Quiz Written Question Examples

A good way to improve academic integrity in your online quizzes is to replace some Multiple Choice questions (and other auto-graded question types) with written questions that require each student to compose a unique answer. On this page, we'll provide some examples of different types of questions you might create for your quizzes and exams.

Examples are in order of complexity from least complex to most complex:

Remembering

Define [a term you’ve covered in previous weeks].

Your response will be assigned a grade out of 2, according to the following criteria:

1 mark: Accurately defines the term.
1 mark: Definition is clearly communicated.

Understanding

[Provide a short definition of a term you’re not asking students to define elsewhere in the quiz].

Using your own words, paraphrase this concept (write it in your own words).

Your response will be assigned a grade out of 2, according to the following criteria:

1 mark: Does an exceptional job of paraphrasing the concept.
1 mark: Paraphrases the concept reasonably well.

Applying

[Provide a short case study or example].

Based on what you know of the situation, which [concept/process/approach covered in the course] [is illustrated here/would be appropriate as a next course of action]?

Your response will be assigned a grade out of 1, according to the following criteria:

1 mark: Accurately identifies the correct concept/process/approach.

Analyzing

Using full sentences, explain the differences between [two similar concepts/processes/approaches covered in the course].

Your response will be assigned a grade out of 3, according to the following criteria:

2 marks: Accurately describes both concepts/processes/approaches covered in the course.
1 mark: Uses full sentences to explain.

Evaluating

[Provide a short case study or example related to course content].

Based on what you know of the situation, which [concept/process/approach covered in the course] is [illustrated here/would be appropriate as a next course of action]? Write two or three full sentences explaining your conclusion.

Your response will be assigned a grade out of 3, according to the following criteria:

1 mark: Accurately identifies the correct concept/process/approach.
2 marks: Provides sound justification.

Creating

[Provide a longer case study or scenario related to course content that touches on a range of course learning outcomes].

Based on what you’ve learned so far in this course, how would you [solve this problem/approach this scenario/describe these conflicts/explain this issue to a peer or boss]? Compose an email arguing your point of view and your suggested solutions.

Your response will be assigned a grade out of 10, according to the following criteria:

3 marks: Accurately relates scenario to course content.
3 marks: Proposes an appropriate solution.
3 marks: Provides sound justification for their course of action.
1 mark: Appropriately formats this argument as though you are writing an email to your boss or coworker.