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For many years, intelligence has been measured mainly through standardized tests that focus on memory, math, and language skills. While these tests may show how well someone performs academically, they do not fully represent how intelligent a person truly is. Intelligence is more complex than the ability to answer questions on a test. An effective intelligence test should take into account problem-solving and decision-making skills as well as creative thinking, because these abilities are essential in real life and better reflect how people actually use their intelligence.

First, an ideal intelligence test should measure a person’s ability to solve problems and make decisions under pressure. In everyday life, people constantly face situations where they must think quickly and choose the best option, even when they do not have all the information. According to psychologist Robert Sternberg, intelligence includes practical intelligence, which is the ability to adapt to real-world environments and solve everyday problems (Sternberg). Traditional IQ tests often ignore this skill and instead focus on memorization or speed. From my own experience at school, some students struggle with exams but are very good at handling real-life situations, such as organizing group projects or resolving conflicts. This shows that problem-solving and decision-making are important signs of intelligence that should be assessed.

Another important factor an intelligence test should include is creative thinking. Creativity allows people to generate original ideas, think outside the box, and find new solutions. Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences explains that intelligence exists in different forms, including creative and artistic intelligence, not just logical or linguistic abilities (Gardner). Many students who are creative may not score highly on traditional tests, yet they excel in areas like design, writing, or innovation. For example, when working on projects that allow creativity, I often perform better than on standard exams because I can express my ideas freely. This suggests that creativity is a valid and necessary measure of intelligence.

Some people argue that intelligence tests should only focus on academic skills because they are easier to measure and compare. Academic knowledge is important, especially for school success. However, this approach is limited because it ignores other essential abilities that people need outside the classroom. Research shows that high IQ scores do not always predict success in life, careers, or relationships (Sternberg). Therefore, relying only on academic expertise gives an incomplete picture of a person’s intelligence.

In conclusion, intelligence should not be assessed through academic testing alone. A fair and effective intelligence test should focus on problem-solving and decision-making skills as well as creative thinking, because these abilities reflect how intelligence is used in real life. By including these factors, intelligence tests would become more accurate, inclusive, and meaningful for all individuals

Lose yourself to be smart.

Why is every unique child measured the same way? I believe every child should be treated based on their individual needs for the system to be fair, instead of everyone being treated the same by the school system.

A child should not have to constantly think about how smart they are. They should be able to be themselves and enjoy their childhood. However, many children sacrifice their passions, ambitions, hobbies, and the things that make them unique and happy just to keep up with school. Instead of enjoying their childhood, they live under constant pressure, anxiety, stress, and mental exhaustion until the day they retire or die. Teenagers’ mental health today is similar to that of mental patients in hospitals long ago—it has just been normalized.

How is it fair that children as young as six are pressured to learn how to read and write, take exams, and constantly keep up, instead of developing their character and morals and enjoying their youth, which they will never experience again?

People say, “Exams are important to measure students and shape them as people,” but then why are students mentally and physically exhausted? How can a middle schooler carry a bag that may weigh half their body weight? The system is mentally and physically draining the youth. Later, when they grow older, they struggle to find jobs due to high unemployment rates. In contrast, in old China, emperors tested employees only once a year, and the system worked fine.

To conclude, exams can be useless in some situations. Everyone has a different perspective, interest, and way of thinking. A large percentage of students cheat and still get higher grades than those who actually study. We should not all be measured the same way, because we are not the same.