RULES FOR CONSTRUCTING ESSAY ITEMS
1. Define the behavior the student is expected to exhibit before writing the prompt.
2. Ask the student to use knowledge in novel situations rather than simply recalling information.
3. Ask questions that are relatively specific and focused and which will elicit relatively brief
responses.
4. If you are using many essay questions in a test, ensure reasonable coverage of the course
objectives.
5. Follow the test specifications in writing prompts. Questions should cover the subject areas as
well as the complexity of behaviors cited in the test blueprint. Pitch the questions at the
students' level.
6. Formulate questions that present a clear task to be performed.
7. Provide ample time for answering and suggest a time limit for each question.
8. Indicate the point value for each question.
9. Word questions calling for examinee opinion on controversial matters so that they ask the
examinee to geve evidence to support the opinion and evaluate the examinee's response in
terms of the evidence presented rather than the opinion or position taken.
10. Require all examinees to answer the same questions; don't give optional questions