Korea considers using AI to grade CSAT essay answers

South Korea's National Education Commission is considering using artificial intelligence (AI) to help grade essay-style answers fairly as part of a major reform of the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT). The proposed changes include adding written and essay questions to more subjects and changing the grading system from relative grading to absolute grading. The commission is gathering public feedback before finalizing the plan next year.

Education officials believe that replacing some multiple-choice questions with essay questions will encourage students to think critically, read more, and express their own ideas instead of simply choosing from given answers. President Lee Jae Myung also supports the reform, saying the current exam system is outdated in the AI era and should focus more on developing students' thinking skills.

However, some educators have raised concerns about the fairness and reliability of AI grading. The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union argues that introducing essay-based assessments would significantly change the college entrance exam system and that more discussion is needed before making such an important reform.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/education/20260806/korea-considers-using-ai-to-grade-csat-essay-answers

Comprehension

What major changes are being considered for the CSAT?
Why is the government considering using AI to grade essay questions?
What benefits do officials expect from adding more essay-type questions?
How does absolute grading differ from relative grading?
Why are some teachers' groups concerned about the proposed reforms?

Discussion

Do you prefer multiple-choice tests or essay tests? Why?
Do you think AI can grade essays fairly? Explain your opinion.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of essay exams?
Should schools use more AI in education? Why or why not?
How can schools encourage students to think more critically?
Is competition among students always a good thing? Why or why not?
If you could redesign your country's college entrance exam, what would you change?
What skills do students need most in the age of AI?

Vocabulary

artificial intelligence (AI) – computer technology that performs tasks requiring human intelligence
evaluate – to judge or assess the quality or value of something
essay – a piece of writing that expresses ideas or answers a question
fairness – the quality of treating everyone equally and justly
blueprint – a detailed plan for achieving something
absolute grading – a grading system based on fixed score standards
relative grading – a grading system that compares students with one another
critical thinking – the ability to analyze and evaluate information carefully before making a decision