Do exams define intelligence?

This is regarding the article “Do exams define intelligence?” by Mannan Samad (YW, April 4). I agree with the writer’s point of view and will add that exams can evaluate a student’s intelligence if it has questions that require analytical skills.

In our part of the world, question papers are often compiled from past papers. Students, knowing this pattern, prepare accordingly and score good marks. I believe exam questions should be more innovative to assess real understanding of the subject. Examination criteria should discourage rote learning and encourage students to think critically and apply their analytical skills.

Wasi Ahmed Siddiqi,
Karachi

II

While I appreciate the concerns raised by Mannan Samad in his article “Do exams define intelligence?”, I would add that although exams may not fully measure intelligence, they still help assess understanding and the ability to apply knowledge under time pressure.

The issue lies in how exams are designed. If papers focus only on memorisation, they fail to reflect true understanding, whereas well-structured exams can test thinking and problem-solving skills. Intelligence is broader than marks, but exams still play an important role and should be improved rather than rejected.

Zahid Rafiq,
Zhob

Real life vs reel life

This is regarding the story “Real life vs reel life” by Insiya Fatima (YW, April 18). The perfect lives of others we see on social media make us feel inadequate and doubt our own lives.

Social media shows us perfectly filtered lives as we are only shown the brighter side.

These days, both youngsters and adults are slaves to social media. We should spend more time with friends and family, avoid digital distractions and focus on our studies.

Laleha Fatemah Kharal,
Lahore

II

The story “Real life vs reel life” by Insiya Fatima highlighted something most of us experience. It’s easy to feel others are more productive and happier when we only see their best pictures and achievements online.

However, behind every “perfect” post, there can be stress or struggles that are never shared publicly. We forget this and start measuring our own lives unfairly against those images. Real life is not meant to look like a reel and everyone is dealing with unseen challenges.

Muhammad Ahmed Riaz,
Abbottabad

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 2nd, 2026