I.

SOURCES OF DIFFICULTIES IN THE USE OF ESSAY TEST

A.QUESTION CONSTRUCTION
B.READER RELIABILITY
C.INSTRUMENT RELIABILITY
D.INSTRUMENT VALIDITY
I.GUIDELINES FOR CONSTRUCTING, EVALUATIONS AND USINGESSAY TEST
1. Limit the problem that the question possesses so that it will have a clear or
definite meaning to most students.
2. Use simple words which will convey clear meaning to the students.
3. Prepare enough questions to sample the material of the subject area broadly,
within a reasonable idea and writing.
4. Use the essay question for purposes it best serves, like organization, handling
complicated ideas and writing.
5. Prepare questions which require considerable thought, but which can be
answered in relatively words.
6. Determine in advance how much weight will be accorded each of the various
elements expected in a complete answer.
7. Without knowledge of the students name, score for each question for all
students.
8. Require all students to answer all questions on the test.
9. Write questions about the material s immediately relevant to the subject.
10. Make a gross judgment of the relative excellence of answer as a first step in
grading.
11. Word a question as simple as possible in order to make the task clear.
12. Do not judge papers on the basis of external factors unless they have been
clearly stipulated.
13. Do not make a generalized estimate of an entire papers worth.
14. Do not construct a test consisting of only one question.

I.SCORING ESSAY TEST

METHODS IN SCORING ESSAY TESTS
1. It is critical that the teacher prepare, in advance a detailed idealanswer.
2. Student papers should be scored anonymously and that all answers to a given
item be scored one at a time, rather than grading each total separately.
DISTRACTORS IN SCORING ESSAY TEST
1. Handwriting
2. Style
3. Grammar
4. Knowledge of the students
5. Neatness
TWO WAYS OF SCORING ESSAY TEST
1. HOLISTIC SCORING- In this type, a total score is assigned in each essay items
based the teachers general impression or over-allassessment.
2. ANALYTIC SCORING- In this type, the essay is scored in terms of each
components
GUIDELINES IN SCORING ESSAY TEST TO AVOID SUBJECTIVTY
1. Decide what factors constitute a good answer before administering an essay
question.
2. Explain these factors in the test item.
3. Read all the answers to a single essay question before reading other questions.
4. Reread essay answers a second time after initial scoring.