Which of the following refers to the total interest expense incurred during a period?

The term that refers to the total interest expense incurred during a period is known as interest expense. This figure represents the cost of borrowing and is recognized in the financial statements as an expense, reflecting the interest that has accrued on a company's liabilities, such as loans or bonds.

Accrued interest, while it relates to interest expense, specifically refers to the interest that has been incurred but not yet paid by the end of the reporting period. It may not represent the total interest expense for a period, so it doesn't fully capture the amount incurred.

Total points and cash expense do not directly refer to the total interest expense incurred during the period. Total points may relate to fees associated with securing a loan, and cash expense refers to outflows of cash for expenses, which doesn't necessarily align specifically with the concept of interest incurred.

Overall, interest expense encapsulates the entire amount of interest that affects the profit and loss account for the period, making it the most appropriate choice.