There are different kinds of tests in schools but there are eight main types vs. the other eight ones. Recognize them and the main differences among them and utilize this information so that you can create the right test in the right situation.
1- Objective Test vs. Subjective Test:
The objective test is independent of the person marking that test. There is usually a key of answers that leaves no room for subjectivity in grading (e.g. M.C tests or false-true tests) but in Subjective tests, the score depends on the marker. It usually happens that different markers give different scores. The gap between the markers may be sometimes very wide (e.g. in free writing).
2- Speed Test vs. Achievement Test:
The speed test aims at measuring the speed of performance. It is made a little longer than the time given. (e.g. Two hundred items on grammar to be answered in an hour) but achievement test aims at measuring students’ achievement. The given time is made to be adequate; the emphasis here is on measuring achievement, not speed.
3- Public Test vs. Local Test:
The public test is given on a country-wide scale and prepared by a central authority. It is usually announced and relatively long. It is normally given at the end of a school cycle but the local test is locally prepared and given at the same school level by the class teacher.
4- Standard Test vs. Normal Test:
The standard test is carefully designed and undergoes long experimentation and research. Each score has a special interpretation that indicates where a certain scorer stands among a statistical population of similar individuals, but the normal test is not standardized. The majority of tests, of course, belong to this normal category.
5- Written Test vs. Oral Test:
The answers for the written test are to be given in a written form but the answers for the oral test are to be given orally.
6- Announced Test vs. Drop Test:
The teacher assigns the test material and fixes a certain date in advance for the announced test but the drop test is given without a previous announcement. It is usually a short one and it aims at keeping students on the alert.
7- Classroom Test vs. Home Test:
The test questions of the classroom test are given and answered in class but the home test is given in class but answered at home .
8- Closed-Book Test vs. Open-Book Test:
Textbooks are closed while students are taking the closed-book test but students are allowed to use their books while answering the questions of the open-book test.
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