Which assessment is typically used as a major segment at the end of a unit?

• A. Formative
• B. Diagnostic
• C. Interim quiz
• D. Summative

Answer: (D)

Assessments are used differently depending on timing and purpose. A summative assessment is designed to evaluate overall learning after instruction is complete, serving as a major milestone at the end of a unit. It typically covers the full range of objectives and often contributes to final grades, giving a snapshot of what students have achieved.

In contrast, formative assessments happen during learning to monitor progress and guide instruction; they’re ongoing and help improve teaching and understanding, not provide the final measure. Diagnostic assessments are used before instruction to identify what students already know or need to learn, informing planning. Interim quizzes act as checkpoints mid-unit to gauge understanding partway through, not as the final evaluation.

So, at the end of a unit, the major segment of assessment is the summative one, since it confirms overall mastery and provides a culminating end-point measure.