A database that consists of tests and exams from past years is called a test bank. These tests and exams are uploaded by educators and teachers so they can be used as study guides by other teachers and students. Mainly, students who are not doing well in schools or universities can make use of these test banks and get better in their subjects or courses. But, in order to download specific test papers from a specific subject area, teachers and students have to pay.

The fees for getting access to test papers and exams from the past are quite affordable so students would not face any difficulties when trying to download them. However, it is important that teachers and students who plan to use them are aware of the specific instructions for downloading and using them because different websites are powered by different software.

Test banks consist of a range of materials including full length tests and their answers. They are available in word and pdf format for easy download and they are also available as software for those who want to take tests online. Test questions are available in many different formats including fill in the blank, matching, short answer, essay, multiple choice and true/false.

How they benefit teachers

Teachers can benefit from these test banks in a number of ways. Given below are some of their benefits to teachers.

€ In order to take tests, students don't have to leave the school's network as they can be used via the software system preferred by the school.
€ Teachers can save a lot of their valuable time because they don't have to prepare test questions.
€ It is possible for teachers to customize the test papers. They can add more questions or simply leave out those which are outdated.
€ Teachers can save a lot of time as they don't have to correct tests.
€ Tests can be modified in such a way that students get immediate feedback. Students can also get reference information so they know where to look for the right answer.
€ Teachers can have an idea as to how the students are performing. If the students are weak in a particular area, then the teacher will know and work towards making them better. The test questions can be used as a guide by teachers, especially when there is a part that students find confusing. If there are questions that are too easy for the students, teachers can change them and make them bit more challenging.

How they benefit students

Test banks can be quite beneficial for students as they allow them to take practice tests and know how well they are performing. This can also give them an idea as to what kinds of marks and grades they would get when they sit for actual exams in school. Students can go through the questions and study parts which are confusing or parts which they don't understand. Students can also get reference information and immediate feedback to help them understand how they are doing. Further help can be provided by teachers to help students excel in their courses and subjects. On the other hand, a solution manual can also be used to get answers to questions in the college textbook. This is another useful resource which can be used as an educational tool when students are stuck with their assignments and homework. A solution manual provides detailed answers and explanations to all the exercises, questions and case studies that can be found at the end of every chapter in the textbook.