What type of questions can best assess practical skills in a test format?

Oral questions are particularly effective at assessing practical skills because they allow for a dynamic interaction between the assessor and the examinee. This format enables the evaluator to pose situational problems or scenarios that require the examinee to demonstrate their understanding and application of practical skills in real-time. The immediate feedback given during an oral examination allows the instructor to gauge not only the candidate's theoretical knowledge but also their ability to articulate processes and reasoning behind their actions, which is critical in practical skill assessments.

In contrast, the other formats serve different purposes. Essay questions can assess understanding and analysis but may not effectively demonstrate actual skill execution or application. True/false questions typically measure rote memorization rather than practical ability, as they often require a binary response without the opportunity for elaborate explanation or demonstration. Multiple-choice questions can assess recognition and recall but fall short when it comes to evaluating how well a candidate can apply skills in a practical context. Overall, oral questions provide an environment conducive to assessing practical skills through interactive dialogue and demonstration.