Which type of assessment requires written responses that demonstrate conceptual understanding?

The option that requires written responses that effectively demonstrate conceptual understanding is the short answer essay format. This type of assessment allows students to articulate their thoughts in their own words, providing a deeper insight into their comprehension of the subject matter. Through short answer essays, students can elaborate on their reasoning, connect different ideas, and showcase their analytical abilities, encouraging them to engage with the content on a more meaningful level.

In contrast, multiple choice assessments typically require students to select an answer from a set of options, which may not fully capture their understanding. Fill in the blank assessments often ask for specific words or phrases, limiting the opportunity for students to express their ideas comprehensively. True/false assessments provide binary choices that do not allow for nuanced explanations or demonstrate the depth of knowledge that a written response can. Thus, the short answer essay format is particularly effective for assessing a student's conceptual understanding in a richer and more detailed manner.