Why ELA Shouldn’t Exist as It Does
Before I get metaphorically strung up for my opinion, let me explain my perspective. School, especially in English Language Arts (ELA), often relies heavily on multiple-choice questions, right? However, when half of those questions are based on opinions and only one answer is deemed “correct,” I think it’s misguided to enforce a specific way of interpreting content.
For instance, we recently read a harsh, aggressive passage criticizing video games, claiming they are inherently harmful and lead to violence, filled with more logical fallacies and biases than I could count. As a passionate gamer myself, I know I’m not violent and I certainly don’t agree with that perspective. But because I answered honestly—without trying to guess what the “right” opinion was—I ended up with a 57 on the assignment. I failed simply because I wouldn’t conform to the expectation that the article was the ultimate authority on the subject.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Even in situations where there’s a chance to express real thoughts—like during class discussions—any semblance of critical thinking often gets laughed away or dismissed. I remember a time when the teacher became frustrated because no one wanted to participate. I decided to speak up and engage with the topic instead of just agreeing with whatever she said. It backfired. I was ridiculed so harshly that I retreated to the bathroom, feeling embarrassed. They even made fun of my hoodie, which I wear as a personal memento from my grandmother, who is unwell.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter.
It sounds like you’re expressing some deep frustration with how education, particularly in your experience, emphasizes conformity over critical thinking and personal perspective. You raise valid points about the limitations of multiple-choice assessments, especially when they don’t allow room for differing opinions or nuanced understanding. It’s concerning that the system seems to prioritize a single “correct” answer rather than encouraging students to engage with content critically and express their thoughts honestly.
Your experience with the passage about video games highlights a common issue in education: when discussions are framed in a way that doesn’t allow for differing viewpoints, it can stifle meaningful dialogue and discourage students from sharing their authentic selves. It’s disappointing that your attempt to engage in a real discussion led to you being ridiculed, especially when it sounds like you were trying to foster a deeper understanding of the topic.
Education should be about exploration, growth, and developing one’s own voice, not just memorizing what is deemed “correct” by a test. It would be great if teachers could create a more open environment where students feel safe to share their thoughts and challenge the material without fear of judgment. You’re certainly not alone in feeling this way, and maybe discussing these issues with peers or supportive mentors could be a way to advocate for a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to learning. Thanks for sharing your experience!