- Ambiguous language: Test companies often use ambiguous language in questions, which can make it difficult for students to understand what they are being asked.
- Reverse-worded questions: Reverse-worded questions are questions in which the correct answer is the opposite of what is being asked. These questions can be confusing and tricky for students to answer correctly.
- Complex sentence structures: Test companies often use complex sentence structures in questions, which can make it difficult for students to understand what is being asked.
- Unfamiliar content: Test companies sometimes include unfamiliar content in tests, which can make it difficult for students to answer questions correctly.
- Time constraints: Standardized tests are timed, which can make it difficult for students to complete all of the questions. This can lead to students making mistakes due to rushing.
- Unclear or poorly worded questions: Test companies may intentionally write questions that are unclear or poorly worded in order to confuse students and make them more likely to make mistakes.
- Questions that require outside knowledge: Some standardized tests include questions that require students to have knowledge of information that is not covered in the curriculum. This can be unfair to students who have not had the opportunity to learn this material.
- Tricky answer choices: Test companies may include answer choices that are intentionally designed to look like the correct answer but are actually incorrect. This can make it difficult for students to choose the correct answer, even if they know the material.