Test Item Answer and Point Value

DOE-HDBK-1204-97

11. TEST ITEM ANSWERS AND POINT VALUE

For each test item, a correct answer should be supplied in order to develop an answer key.

The answers should be unambiguous so that the grading of the test item will be consistent.

The minimum response for full credit must be given, and indications of the relative value of

partial responses should be made. This kind of information is obvious in multiple-choice and

matching test items, but short-answer and essay test items do leave room for interpretation.

To prevent interpretive inconsistencies in grading short-answer or essay test items, the

designated instructor should include the minimum answer required for full credit. If the exact

wording or specific concept must be included to fulfill the requirement of a correct answer,

one method that may be used is to underline the necessary parts and assign point value to

the individual parts. If the exact underlined wording is not necessary, include a note to the

grader that the content is necessary, but the wording is left to the grader discretion. For

example:

Test item:

State the purpose of the emergency diesel generator. (4 points)

Answer:

Provides emergency power (2.0 points) to essential loads (1.0 point) in the

event of a total loss of power (1.0 point). NOTE: Alternate wording

acceptable--grader discretion requested.

After the test item and answer key are written, the point value should be assigned in a clear

and consistent manner. The assignment should be based on a point scale with the "easiest"

test item assigned lower point value and the "more difficult" test item assigned higher point

value. The point value should be placed in parentheses at the end of the test item stem.

11.1 Cognitive Level vs. Point Values

To determine ease or difficulty of a test item, consider the criticality of the enabling

objective that is being tested to the overall mastery of the terminal objective which will allow

successful performance of the job task. Also consider the cognitive level at which the