Pisa results have continually indicated a deficiency in reading and writing amongst Swedish students, which have led to discussions within Swedish media and the political arena. It was my interest in the national-exam´s key role in the Swedish school that led me to examine the contruction and the students understanding of this test. Moreover, I have examined what abilities the exam tests. The main source I have used in my study is Borgstrom´s model for the contruction of the exam. He has categorized the contruction of the exam in different areas, namely subject, situation and instruction. Borgstrom states that the instruction in the exam influences the students to a specific way of writing. My study is based on the national exam for the new curriculum Lgy11. I have studied what the exam tests in relation to the curriculum and grade scale. My results indicate that the student is affected by the situation that is described in the exam. This situation leads to the students undertaking the exam in a certain way. In addition, the study shows that the text types, such as argumentative or investigative are supported by the way the exam is shaped. Moreover, the study also shows the way in which the student must gather information. The exam also tests the students´ability to critically analyze and refer to sources. Finally, the text needs to be adapted to the recipient in order for the student to receive the correct message.