Topic 5: Short Answer and Completion Items

Essay Guideline #1

Allow adequate time to answer the question. • Tell test takers how much time they have to complete the question. • Recommend outlining a response before writing.

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #2

Avoid grammatical clues to the correct answer. - questions should make sense but not inadvertently provide help

Essay Guideline #2

Be sure the question is clear and complete. - Write the question so test takers know what information is wanted in the response.

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #3

Do not copy items directly from study materials. • It encourages memorization beyond what is needed.

Essay Guideline #4

Have all test takers answer the same questions. - Should be one model answer against which responses should be compared. • Multiple questions require that multiple model answers have to be created - a lot of work!

Short Answer and Completion Items

- Generally short in structure and require a short answer as well - Used almost exclusively to assess lower- level thinking skills such as memorization and basic knowledge - Also called "supply" items○ Test taker must supply a response in either words, numbers or symbols

Essay Items

- Test taker is expected to write a coherent and informative response to a question - Good to use when you want an unrestricted response that will measure higher-order thinking - Relationship between ideas - Pros and cons of an argument -Open-ended or close-ended

How to Score Essay Questions

1. Allow plenty of time to score items. 2. Pace yourself! Score items in batches and take a break after each batch. 3. When creating the question, create a model response to have a basis for comparison. 4.Score the same question across all test takers then score the next question. 5. Grade responses without knowing the test taker's identity

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #1

If you have a choice, create short answer items rather than completion items. - short answer items are more clearer, more straightforward, and less ambigious

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #7

Items should be written so there is only one, brief answer that is correct.

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #6

Make sure blank spaces are equal in size and kept to a minimum.

Open-Ended Essay items

No restrictions placed on the response (i.e., unrestricted)

Essay Guideline #3

Only use essay questions to evaluate higher- order thinking, such as comparisons, evaluations, analyses, and interpretations

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #4

Place the "blank" for completion items at the end of the item. - when a blank is at the end of an item, the test taker is more prepared

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #5

When requiring a numerical answer, specify the precision of the answer you want and the units. - being specific ensures that you receive the one correct answer you want

Close-ended essay items

Defines limits for both the content and the format of the response