Exams: meaning, definitions and examples

Exams are formal tests usually taken at the end of a course or term to evaluate a student's knowledge and understanding in a subject. They are typically structured and timed.

• Students are stressed because of their final exams next week.
• He had to study all night for his biology exam.

Tests are often shorter and less formal than exams. They can be used to measure knowledge and skills at various points during a course, from quizzes to mid-term tests.

• The teacher gave a surprise test on chapter five.
• Weekly spelling tests help improve vocabulary.

Assessments can include various methods of evaluating knowledge, skills, or abilities, and are not always as formal or structured as exams. They can be ongoing or formative, helping to guide learning throughout a course.

• The teacher uses regular assessments to gauge student progress.
• Formative assessments help students understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Evaluations are broader and can refer to assessing the quality or value of something, not just academic performance. They can be used in educational environments, workplace settings, and other areas to make informed judgments.

• The job performance evaluations will take place next month.
• Evaluation of the new curriculum shows promising results.

Used primarily in academic settings to refer to tests or assessments that evaluate a student’s knowledge or skills in a particular subject.

• I have to study hard for my final exams next week
• The students were stressed about their mid-term exams

Most often used in medical contexts to describe a detailed examination of the body by a healthcare professional to determine physical health.

• She needed a physical before joining the sports team
• The company requires a physical for all new employees

Commonly used in medical contexts to denote a routine medical examination to ensure that a person's health is in good condition.

• He went to the doctor for his annual check-up
• The dentist recommended a check-up every six months

Typically used in professional or educational settings to assess the performance, value, or quality of something or someone. This term can be used in various contexts including medical, academic, or job performance.

• The annual employee performance evaluation will take place next Tuesday
• After the training session, we had to fill out an evaluation form

Used in educational settings to describe formal tests or assessments that measure a student's knowledge or skills. These are usually scheduled and held in academic institutions.

• I have three exams next week in math, biology, and chemistry.
• She studied hard to pass her final exams.

A formal and often intense process of questioning, usually by law enforcement, to gather information. This term has a negative connotation and suggests pressure or coercion.

• The suspect broke down under intense interrogation.
• Interrogation techniques used by the police were called into question.

Refers to the act of asking questions to gather information. This can happen in various contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal investigations.

• The teacher's questioning helped the students think critically.
• The witness is currently undergoing questioning at the police station.

Refers to a formal investigation or a detailed request for information. It is often used in professional, scientific, or legal contexts.

• The company launched an inquiry into the missing funds.
• The scientist conducted an inquiry to understand the phenomenon.