A
test where the answers are standard (
multiple choice,
true/false, etc.) and can be graded by just comparing the answers with a key. Usually taken by filling in
bubbles on answer sheets so that the test can be graded by a
computer.
Not usually as good a measure of the student's knowledge than an essay or project where they have a chance to explain what they've learned, or why their answer is different from the other students'. This is especially true when the test is being given to very large groups containing different schools, cultures, or native languages.
However, a small number of standardized tests such as the AP (Advanced Placement) exams do have a component that requires you to write down your thoughts or the process you used to reach an answer, but these aren't terribly common as they are time-consuming and labor-intensive to grade.