A proficient item writer should possess several attributes: knowledge and understanding of the material being tested, continuous awareness of objectives, continous awareness of the instructional model, understanding of the students for whom the items are intended, skill in written communication, and skill in the techniques of item writing. The following general guidelines should be followed: (1) express items as clearly and simply as possible; (2) include all qualifications necessary to provide a reasonable basis for responding; (3) emphasize general tasks rather than small details; (4) avoid jargon and textbook language; (5) locate and delete irrelevant clues; (6) eliminate irrelevant sources of difficulty; (7) place all items of a given type together in a test; (8) prepare the key in advance of test administration; and (9) arrange for competent review of the items. Specific suggestions are presented for writing multiple-choice, alternative-response, or matching items. (Author/BW)