Objective Test Items

OBJECTIVE TEST ITEMS

True – False Items Matching Items Multiple-Choice Items Completion Items

True-false items are popular Unlike true-false items, Multiple-choice items are Completion items are relatively
probably because they are quick matching items represent a among objective test items easy to write. Perhaps the first
and easy to write, or at least they popular and convenient testing because, contrary to popular test classroom teachers
seem to be. Actually, true-false format. Just like good true-false opinion, they enable you to construct and students take are
items do take less time to write items, though, good matching measure at high levels of the completion tests.
than good objective items of any items are not easy to write as taxonomy of educational
other format, but good true-false you might think. objectives. We have called
items are not that easy to write. these items objective items,
but they are also referred to as
recognition items.
Criteria for writing good Criteria for writing good Criteria for writing good Criteria for writing good
True – False items Matching items Multiple-Choice items Completion or Supply
Items

• Clear instructions should • Keep both the list of • The stem of the item • If at all possible, items
be given before the start descriptions and the list should clearly formulate should require a single-
of the true – false test. of options fairly short the problem. word answer, or a brief
• Construct definitely true or and Homogeneous. Title • Be sure that there is and definite statement.
definitely false the lists to ensure only one and only one • Be sure the question or
questions/statements. homogeneity and correct or clearly best statement poses a
• Use relatively short arrange the descriptions answer. problem to the
statements or questions. and options in some • Be sure wrong answer examinee. A direct
• Keep true and false logical order. choices (distracters) are question is often more
questions the same length • Make sure that all the plausible. desirable than an
and more or less the same options are plausible • Use negative questions incomplete statement.
amount of true as false. distracters for each or statements only if the • Be sure that the student
• Avoid using double- description to ensure knowledge being tested is required to produce is
negative questions. homogeneity of lists. requires it. Include from factually correct. Be sure
• Taking statements directly • The list of descriptions three to five options the language used in the
from text and presenting (two to four distracters question is precise and
should contain the
them out of context. plus one correct answer) accurate in relation to
longer phrases or
to optimise testing for the subject matter area
statements while the
knowledge rather than being tested.
options should consists
of short phrases, words, encouraging guessing.
or symbols.
• Omit only key words;

• Avoid the following: • To increase the don’t eliminate so many
- Verbal clues. • Each description in the difficulty of a multiple- elements that the sense
- Broad general list should be numbered, choice item, increase of the content is
statements. and the list of options the similarity of content impaired. Word the
- Terms denoting should be identified by among the questions. statement such that the
indefinite or letter. blank is near the end of
• Use the option ‘none of
absolutes. the sentence rather than
• Include more options the above’ sparingly and
- Placing items in a near the beginning. This
than descriptions only when the keyed
systematic order. will prevent awkward
• In the directions, specify answer can be classified
mistakes.
the basis for matching unequivocally as right or
• If the problem requires
and whether options can wrong.
a numerical answer,
be used more than • Avoid using ‘all of the
indicate the units in
once. above’. It is usually the
which it is to be
correct answer and
expressed.
makes the item too easy
for students with partial
information.

Objective Test Items

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OBJECTIVE TEST ITEMS

True – False Items Matching Items Multiple-Choice Items Completion Items

• Omit only key words;

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