kirjatentti

Kirjatentti is a form of written examination used in Finnish higher education institutions. In a kirjatentti, students respond to examination questions in writing, and, depending on the course, may be allowed to consult textbooks, lecture notes, and other course material during the exam. The format emphasizes synthesis, critical analysis, and the ability to present a coherent argument rather than simple memorization.

Examinations are usually held during official exam periods and can take place on campus or, in some cases, remotely. The exam may consist of several questions or a single long prompt, and answers are typically submitted within a fixed time frame. Answers are commonly written in the student’s own language, either by hand or typed, depending on the course requirements.

Assessment is conducted by course teachers or an examination board. Grades follow the institution’s scale, commonly including numeric grades (for example 0–5) or a pass/fail outcome. Feedback is provided when possible, and policies for retakes or supplementary tasks may exist.

Preparation for a kirjatentti often centers on thorough engagement with core literature and course materials. Practical strategies include reading and outlining key texts, practicing with past questions, and planning structured, well-referenced responses. Students should follow the institution’s rules on citations and plagiarism to ensure academic integrity.

Kirjatentti is one of several assessment methods in Finnish higher education, alongside suullinen tentti (oral exam) and various forms of coursework assessment. It is valued for testing written communication, analytical thinking, and the ability to integrate literature and theory.