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Constructing True/False Questions

True/false topic

  • Make questions require application of knowledge as much as possible.
  • Always make certain the statement is unequivocally true or false.
  • When using opinion statements, cite the source that will make the complete statement true or false.

True/false protocol

  • Develop approximately the same number of true and false statements.
  • Do not consistently make true statements longer than false statements, or vice versa
  • Avoid negative and complicated statements.
  • Words such as “all,” “only,” “never,” and “always” give hints about the answer and are usually false. Use them only when the question is to measure understanding.
  • Statements with the words “generally” and “usually” tend to be true.

 


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Last revised: December 22, 2003