it is important to study the impact of global warming at the grass root level and chalk out ways to tackle it.

Pollution causes different types diseases. Air pollution causes allergies, asthma, lung cancer and bronchitis. Radioactive pollutants cause respiratory problems, paralysis, cancer, and other diseases. Excessive noise pollution can lead to deafness, anxiety, stress, increase in the rate of heart beat and other health problems. The depletion of the ozone layer can also result in skin diseases.

In order to fight this menace of pollution, vigorous efforts should be made. The Anti-pollution law should be strictly practiced. In order to check water pollution, the sewage and the factory waste should be properly treated and cleaned before being discharged. Trees should be planted everywhere and vehicles should be made eco-friendly.

Public education and awareness of the relationship between climate change and human health is key to deal with problems more effectively. General awareness is must to save our planted from destruction. All the nations of the world should work unitedly to control environmental pollution.

 

The Role of Computers in Everyday Life

    The computer is one of the most brilliant gifts of science. This device was originally developed by Charles Babbage. Most countries have developed fast due to computerization. Writing a program is essential for a computer. Speed, accuracy, reliability, and integrity are the main characteristics of a computer.

         Many of the routine activities today at home and in business are done by computers. The computer has proved a friend and servant of science, technology and industry. Most offices, shops, factories and industries use computers. The Internet is a storehouse of information. The computer is a boon to all. Telecommunication and satellite imageries are computer based. Computers have made the world a global village today.

          Speed, accuracy, reliability and integrity are some of the characteristics of a computer. It can execute over a million instructions per second without committing and mistake. It can carry our calculations in just a few minutes that would require days if carried out manually. It helps us in solving many difficult problems of multiple calculations. Computer has a huge memory. It can hold large amount of data. The software technology has seen a spurt of development and firms like Microsoft have established themselves as market leaders, pioneering the IT revolution world over. It has provided us with efficiency and accuracy in our work. Software acts as the medium through which communication and dissemination of information are carried out.

          In less than 50 years, computers have influenced practically every field of activity. Many of the routine activities today are being performed by computers. Use of computers has reduced the paperwork. Now most of the work is done directly on the computers. The traffic in large cities is controlled by computers. Automation in banks and railway stations have provided relief to the public and staff alike. Ticketing and reservation have become more efficient and convenient. Various types of games like chess and cards can also be played on computers.

          In medical diagnosis, computers are being used to locate and investigate accurately and precisely abnormalities and diseases. Business transactions and high volume of associated data are easily managed by using computers.

           Computer is the backbone of information technology whose major application lies in internet. Internet has some very useful applications in our day to day life. One can get railway and air tickets booked online. This saves one from the trouble of standing in a queue for long hours. One can also apply for a job or admission in a school or a college by filling the application form online. This saves time and energy. One can also see results of any examination on the Internet. Tax returns can also be filed on the Internet. Income Tax form can be downloaded from the Income tax website.

 

           The interconnection of computers worldwide, i.e., the internet, is revolutionizing the concept and the conduct of business. Visual and audio access to offices worldwide through the network has given rise to virtual offices. One can have easy access to information via internet. It is an ocean of knowledge for the students. It is a huge library. The Internet helps the student to study for the examinations. Students pursuing courses through distance education mode can study the subject online. The internet is the fastest and cheapest way to take admission in a foreign institution, collect geographical information of any region, chat with anybody in any corner of the world or search for life partner of one's choice.

        The importance of the internet as an all-pervasive medium of the future has been well recognized in India. A very important indicator is the number of businessmen jumping on to internet related business. E-commerce is gaining popularity in India as it allows trade at low costs and offers enterprises a chance to enter the global market at the right time. E-commerce helps in various aspects of the business including identifying the customer, promoting sales and advertising, handling orders, taxes, shipping, payment processing, etc.

          Computerization has created a lot of jobs for DTP operators, Programmers, Hardware   and Software professionals. It provides tremendous openings for new kinds of entrepreneurs. The computer gives us many benefits. They can be used as typewriters. When equipped with telephone modems, with the help of computer we can chat across the world. Teleconferencing and video conferencing are also possible. The internet helps us to keep in touch with family and friends. One can get information about every subject known to man, ranging from government law and services. Trade fairs, conferences, market information, education, society and politics.

         Telecommunication and satellite imagery are computer based. Computerization can play an important role in rural areas in seed research, crop disease management and software development for rural industries.

        The computer also has its negative side. The rise of cyber crime, the use of chat rooms for indecent discussion, certain websites, which deal in pornographic material have been noticed. But the advantages and importance outweigh the disadvantages. Through computerization, the world has become a global village today.

 

 

THE TERROR OF EXAMINATIONS

 

Parents send their sons and daughters to schools and colleges to get education. Teachers work year in and year out to fulfill the task which society entrusts to them.The students are expected to study hard throughout the session. If no examinations were to be held periodically, neither teachers nor students would know the result of their efforts. Besides this, examination present a goal before students so that they know the amount of work which must be put in within a definite period.

Examinations inspire them. Their work becomes systematic and study is done in a well-planned manner. So the examination have a two fold function. First, they fix up a goal and thus direct the efforts of students and teachers towards its achievement. Secondly, examinations lay down before the parent and society an assessment of the progress of students. In this way examinations are necessary. Their place and importance in the educational system cannot be challenged.

In spite of such importance of examinations, some people want them to be abolished. They feel that they are of no good and do positive harm to the cause of education. They encourage copying and the use of unfair means. The students form the habit of cheating. This is an extreme view. There are others, who consider examinations essential. They emphasize only their merits. But the truth lies between these two extremes. Let us first examine the merits of examinations.

Examination is the time of demonstration. Students have to show the examiners that they know the answers to the questions set in the paper. They do so by expressing their ideas and feelings in the form of written answers. Those who have good power of expression are always gainers. To secure good marks one should be able to express oneself well. Now, to gain success students try to develop this power. Moreover, the nature of the present essay type examinations is such that, by itself, it develop this important aspect of personality.

While answering questions, students are required to give reasons for their views. They cannot do so without giving due thought to the various arguments. They have to use their own intelligence. In the limited time which they get in the examination, only selected material can be given. They must leave out much from the material which they know but which they consider useless from the point of view of the particular question. In this way, examinations develop the power of thinking, reasoning and making right judgment.

Preparations for the examinations have to be made in advance. No single book can supply the required material on a particular topic. Students have to consult a number of books for preparing the topics thoroughly. They have to take out of the books they read, a part of the material and leave the rest. They then arrange this material in a systematic order. Thus, students get trained in selecting and arranging their material. They learn to distinguish between the relevant and the irrelevant part of the subject-matter. Examinations thus, by fixing the goal, provide incentive for hard and regular work.

This is only the bright side of the picture. Let us now also examine the dark side. There is no such scale for marking the answer books as may give definiteness to the marks scored by the students. The marking is purely subjective. The same examiner may give different marks on the same answer book, if he is asked to examine it at two different times. If the answer book of the same student is given to two different examiners, they are likely to give quite different marks. Thus, the marks obtained in the present essay type examinations are not the true test of merit. They are often quite misleading.

To secure good marks in the examination, lengthy answers are sometimes necessary. Keeping this in view, students cram up answers to different questions without understanding the sense and at times even without understanding the language. Those who are good at cramming are always benefited. Intelligent understanding of the subject-matter is not increased. Students thus become good parrots but poor brains.

Every one knows that the sole aim of education these days is to pass the examination. Students hanker after short cuts and cheap notes. 'Guess papers', 'Atom-Bomb of Success', 'Twenty Four Hours Before Examination', 'Sure Success at Examinations', and the like find favor with them. In fact, no love for knowledge, or taste for serious study, is developed.

One of the serious drawbacks of the examinations is that they fail to measure what they claim to measure. Through a paper on Science, Geography, or History, the knowledge of that particular subject is not tested. Language and expression play an important part. One, who knows the subject matter well but is weak in Hindi or if one's writing speed is slow, will never fare well in the examination. Moreover, the question papers do not cover the whole course. Everybody knows that the student, who has prepared three-fourth's of the course thoroughly, but has neglected the remaining one fourth, secures less marks than the student who has remaining one fourth, secures less marks than the student who has prepared only that one-fourth. So we can say that the marks obtained depend more on chance than on the true ability of the examinees.

After considering all the merits and demerits of examinations, we can conclude that examination are a necessary evil. They cannot be completely done away with. But the way and the form in which they are held need reform. There are so many serious defects in the present system of examinations that their purpose is completely defeated. They fail in measuring the progress of students.

Many ways of reforming the examination system have been suggested. One is the setting of objective type questions, instead of the present system in which the question require long, essay type answers. In this way, it becomes possible to cover the whole course and the personal factor is eliminated. This method has been used so far with success in medical and other competitive examinations. But its great draw-back is that it does not develop the expressive power of the students. Careful thinking is necessary before objective tests are introduced in schools and colleges. Semester system i.e. the holding of two examinations in one year instead of one, has also failed to solve the problem.