Hi everyone! Recently, I’ve had a few students ask me about the differences between an exam, a test, and a quiz. So, I thought I’d put together this mini lesson to help them out and share it with you as well.
Pronunciation
exam = /ɪɡˈzæm/
You can see that the “ex” is pronounced “ig.” Say it like this: IG | ZAM
(Remember, the word “exam” is short for “examination.”)
test = /test/
You can see that this word is pronounced exactly how it is spelled.
quiz = /kwɪz/
“Qu” in English is pronounced “kw.” Say it like this: KWIZ
Say this mini tongue twister to practice the “kw” sound:
The Queen took a quick quiz.
What’s the difference?
Exams
Exams are the most important and most formal type of academic assessment. Typically, depending on the school, a student may have 2 – 3 exams per year. Furthermore, an exam can consist of one topic or a variety of topics, demonstrating its comprehensive nature. Additionally, an exam’s duration can vary significantly, lasting from a few hours to even days.
- Next month, we have our university entrance exams. All the students are getting really nervous. I feel like my entire future depends on the score I get on these exams.
- In order for me to get a visa to Canada, I need to take the IELTS exam.
Tests
Notably, tests are usually considered less formal and less important than exams, and they are often shorter in duration.
- I have a history test in two days. My teacher says I need to score at least 80% if I want to get a B+ in history this semester.
- We have a spelling test once a week. My mom makes me write each word three times per day to practice.
*The word “exam” usually carries more importance. However, these two words may also be used interchangeably. A school’s / university’s entrance exam can sometimes be called an “admissions test.”
Quiz
In contrast, quizzes are short, informal assessments which can often be fun.
- To engage readers further, the magazine included a fun pop culture quiz for readers to test their knowledge of current events.
- To conclude his lesson, the science teacher designed a quiz to assess the students’ knowledge of the solar system.
A “pop quiz” is a term used to describe a quiz given to students without any warning. A teacher might decide to have a pop quiz in the middle of the day.
- We were all unprepared for a math pop quiz. As a result, without being able to study, I only managed to get three questions correct out of 10.
- Teacher: Good morning my lovely students. Let’s get the day started with a pop quiz on the unit we were studying yesterday.
Students: Oh man!
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The words “exam,” “test,” and “quiz” can also be used outside of academia.
- I passed my driving test the second time.
- The doctor said I needed a few blood tests. He’s is concerned about my iron levels.
- The doctor completed a full-body examination on the elderly patient.
- I took an online personality test / quiz and apparently my spirit animal is a badger.
- My local pub hosts a pub quiz twice a month.
Answer these questions to help you practice these words.
- When was the last time you had an exam? What was it for? How long did the exam last?
- How often would you have tests when you were in school? If you are still a student, think about how often you have tests.
- Have you ever taken a fun online quiz such as a personality quiz, or something like a quiz to tell you which Harry Potter character you are most like?
Thank you so much for reading!
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