In addition to being graded for factual correctness, free response questions may also be graded for persuasiveness, style, and demonstrated mastery of the subject material.
Free response questions are a common part of assessment tests in schools, as well as being part of standardized tests[1] Essay questions are also sometimes included as part of a job interview[2] or a school application process.
[3] Free response questions typically require little work for instructors to write, but can be difficult to grade consistently as they require subjective judgments.
Free response tests are a relatively effective test of higher-level reasoning, as the format requires test-takers to provide more of their reasoning in the answer than multiple choice questions.
[4] Students, however, report higher levels of anxiety when taking essay questions as compared to short-response or multiple choice exams.