記述問題

• Reading: きじゅつもんだい
• Romaji: kijutsu mondai
• Kanji breakdown: 記 (ki) — record; 述 (jutsu) — state, narrate; 問 (mon) — question; 題 (dai) — topic, subject
• Pronunciation: /ki.d͡ʑɯ.t͡sɯ.mo.ɴ.da.i/

Meaning

Essay question; written-response question. A test question requiring a written answer rather than multiple choice.

A compound noun used in educational and examination contexts. Contrasts with 選択問題 (sentaku mondai, multiple-choice question) and マークシート問題 (mark-sheet question). 記述 means 'description/writing' and 問題 means 'question/problem.' Common in university entrance exams, certification tests, and academic assessments. Often considered more challenging because it requires organizing and expressing one's own thoughts.

Examples

1. 今回の試験は記述問題が多かった。 This exam had a lot of essay questions.
2. 記述問題では自分の意見を論理的に書く必要がある。 Essay questions require you to write your own opinion logically.
3. 選択問題より記述問題の方が配点が高い。 Essay questions are worth more points than multiple-choice questions.

Usage Guide

Context: exams, education, test preparation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 記述 (kijutsu, description/writing) + 問題 (mondai, question/problem). 記 means 'record,' 述 means 'state/narrate,' so 記述問題 is literally 'a question answered by written narration.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Students

Social background: Educated