However, essay tests have their own set of problems. That seems like a poor way to assign a grade. However, if students are asked to do the test on a word processor, it is hard to insure that the work is original. Studies have also shown that grades for essay tests are influenced by length. If a student rambles on at length, there is greater likelihood of hitting a few points that the teacher is looking for.
Essays test grades depend upon writing skills.
Essay tests tend to focus on a few large issues. One cannot ask many essay questions in a single testing sessions. But we also need to teach students many specific facts, especially in a beginning course. We do not want to encourage students to ignore everything except a few big issues. With multiple choice questions, one can give lots of study questions and achieve thorough coverage.