Types of essay

1.      Restricted response questions:

     The restricted response question usually limits both the content and the response the content is usually restricted by the scope of the topic to be discussed limitations on the form of response are generally indicated in the question another way of restricting responses in essay tests is to base the questions on specific problems.

•      For this purpose, introductory material like that used in interpretive exercises can be presented. Such items differ from objective interpretive exercise only by the fact that essay questions are used instead of multiple choice or true or false items.

•       Because the restricted response question is more structured it is most useful for measuring learning outcomes requiring the interpretation and application of data in a specific area.

 e.g.

1.       Write the life sketch of Quaid-e-Azam in 100 words?

2.     State any five definitions of education?

  

2.      Extended response questions:

     No restriction is placed in students as to the points he will discuss and the type of organization he will use.

     Teachers in such a way so as to give students the maximum possible freedom to determine the nature and scope of question and in a way he would give response of course being related topic and in specified time frame these types of questions.

     The student may be select the points he thinks are most important relevant to his points and arrangement and organize the answers in whichever way he wishes. So they are also called free response questions.

     This enables the teacher to judge the student’s abilities to organize, integrate, interpret the material and express themselves in their own words.

     It also gives an opportunity to comment or look into students’ progress, quality of their thinking, the depth of their understanding problem solving skills and the difficulties they may be having. These skills interact with each other with the knowledge and understanding the problem requires.

     Thus it is at the levels of synthesis and evaluation of writing skills that this type of questions makes the greatest contribution.

     e.g.:

1.     Describe at length the defects of the present day examination system.. Suggest ways and means of improving the examination system.

2.     Global warming is the next step to disaster. Explain