Exam vs. Examination

Attribute	Exam	Examination
Definition	A formal test of a person's knowledge or proficiency in a subject or skill	A formal written, spoken, or practical test, especially at school or college, to see how much you know about a subject, or what you can do
Frequency	Can be a one-time event or recurring	Usually occurs at the end of a course or semester
Format	Can be multiple choice, essay, practical, etc.	Can be written, oral, or practical
Duration	Can vary in length depending on the type of exam	Usually a set amount of time, such as 2-3 hours
Importance	Can impact grades, certifications, or qualifications	Often a significant factor in determining academic progress or achievement

Definition

Exams and examinations are terms that are often used interchangeably to refer to a formal assessment of a person's knowledge or proficiency in a subject. An exam is typically a shorter assessment that covers a specific topic or set of topics, while an examination is a more comprehensive assessment that may cover a wider range of material. Both exams and examinations are used to evaluate a person's understanding of a subject and their ability to apply that knowledge.

Purpose

The purpose of exams and examinations is to assess a person's knowledge and understanding of a subject. Exams are often used to test a person's understanding of specific topics or concepts, while examinations are used to evaluate a person's overall proficiency in a subject. Exams are usually given at the end of a course or unit of study to determine how well a person has grasped the material, while examinations may be given at the end of a semester or academic year to assess a person's overall progress.

Format

Exams and examinations can vary in format depending on the subject and the level of study. Exams are typically shorter and may consist of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, or essays. Examinations are usually longer and may include a combination of different question types, such as multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions. Exams are often timed, while examinations may be spread out over several days or weeks.

Grading

Grading for exams and examinations can also differ. Exams are usually graded quickly, with results often available within a few days. Examinations may take longer to grade due to the larger amount of material covered. Exams may be graded on a curve, where the scores are adjusted based on the performance of the entire class. Examinations may be graded based on a set rubric or criteria.

Preparation

Preparing for exams and examinations requires different strategies. For exams, students may focus on reviewing specific topics or concepts that will be covered on the test. For examinations, students may need to review a wider range of material and may need to study over a longer period of time. Both exams and examinations require students to be organized, manage their time effectively, and practice good study habits.

Stress

Both exams and examinations can be stressful for students. Exams may cause stress due to the pressure of performing well on a specific test, while examinations may cause stress due to the amount of material that needs to be reviewed and the length of the assessment. Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, exercise, and proper sleep, can help students cope with the stress of exams and examinations.

Feedback

Feedback for exams and examinations is important for students to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Exams may provide immediate feedback, allowing students to see where they made mistakes and how they can improve. Examinations may take longer to provide feedback, but the feedback is usually more comprehensive and can help students understand their overall performance in a subject. Both exams and examinations can be valuable learning experiences when students use the feedback to improve their knowledge and skills.