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For multiple-choice questions about 3 – 5 options of similar length of approximately 20 words are written. The options should have parallel construction. The distracter should be entirely incorrect or correct, and sensible. It should neither be too easy nor should stand out in length. While writing options, “All of the above” should be avoided and “None of the above” should never be used.
The two types of multiple-choice questions are:
Multiple-Choice Single Select
Multiple-Choice Multiple Select
Multiple-Choice Single Select
Multiple-Choice Single Select
While writing options for multiple-choice single select, key contents of both OST and pop-ups should be covered. Parallel construction and précis-writing rules are strictly followed. In multiple-choice single select options, the learner is required to select single option as answer.
Example
Example
The following example demonstrates how to correctly write options for multiple-choice single select questions. The learning objective for this topic is: “State the characteristics of living things.”
Input
The characteristics of living things are:
Respiration: Living things take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide.
Growth: Living things grow and both its size and weight increase.
Response to stimuli: They are capable of action in response to events in the surroundings.
Excretion: They eliminate waste products from the body.
Reproduction: Living things create other living things like itself.
Death: Living things die after a period of time.
Output
Which one of the statements are characteristics of living things is false?
Select an option, and then click Submit.
In this example, while writing options, key contents of both OST and pop-ups have been covered. Parallel construction is followed for writing options. Also, options are kept crisp.
Mock-up
Mock-up
This is how the above storyboard output would be integrated as an e-learning courseware screen.
Non-Example
Non-Example
The non-example demonstrates how not to write options for multiple-choice single select questions.
Input
Input
The characteristics of living things are:
Respiration: Living things take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide.
Growth: Living things grow and both its size and weight increase.
Response to stimuli: They are capable of action in response to events in the surroundings.
Excretion: They eliminate waste products from the body.
Reproduction: Living things create other living things like itself.
Death: Living things die after a period of time.
Output
Output
Which one of the statements about characteristics of living things is false?
Select an option, and then click Submit.
In this non-example, parallel construction is not followed while writing options.
Multiple-Choice Multiple Select
Multiple-Choice Multiple Select
While writing options for multiple-choice multiple select, key contents of both OST and pop-ups should be covered. Parallel construction and précis-writing rules are strictly followed. In multiple-choice multiple select options, the learner is required to select more than one option as answer.
Example
Example
The following example demonstrates how to correctly write options for multiple-choice multiple select questions.
Input
Input
The human digestive system is designed to process food and fluids, which are consumed on a daily basis. Let’s study the main processes involved in digestion.
Ingestion: Food enters the body via the mouth where it is chewed. This action helps to break up the food enabling it to be swallowed and enter the oesophagus. The chewing action also releases enzymes which help to break down the food in preparation for the digestion process.
Digestion: Oesophagus conveys ingested food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. This is partially under the effect of gravity but also as a result of the continuous contraction and relaxation of the muscular wall of the oesophagus, a process known as peristalsis.
Absorption: Stomach receives food and fluids after ingestion. Food is then churned around and mixed with gastric juices, a mixture of acid, enzymes and other materials, which starts to break down food into smaller particles in order to make digestion easier. The food proceeds to small intestine. It is very important as it is the major site of digestion of food and subsequent absorption of essential nutrients which the body needs to function efficiently.
Elimination: Indigestible food remains and fluid pass from the small intestine into the large intestine where one of the most important processes take place. It involves the absorption of water through the wall of the intestine and into the bloodstream. Therefore, as material passes through the large intestine it becomes progressively drier and more solid in consistency and the waste matter forms into faeces, or "stools" which is eliminated from the body through the anus.
Output
Output
Which of the statements explaining the digestive processes are true?
Select all options that apply, and then click Submit.
In this example, while writing options for multiple-choice multiple select, key contents of both OST and pop-ups has been covered. Parallel construction and précis-writing rules are strictly followed.
Mock-up
Mock-up
This is how the above storyboard output would be integrated as an e-learning courseware screen.
Non-Example
Non-Example
The following non-example demonstrates how not to write options for multiple-choice multiple select questions.
Input
Input
The human digestive system is designed to process food and fluids, which are consumed on a daily basis. Let’s study the main processes involved in digestion.
Ingestion: Food enters the body via the mouth where it is chewed. This action helps to break up the food enabling it to be swallowed and enter the oesophagus. The chewing action also releases enzymes which help to break down the food in preparation for the digestion process.
Digestion: Oesophagus conveys ingested food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. This is partially under the effect of gravity but also as a result of the continuous contraction and relaxation of the muscular wall of the oesophagus, a process known as peristalsis.
Absorption: Stomach receives food and fluids after ingestion. Food is then churned around and mixed with gastric juices, a mixture of acid, enzymes and other materials, which starts to break down food into smaller particles in order to make digestion easier. The food proceeds to small intestine. It is very important as it is the major site of digestion of food and subsequent absorption of essential nutrients which the body needs to function efficiently.
Elimination: Indigestible food remains and fluid pass from the small intestine into the large intestine where one of the most important processes take place. It involves the absorption of water through the wall of the intestine and into the bloodstream. Therefore, as material passes through the large intestine it becomes progressively drier and more solid in consistency and the waste matter forms into faeces, or "stools" which is eliminated from the body through the anus.
Output
Output
Which of the statements explaining the digestive processes are true?
Select all options that apply, and then click Submit.
In this non-example, option (B) is comparatively lengthy than other options and is exceeding 20 words. Ideally, the options should be of similar length and should generally not exceed 20 words.
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