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An examination or test is an educational test intended to measure the knowledge, skill, ability, aptitude, mental ability, mental condition, or characteristic of a test taker. There are various kinds of examination and test. Some kinds are based on previous test results and feedback while some kinds are conducted after the test taker has been given a brief explanation about the subject matter. Most kinds of examinations are usually individualized and are based on the test taker’s performance in class, practice, homework, or other assessments. There are some kinds of examination and tests, which are usually required for licensing or certification purposes.
Most standardized tests have been designed keeping in view the needs of the schools, colleges, universities, employers, and similar organizations. In the United States, standardized tests are usually used as an identification tool by school districts, colleges, and universities to identify students with special needs or other qualities that are required for enrollment. Standardized tests may also be used as entrance exams for specialized higher education programs such as medical schools, law schools, and other colleges and universities.
The most commonly administered standardized tests are the General Educational Development tests (GEDs) and the TOEFL (Test Of Written Knowledge) tests. The first two examinations are international in nature and are administered in English. The third is a test that is normally held inside the classroom and is administered in English. The American Council on Teaching Of English (ACTE) also conducts a Test Of Written Knowledge for high school students to assess their academic knowledge in reading, writing, and conversational skills.
There are various kinds of standardized examinations administered for educational testing in the United States. The three primary ones are the GED, TOEFL, and the SAT Academic Test. The GED is an elective examination and it normally has a wide range of grades from a ‘pass’ to ‘fail’. The TOEFL carries out a series of questions that cover a specific topic in English. The third examination, the SAT, is a standardized examination that is given to a student who has already obtained his/her degree. The major benefits of these three tests are the greater ability to compare one’s performance against others and to identify strengths in areas where one may need improvement.
Most colleges and universities in the United States require students taking a standardized testing to complete study guides or manuals before sitting for the exam. Students need to have at least a high school diploma to qualify. Some schools also require potential students to write essays on a certain topic and to submit copies of their thesis to the faculty for evaluation before the examination. Usually, students taking the GED test will receive a sheet of paper and an essay to complete; however, since this type of examination varies between states, students need to refer to the administering institution for specifics.
Students taking the TOEFL and/or the SAT need to refer to the administering institution for the specifics regarding these tests as they may differ from state to state. In order to make a fair assessment of one’s preparedness for these two examinations, it is a good idea to consult a knowledgeable counselor at the educational institution where one is planning to take the exams. In most cases, these counselors will be able to provide detailed assistance with regards to preparation, materials needed for the exams, and the specific requirements for each examination. In addition, these counselors can also give helpful suggestions for overcoming the various challenges that may occur when taking these tests. Students taking the TOEFL and/or the SAT are advised to consult with an academic advisor as soon as possible if they are unsure about any part of the exam.