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A grading curve adjusts student scores based on the distribution of results within a class. This process often employs statistical methods to normalize scores around a desired average, potentially mitigating the impact of overly difficult or easy assessments. For instance, if a test proves unexpectedly challenging, a curve can raise scores to reflect student understanding relative to the class performance. This involves mathematically transforming the original scores, potentially using a bell curve or other distribution models, to create a new set of adjusted grades.

Score adjustment provides several advantages. It can enhance fairness by accounting for variations in exam difficulty and ensure that student performance is evaluated relative to their peers rather than against an absolute standard. Historically, curving has served to address inconsistencies in assessment rigor, providing a buffer against unexpectedly challenging examinations. This practice is particularly relevant in larger classes where individual student attention to exam difficulty might be less feasible. Curving can also motivate students by fostering a sense of competition and recognizing achievement relative to the overall class performance.

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