Create Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions present mutually exclusive choices with only one correct response. By default, the choices are displayed in random order when the question is used.

  1. Click Questions > Create.
    The Question Editor opens.
  2. In Name, type a name for the question.
  3. In Mode, select Multiple-Choice.
  4. In Question, type your question.

    Use the answer placeholder string <_> to specify where the answer box should be displayed.

    Best Practice Although technically you can omit the answer placeholder string <_> for multiple-choice questions if you want the answer choices to be listed at the end of your question, this string is required for most other question types and it is a good practice always to include it.
  5. In Answer, type the correct answer on the first line and press ENTER. Then, type one or more incorrect answers, pressing ENTER after each one.
    Note
    • Incorrect answers are sometimes referred to as distractors.
    • If an answer extends beyond the right side of the Answer box, it is wrapped to the next line, but it is still considered a single line so long as you do not press ENTER.
    • To show feedback for each choice — sometimes called a rejoinder — see Add Item-Specific Feedback to Multiple-Choice Questions.
  6. Optional: Type a Solution.

    The solution helps your students understand the steps they need to take to determine the correct answer to the question. Your assignment settings specify when to show the solution.

  7. Click Test/Preview to test the appearance and behavior of the question. See Test Questions.
  8. Click Redisplay to show certain kinds of errors in the Display section of the Question Editor. Make any needed changes to your question.
  9. Optional: Click Show Additional Information and change the question's sharing permission or add descriptive information.
    • By default, other instructors can use your question only if you provide them with the question ID, and only you can edit the question or find it in search results. To change the permission, see Share Questions With Other Instructors.
    • If you make your question publicly available, you might want to provide descriptive information to help others search for it. See Add Search Metadata to Questions.
  10. When your question displays and functions correctly, click Save.

    WebAssign assigns it a unique question ID (QID), which is displayed in parentheses after the question name.

    You can use your question in an assignment and see it in your My Questions list only after it is saved.

Example Multiple-Choice Question

The following table summarizes an actual question.

QID

 
1077495

Name 

Template2 2.MC.01.

Mode 

Multiple-Choice

Question 

What is the primary function of leaves?<br> <_>

Answer 

to trap light energy for photosynthesis
to provide protection for the plant
to provide water for the plant
to enable the plant to grow taller

Display to Students

Question as displayed to students