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KEYS TO DEVELOPING
GOOD ESSAY ITEMS
1. Begin by developing a series of outcomes you think would be clear, appropriate learning indicators, providing evidence of what your students should know, or are able to do (Clear targets), that are well matched to your instruction.

2. Operationalize each outcome. What are its component parts? How would you define a "good response?" The better you can define a good answer before you write the item the more valid the item will be and the more reliable the assessment.

3. Write an item that provides clear guidelines for what should be included and what is expected in a good response.

4. Determine a number of points for the item based on the number and type of operations involved in a good response, and the relative importance of the item in the exam.

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