Which of the following is a disadvantage of essay questions?

Time-consuming to score is indeed a significant disadvantage of essay questions. This type of assessment requires a detailed evaluation of student responses, often needing subjective judgment and critical thinking skills from the scorer. Unlike multiple-choice questions, which can be graded quickly and objectively, essays demand careful reading and consideration of each student's argument, structure, and the depth of their understanding. This grading process can lead to a more significant time investment, which can be a challenge in environments where efficient assessment is needed, such as in large classes or when multiple assessments must be completed in a limited time frame.

In addition to being time-consuming, scoring essays can also introduce variability in grading due to personal biases or differences in interpretation, complicating the reliability of the scores assigned. Therefore, while essay questions can provide valuable insights into a student's understanding and ability to articulate their thoughts, the extensive time required for scoring is a notable drawback in their use as an assessment tool.