Multiple choice type of

T est
By:
Nathan Ted O. Mandac
Ma. Theresa Cas
 What is a multiple choice test?
-The multiple-choice test is a very flexible assessment format
that can be used to measure knowledge, skills, abilities, values,
thinking skills, etc.
 Parts of a Multiple choice test
1. Stem – is the part to which the student is to respond. In
everyday language, we'd call this the question, but since it
could be a statement or even an analogy or an equation, we'll
use the technical term, Stem.
2. Options - are the choices from which examinees are to
choose. There are two kinds of options: the Key is the correct
or best choice; the Distracters are incorrect or less
appropriate choices.
 Guidelines for constructing Multiple choice items

1. Do not use unfamiliar words, terms, and phrases.

Example: The study of phonology is a prerequisite to the study linguistics.

2. Do not use modifiers that are vague and whose meanings can differ from one person
to the next such as much, often, usually etc.
3. Avoid complex or awkward word arrangements.

4. Do not use negatives or double negatives as such statements tend to be confusing. It

is best to use simpler sentences rather than sentences that would require expertise in
grammatical construction.

5. Each item should be short as possible; otherwise you risk testing more for reading
and comprehension skills.

6. Distracters should be equally plausible and attractive.

Example: The short story May Day’s Eve was written by which author?
a. Jose Garcia Villa c. Robert Frost
b. Nick Joaquin d. Edgar Allan Poe
7. All multiple choice options should be grammatically consistent with the stem?

8. The length, explicitness, or degree of technicality of alternatives should not be the

determinants of the correctness of the answer.
Example: What was the role of the Druid priest?
a. Record History
b. Sing Hymns
c. To serve as the middle man or intermediary between people and the gods
d. Pray
9. Avoid stems that reveal the answer to the item.

10. Avoid alternatives that are synonymous with others or those that, include or
overlap others.
Example: The Greek God of the sea.
a. Neptune c. Zeus
b. Ares d. Poseidon

11. Avoid presenting sequenced items in the same order as in the text.
12. Avoid extreme specificity requirements in responses.
13. Use “None of the above” option only when the keyed answer is totally correct.

14. Having compound response choices may purposefully increase difficulty of an

item.

15. The difficulty of a multiple choice item may be controlled by varying the
homogeneity or degree of similarity of responses.