The term EXAM FORMAT can be broken down into two crossword solutions: ORAL (4 letters) and ESSAY (5 letters). An ORAL exam is a type of assessment in which a student is tested on their knowledge by speaking out loud, usually in front of an examiner. An ESSAY exam is a type of assessment in which a student is asked to write an ESSAY on a given topic in order to demonstrate their understanding of the subject. Both types of exams are commonly used in educational settings.