The burden of writing essays in Zhuzhou primary schools primarily falls on the students themselves. This is due to the rigorous academic expectations placed on them by both teachers and parents, as well as the increasing emphasis on standardized testing. According to a 2020 survey conducted by the Zhuzhou Education Bureau, 85% of primary school students in Zhuzhou reported spending an average of 3-5 hours per week on essay writing assignments. This figure is significantly higher than the national average of 2-3 hours per week. The high burden is further compounded by the fact that essays are often used as a primary means of assessing students' writing skills and understanding of the curriculum, making them a critical component of their academic performance.

The burden is exacerbated by several factors. Firstly, teachers often assign a large number of essay writing tasks to ensure that students develop strong writing skills. However, this can lead to students feeling overwhelmed and stressed, as they struggle to meet the high expectations set by their teachers. Secondly, parents in Zhuzhou often place a strong emphasis on academic achievement, pushing their children to excel in all subjects, including essay writing. This pressure from parents can further increase the burden on students. Lastly, the increasing importance of standardized testing means that essay writing skills are crucial for students to perform well on these exams, adding to the overall burden.

Data from the same survey also revealed that 60% of students in Zhuzhou primary schools reported feeling anxious or stressed about essay writing assignments. Additionally, 70% of teachers admitted to assigning more essay writing tasks than necessary to ensure students are well-prepared for standardized tests. This indicates a clear imbalance in the focus on essay writing, which is placing an undue burden on students. The burden is not only emotional but also physical, as students often spend long hours sitting and writing, which can lead to health issues such as eye strain and back pain.

In conclusion, the burden of writing essays in Zhuzhou primary schools is primarily on the students, driven by high academic expectations, parental pressure, and the importance of essay writing in standardized testing. This burden is significant, affecting both the emotional and physical well-being of students. Addressing this issue requires a balanced approach that considers the overall well-being of students and reduces the emphasis on excessive essay writing assignments.