Pedantic much?

The Powers That Be have decreed that short forms are a no-no and if my students use them in the essay portion of their written exams I am not to give them full marks.

Seriously?

I do understand that my students are meant to use some sort of formal language that is similar to what is published in quality newspapers and academic writing. Yes, some style guides look down on contractions, but I was under the impression that this strict rule against using them was slowly being eroded.

No, I won't accept "gonna" and "wanna" or "ain't" in that context, but there is nothing wrong with doesn't, or can't or hasn't. It is slightly less formal. Also, using contractions is the least of their problems - I can easily get them to write does not instead of doesn't but some of them will still insist on "she don't know" or "he say". I certainly prefer reading a text with sound grammar and a wide range of vocabulary that contains a couple of contractions than one that avoids short forms but is mostly gibberish.

Next they'll tell me that my students shouldn't split infinitives.