Which type of written test item provides a direct measure of a student's ability to recall facts?

True/False questions are an effective way to assess a student's ability to recall specific facts. They require students to make a judgment about the accuracy of a statement, which directly tests their knowledge and recollection of particular information. This format is straightforward, allowing for a clear evaluation of whether a student knows a fact or concept.

In contrast, essay questions tend to assess a student's ability to synthesize information or express ideas in written form, which goes beyond simple recall. Fill-in-the-blank items can also measure recall but often require the student to not only remember facts but also to produce the answer in a specific context. Matching questions assess the ability to connect related items rather than directly recall specific pieces of information.