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Meaning & use

a written exam

phrase·Everyday

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UK/ə ˌrɪtn ɪɡˈzæm/
US/ə ˌrɪtn ɪɡˈzæm/

Meanings

  1. phrasecountable

    A test in which you answer questions by writing, rather than by speaking or doing something practical.

    Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a written exam' or 'two written exams'.

    Patterns

    • take a written exam
    • pass a written exam
    • a written exam in something

    The driving test has a written exam and a practical part.

    Students must pass a written exam before they can start the course.

    She was nervous about the written exam because she writes slowly.

  2. phrasecountable

    The paper-based part of a test that also has other sections, such as speaking or driving.

    Grammar: Often used with 'the' when it is one part of a larger test.

    Patterns

    • the written exam
    • sit a written exam

    You need at least 70 percent on the written exam to move on.

    The written exam lasts two hours and has forty questions.

Word forms

pluralwritten exams

Common combinations

take a written exam
All candidates must take a written exam in June.
pass a written exam
He passed the written exam but failed the driving part.
fail a written exam
If you fail the written exam, you can retake it in three weeks.
a written exam in mathematics
There is a written exam in mathematics at the end of term.
sit a written exam
British students sit a written exam at the end of each year.

Synonyms and how they differ

written test
Almost the same meaning, but 'test' is more general and can be short or informal, while 'exam' usually suggests something official.
paper
British English often calls an exam a 'paper', as in 'the history paper'; it can also mean the question sheet itself.

Opposites

oral exampractical exam

Word family

write verb
To make letters or words on paper or a screen.
written adjective
Put down in writing, as opposed to spoken.
examine verb
To test someone's knowledge or check something carefully.

Commonly confused: a written exam or oral exam? a written exam or writing exam?

a written exam vs oral exam

An oral exam is spoken, not written. If the test is spoken, use 'oral exam'; if you answer on paper, use 'written exam'.

a written exam vs writing exam

'Writing exam' means an exam that tests your writing skill; a 'written exam' is any exam you answer in writing, whatever the subject.

Practice

The driving test includes both a practical section and a ___ .

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