Question Type
The best method is to use objective questions covering a wide range of topics. This style of questioning requires the student to provide short answers or to select an answer from a choice.
Research has shown that students respond better to this style of questioning than essay type. Moreover, it allows the teacher to cover many topics rather than just sampling the student’s ability. Marking is quick, accurate and fair.
Types of objective questions are:
- True and False
- Multiple Choice
- Short Answer
- Completing blanks
- Matching Columns
- Arranging in order, etc.
Past papers will provide teachers with examples that they can use, and these can be accessed here.
Paper Structure
It is important to consider how a teacher will structure their test paper in order to find out how much their students have learned over the past few months before the paper was set. Teachers should consider having easier sections in the beginning to allow students to gain confidence, which can then be followed by slightly more challenging sections later on.
The test paper should be composed of the following sections (not all are necessary):
Section A: (Classes 5 to 11)
i. True and False Questions
ii. Multiple Choice Questions
Section B: (Classes 5 to 11)
i. Word Banks
ii. Fill in the blanks
Section C: (Classes 8 to 11)
i. Short Answers (Questions requiring answers of no more than 2 - 4 points)
Section D: (Classes 10 to 11 only)
i. Long Answers