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These Are Some Characteristics of Objective and Subjective Tests

A subjective test is evaluated by giving an opinion, rather than having right/wrong answers. They can assess writing ability but are more difficult to prepare, administer, and score objectively compared to objective tests. Teachers can help students prepare by emphasizing audience analysis, key points, and format. Objective tests have definite answers and ensure objective scoring but may not assess skills like writing or speaking. The validity of tests can positively or negatively influence how teachers teach and students learn.

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819 views2 pages

These Are Some Characteristics of Objective and Subjective Tests

A subjective test is evaluated by giving an opinion, rather than having right/wrong answers. They can assess writing ability but are more difficult to prepare, administer, and score objectively compared to objective tests. Teachers can help students prepare by emphasizing audience analysis, key points, and format. Objective tests have definite answers and ensure objective scoring but may not assess skills like writing or speaking. The validity of tests can positively or negatively influence how teachers teach and students learn.

Uploaded by

Sharyna
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Subjective Test

A subjective test is evaluated by giving an opinion. It can be compared with an objective test, which has
right or wrong answers and so can be marked objectively. Subjective tests are more challenging and
expensive to prepare, administer and evaluate correctly, but they can be more valid.

Example
Tests of writing ability are often subjective because they require an examiner to give an opinion on the
level of the writing.

In the classroom
Learners preparing for a subjective writing test, for example a letter of complaint, need to think about
their target audience, since they are being asked to produce a whole text. Teachers can help them by
emphasizing the importance of analysing the question and identifying the key points of content,
register, and format.

Objective Test

An objective test is a test that has right or wrong answers and so can be marked objectively. It can be
compared with a subjective test, which is evaluated by giving an opinion, usually based on agreed
criteria. Objective tests are popular because they are easy to prepare and take, quick to mark, and
provide a quantifiable and concrete result.

For example
True or false questions based on a text can be used in an objective test.

In the classroom
Marking objective tests together in the class is a useful way to exploit them further as it gives the
learners the opportunity to discuss answers, try to justify choices, and help each other etc.

Objective and Subjective Tests: Characteristics

These are some characteristics of objective and subjective tests:


Objective Tests characteristics:

 They are so definite and so clear that a single, definite answer is expected.
 They ensure perfect objectivity in scoring.
 It can be scored objectively and easily.
 It takes less time to answer than an essay test
Subjective Tests Characteristics

 Subjective items are generally easier and less time consuming to construct than are most
objective test items
 Different readers can rate identical responses differently, the same reader can rate the same
paper differently over time
What Effects Do Tests have on the Teaching and Learning Process?
The “washback or backwash effect is the effect that testing has on the teaching and learning processes.

The effect can be positive or negative.


The validity of the testing process can influence the content of our courses, and the way we teach, in a
direction that is either with or against the better judgment of the administrators, teachers, students,
and parents.

From the point of view of testing, the washback effect becomes negative when there is a mismatch
between what we the material / abilities we teach, and what is tested.
For example, an achievement test that is only multiple choice has a negative washback effect on any
attempt to teach productive skills such as speaking and writing in class.

On the other hand, if the achievement test includes both spoken and written parts, the washback effect
has a positive influence on students (and teachers) attitudes to practicing productive skills in the
classroom

Questions

These are some types of objective question that you can find in tests

1. Multiple- Choice Items


2. True- False Items
3. Matching Items
4. Assertion-Reason Items

Type of Subjective Questions

Subjective questions are questions that require answers in the form of explanations. Subjective
questions include:

 Essay questions
 Short answers
 Definitions
 Scenario Questions
 Opinion Questions

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