When the stem is an incomplete statement, place the “blank”
for the correct choice at the end of the statement.
When a negative item is used, emphasize the negative word or phrase;
that is, underline, capitalize, or italicize, for example, “DOES
NOT.”
Avoid grammatical clues to the correct answer such as “a”
or “an” as the last word of the stem or plural verbs that
match plural choices.
If all responses begin with common words or phrases, then place these
commonalities at the end of the stem.
Write the stem such that the students don’t have to read all
the choices before they can determine the question.
When several stems have the same set of choices, consider using a
matching question.
Question choices or responses
Include at least four, but not more than five, possible responses.
Provide reasonably plausible choices.
Only one response should be correct.
Omit responses that are obviously wrong.
List possible responses in a column – easier to read and answer
Avoid patterns in placing correct answers (such as having "c"
be correct in more than half of the questions).
If a hierarchy exists within the responses, place them in ascending
order (e.g., numerical responses in numerical order, years in chronological
order).
Use “none of the above” and “all of the above”
with appropriate discretion. They can give away the answer or cause
confusion, if all alternative choices aren’t worded very carefully.
Avoid language that is similar or identical to important words in
the stem.
