Plain English Meaning

The individual questions on a written test. They come in different formats, and each format is suited to testing different kinds of knowledge.

Full Definition

Questions used in a written examination to measure a student's knowledge of a subject. Common forms include multiple-choice, true-false, matching, supply-type (fill-in or short answer), and essay items. Each form has its own strengths, weaknesses, and rules for proper construction.

Context Anchor

Seen in aviation instructor training when learning how to build, review, or use written tests for ground instruction.

Derivation

Written comes from the idea of putting words down in visible form. Test comes from an old word meaning a trial or proof. Item originally meant a separate entry in a list. Together, written test items are the separate entries on a test that ask the learner to prove understanding in writing.