Which activity involves comparing planned test progress to actual test progress?

The activity that involves comparing planned test progress to actual test progress is test monitoring. This process encompasses the ongoing assessment and evaluation of testing activities against the established plans. It allows for the identification of any discrepancies or deviations from what was intended.

In test monitoring, testers gather data on various metrics, such as completed test cases, time spent, and defects found, enabling them to understand whether the testing is on track. This can include regular reviews of progress reports, discussions among team members, and adjustments to the testing process as necessary to stay aligned with the objectives.

While test planning involves defining the scope, approach, resources, and activities of testing, and test closure relates to finalizing testing activities and evaluating completed work, it is specifically during test control that actions are taken to adjust the course of testing based on the outcomes of monitoring. However, monitoring itself is the activity that directly compares planned progress to actual progress.