Diagnostic assessment begins where formative assessment leaves off.
When preparing written tests from the ARBs for diagnostic purposes, teachers will need to have in mind the use they will make of the information gained. Extensive tests cover a broader range of content than intensive tests and are characterised by a graded sampling of the concepts and knowledge to be assessed. Broad areas of difficulty may be identified and the points at which a student's understanding falters may be indicated, if the grading of the questions is sensitive. Intensive diagnostic tests, on the other hand, focus on just one aspect of learning. Examine the resources, selecting easier resources if there is a choice.