Item Writing – where do you think exam questions come from?

An item writer designs assessments by creating questions that effectively measure knowledge, skills, and abilities. These items, which range from multiple-choice questions to open-ended essay prompts, must be clear, concise, and focus on the subject matter. Whether for education or professional certification exams, item writers need to understand the cognitive complexity required for accurate assessment.

Becoming an item writer typically requires expertise in a specific field,  with a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics or related subject or a PhD with relevant research in the field and a range of teaching experiences. While the job involves writing questions, it also requires collaboration with others to prevent bias and ensure high-quality content. The process includes research, attention to detail, and adjusting based on feedback to create questions that not only test knowledge but also contribute to a fair and reliable exam.

Caroline Gwatkin (MA Applied Linguistics with TESOL, Dip Ed., RSA (TEFL), NLP Practitioner in Education.) is an expert teacher trainer, examiner for international boards and item writer with 20+ years´ experience. She has generously agreed to share her knowledge and insights with us, giving us an insight into the world of item writing. You are invited to join us in discovering this intriguing aspect of language assessment and give you food for thought about adding a new string to your bow.

Join us on Thursday, 3rd October, at KEL Martinez from 5 to 7 pm. We look forward to welcoming you with a nice cup of tea and some special gifts.

Please be sure to save your spot here!