Task-based exams

Some courses have exams with practical tasks or a small-scale project.

These tasks may involve manual skills as well as knowledge of the subject.

For instance, courses in crafts or fine arts often have tests where you make things.

Example

The 'A' level English Language paper has a test in which you convert printed materials from one form to another. This also includes an element of the take-home paper.

You are not told the questions in advance, but you are shown the subject and the set of materials.

You are issued with three separate packages of printed materials. You can take these home and study them for forty-eight hours. [In the GCSE version, a fortnight is allowed.]

You are not allowed to consult with your tutor, but you can join study groups or discuss the question with other people.

You take the materials back to the exam centre. The question paper requires one answer from three questions.

Your task is to transform the materials into a different form.

This might include scissors and paste-work, as well as your own re-working of the materials.

You are being examined on your skills of selection, your sensitivity to the materials, and your ability to think of new ideas.