written exam

Meaning

A written exam is a test where students write down their answers on paper or a computer, rather than speaking them. It can include multiple-choice questions, short answers, or long essays. This is the most common format for midterms and final exams in schools and universities.

Examples

• The course grade is split between a written exam and a practical presentation.

  The course grade is split between a written exam and a practical presentation.

• Make sure to bring two black pens to the written exam on Friday.

  Make sure to bring two black pens to the written exam on Friday.

• I usually perform better on a written exam because I have more time to think about my answers.

  I usually perform better on a written exam because I have more time to think about my answers.

• The written exam will cover the first six chapters of the textbook.

  The written exam will cover the first six chapters of the textbook.

• After three hours of writing, my hand was cramping during the final written exam.

  After three hours of writing, my hand was cramping during the final written exam.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I wrote an exam yesterday.

  ✓ I took a written exam yesterday.

  To 'write an exam' usually means the teacher created the exam. Students 'take', 'sit', or 'complete' an exam.

• ✗ The teacher gave us a paper exam.

  ✓ The teacher gave us a written exam.

  While 'paper exam' is sometimes used casually, 'written exam' is the standard academic term to contrast with an oral or practical exam.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The chemistry course has both a lab test and a final ___.

  💡 A paper or computer-based test

  Show answer

  written exam

• I need to study my lecture notes thoroughly before the ___.

  💡 The opposite of an oral exam

  Show answer

  written exam