This method may be made more formal still by requiring a class to write a full and regular abstract of all they have learned during a specified time.

The practice of thus reducing to writing what has been learned will be attended with many advantages so obvious that they need not be described.
It will be perceived that three methods of examining classes have now been named, and these will afford the teacher the means of introducing a very great variety in his mode of conducting his recitations, while he still carries his class forward steadily in their prescribed course.
Each is attended with its peculiar advantages.

The _single replies,_ coming from individuals specially addressed, are more rigid, and more to be relied upon, but they consume a great deal of time, and, while one is questioned, it requires much skill to keep up interest in the rest.

The _simultaneous answers_ of a class awaken more general interest, but it is difficult, without special care, to secure by this means a special examination of all.

The _written replies_ are more thorough, but they require more time and attention, and while they habituate the pupil to express himself in writing, they would, if exclusively adopted, fail to accustom him to an equally important practice, that of the oral communication of his thoughts.