Exam:
* More formal and comprehensive: Exams typically cover a larger body of knowledge and require more in-depth understanding.
* Higher stakes: Often used for final assessments, such as end-of-semester exams, or for qualifying for a degree or professional license.
* Longer and more challenging: Exams are usually longer than tests, and the questions are typically more demanding.
* Structured and standardized: Exams often follow a specific format, with clear instructions and a standardized grading system.
Test:
* More informal and focused: Tests cover a smaller, more specific set of material.
* Lower stakes: Tests are used for formative assessment, helping students track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
* Shorter and less demanding: Tests are usually shorter than exams and the questions are often less challenging.
* More flexible: Tests can have various formats, including multiple-choice, true-false, short answer, essay, and even practical demonstrations.
Here's a simple analogy:
* Think of a test as a "pop quiz" and an exam as a "final exam."
Ultimately, the distinction between "exam" and "test" is not always clear-cut. The terms can be used interchangeably, and the specific meaning can vary depending on context.