Written tests are designed to measure which of the following?

• A. Cognitive ability
• B. Physical endurance
• C. Interpersonal skills
• D. Creativity

Answer: (A)

Written tests assess cognitive ability—the capacity to understand information, reason through problems, recall facts, and apply concepts to new situations. These tests present scenarios and questions that require interpreting material, analyzing data, and selecting correct solutions, which reflect how well you think critically and use knowledge. They’re designed to measure mental processes rather than physical performance, how you interact with others, or your ability to generate novel ideas. Physical endurance would show up in hands-on or drill tests, interpersonal skills are demonstrated in communication and teamwork settings, and creativity is often evaluated through open-ended projects or tasks that invite original ideas. So the best fit is cognitive ability, since written questions target reasoning, memory, and problem-solving.