Which assessment is considered a free response test item?

The correct response is the essay, as it represents a free response test item that allows individuals to express their knowledge, thoughts, and insights in a narrative form. This format requires learners to construct their own responses rather than selecting from predetermined options, thereby providing a comprehensive demonstration of their understanding of a topic.

Essays offer the opportunity for critical thinking, elaboration of ideas, and integration of content, which can showcase a student’s depth of knowledge and ability to articulate concepts. This format also encourages creativity and the application of knowledge, allowing instructors to assess students' analytical and writing skills in addition to their understanding of content.

In contrast, test items like true or false, labeling, and matching all involve selecting or identifying correct answers from given options, which limits the depth of response and critical thinking required. Hence, these formats are not classified as free response but rather as selected response test items.