TYPES OF PAPER-AND-

PEN TEST QUESTIONS

OBJECTIVES:
GIVEN THE GUIDELINES OF TEST QUESTIONS,
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
A. FORMULATE DESIRABLE TEST QUESTIONS
ALIGNED TO THE TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS AND
K-12 CURRICULUM GUIDE; AND
B. PRODUCE A COMPLETE TEST INSTRUMENT WITH
PROPER FORMAT; AND
C. CRITIQUE THE SET OF TEST QUESTIONS
CAREFULLY.
 TYPES OF PAPER-AND-PEN
TEST QUESTIONS
SELECTED-RESPONSE TEST
 TRUE OR FALSE
 TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE TEST
 MODIFIED  COMPLETION
 MULTIPLE  ANALOGY
 MULTIPLE CHOICE  ENUMERATION
 MATCHING TYPE (TWO-THREE COLUMNS)  ESSAY
 PERFECT  RESTRICTED
 IMPERFECT  NON-RESTRICTED/EXTENDED
 PROBLEM-SOLVING
 ILLUSTRATIONS

TEACHER-MADE-RESPONSE TEST
CONCEPT & GUIDELINES FOR
CONSTRUCTING AND/OR
SCORING A TEST
A GOOD TEST VS A BAD TEST, OR HOW NOT TO
MAKE A KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT TEST
(BOTSULA, 2020)

1. A question should be a question. Do not

make your students complete unfinished
sentences or fill in ragged phrases.
A GOOD TEST VS A BAD TEST, OR HOW NOT TO
MAKE A KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT TEST
(BOTSULA, 2020)

2. Start the question with the main point.

Immediately draw the attention of the test
taker to what is required of them. Start with
the essence of the issue, with the main thing.
A GOOD TEST VS A BAD TEST, OR HOW NOT TO
MAKE A KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT TEST
(BOTSULA, 2020)

3. Use simple and short phrases. Long

sentences are like a ball of thread. One has to
untangle all the commas, pronouns, and parts
of speech in order to understand the meaning
of the question. Simplify your questions.
A GOOD TEST VS A BAD TEST, OR HOW NOT TO
MAKE A KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT TEST
(BOTSULA, 2020)

4. “Childish” and “idiotic” questions. This is

“casual” terminology. Questions with an
obvious answer are called “childish”, and
questions with an impossible answer are
called “idiotic”. Both options are not allowed
in knowledge assessment tests.
A GOOD TEST VS A BAD TEST, OR HOW NOT TO
MAKE A KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT TEST
(BOTSULA, 2020)

5. Use believable distractors. Wrong answer

options — distractors — should be believable.
Otherwise, they can be instantly recognized.
A question with such answers is useless both
for self-testing and in the certification test.
TRUE OR FALSE TEST SELECTED-RESPONSE
SELECTED-RESPONSE: TRUE
OR FALSE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 1: DO NOT GIVE a Hint _____ #) The Philippines gained its

(accidentally/unintentionally) in the independence in 1898 and therefore
body of the question celebrated its centennial year in 2000.
SELECTED-RESPONSE: TRUE
OR FALSE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:
Rule 2: avoid “always”, “never”, “often” and _____ #) Christmas always falls on a
other specific determiners or give-away Sunday because it is a Sabbath day.
qualifiers that tend to be either always true or
false.
-No
-All
-Many
-Sometimes
-Generally
-Frequently
-some
SELECTED-RESPONSE: TRUE
OR FALSE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 3: avoid long sentences. It tends to
be true or false.
_____ #) tests need to be valid, reliable
and useful, although, it would require a
great amount of time and effort to ensure
that tests possess these test
characteristics.

_____ #) tests need to be valid, reliable

and useful since it takes very little
amount of time, money, and effort to
construct tests with these characteristics.
SELECTED-RESPONSE: TRUE
OR FALSE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 4: avoid trick statements with some _____ #) The Raven was written by
minor misleading word or spelling Edgar Allen Poe.
anomaly, misplaced phrases, etc.
SELECTED-RESPONSE: TRUE
OR FALSE
Rule 5: avoid quoting verbatim from
reference materials or textbooks.
POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:
_____ #) one of the rules in constructing
true or false is to “avoid trick statements
with some minor misleading word or
spelling anomaly, misplaced phrases,
etc.”.
SELECTED-RESPONSE: TRUE
OR FALSE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 6: avoid grossly disproportionate ANSWER KEY:

number of true and false. “pattern”
1. F 1. T 1. T
2. F 2. F 2. T
3. T or 3. T or 3. T
4. F 4. F 4. T
5. F 5. T 5. T
SELECTED-RESPONSE: TRUE
OR FALSE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 7: avoid double negatives. _____ #) The changes that take place in
early childhood are NOT unchangeable.
MULTIPLE CHOICES SELECTED-RESPONSE
TEST
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 1: Do not use unfamiliar words, What would be the system reliability of
terms and phrases a computer system whose slave and
peripherals are connected in parallel
circuits and each one has a known time
to failure probability of 0.05%?
a. <option>
b. <option>
c. <option answer>
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 2: Do not use modifiers that are Much of the process of photosynthesis
vague and whose meaning can differ takes place in the:
from one person to the next. Be more
specific. a. <option>
 Much b. <option>
 Often
 Usually c. <option answer>
 etc
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 3: avoid complex or awkward As President of the Republic of the

word arrangements. Philippines, Corazon Aquino would
stand next to which President of the
Philippine Republic subsequent to the
1986 EDSA Revolution?
a. <option>
b. <option>
c. <option answer>
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 4: do not use negatives or double Which of the following will NOT cause inflation in the
negatives. Philippine economy?
a. <option>
b. <option>
c. <option answer>

What does the statement “patterns acquired during the

formative years are NOT unchangeable” imply?
a. <option>
b. <option>
c. <option answer>
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 5: each There are several programs, with descriptions, around the world that can be offered
item should be to learners with intellectual disabilities. Which program will you choose to achieve
the condition “Good Facilitation” for a successful Inclusion?
as short as  Transition, Education and Employment Model (TEEM) is a comprehensive program for students
possible. with disabilities that enables them to build self-esteem, develop life and communication skills,
strengthen job skills, enhance interpersonal skills, and practice many of the abilities needed to live
and work independently.
 P2I, or Path to Independence, is a two-year, non-degree certificate program that allows students
with intellectual disabilities to receive a true college experience while also gaining the skills and
knowledge needed to transition to independent adult roles.
 EAGLES (Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success) Program is a non-
degree track for students with intellectual disabilities. The program offers a two-year program that
focuses on developing leadership skills, life skills and independence. EAGLES students participate
in coursework, work training, community service projects and academic coaching sessions.
 Campus Transition Project (CTP) is a three-year program designed for students with intellectual
disabilities to have a good campus experience. Curriculum varies based on a student’s individual
needs, the field of study and interests, but the ultimate goal of the program is for students to become
independent, develop social skills, gain confidence and have an authentic college experience.
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 6: distracters should be equally The short story: May Day’s Eve, was
plausible and attractive written by which Filipino author?
a. Jose Garcia Villa
b. Nick Joaquin
c. Genoveva Edrosa Matute
d. Robert Frost
e. Edgar Allan Poe
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 7: all multiple choice options As compared to the autos of the 1960s
should be grammatically consistent with autos in the 1980s ___
the stem
a. Traveling slower
b. Bigger interiors
c. To use less fuel
d. Contain more safety measures
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 8: Length, explicitness, or degree If the three angles of two triangles are
of technicality of alternatives should not congruent, then the triangles are:
be the determinants of the correctness of
the answer. a. Congruent whenever one of the
sides of the triangles are congruent
b. Similar
c. Equiangular and/therefore, must also
be congruent
d. Equilateral if they are equiangular
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 9: Avoid stems that reveal the Which group will most strongly focus
answer to another item. its teaching on the interest of the child?
a. Progressivist
b. Essentialist
c. Perrenialist
d. reconstructionist
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 10: avoid alternatives that are What causes ice to transform from solid
synonymous with others or those that state to liquid state?
include or overlap others
a. Change in temperature
b. Change in pressure
c. Change in chemical composition
d. Change in heat levels
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Rule 11: Avoid presenting sequenced items in the same order as in the text
Rule 12: avoid use of assumed qualifiers that many examinees may not be aware of.
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 13: avoid the use of unnecessary The side opposite the thirty-degree
words or phrases which are not relevant angle in a right triangle is equal to half
to the problem. the length of the hypotenuse. If the sine
of a 30-degree is 0.5 and its hypotenuse
Rule 14: avoid the use of non-relevant is 5, what is the length of the side
sources of difficulty such as requiring a opposite the 30-degree angle?
complex calculation when only
knowledge of a principle is being tested. a. 2.5
b. 3.5
c. 5.5
d. 1.5
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 15: pack the question in the stem. The Roman Empire ____
a. Had no central government
b. Had no definite territory
c. Had no heroes
d. Had no common religion
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Rule 16: use the “None of the Above” option only when the keyed answer is totally
correct. When a choice of the “best” response is intended, “None of the above” is
inappropriate, since the implication has already been made that the correct response
may be partially inaccurate.
Rule 17: Note that the use of “all of the above” may allow credit for partial
knowledge. In a multiple option item, (allowing only one option choice), if a student
only that two (2) options were correct, the student could then deduce the correctness
of “all of the above.” this assumes you are allowed only one correct choice.
Rule 18: Better still use “none of the above” or “all of the above” sparingly but best
not to use them at all.
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MULTIPLE CHOICE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 19: Having compound response Thailand is located next to:

choices may purposefully increase the
difficulty of an item (referring to a. Laos and Kampuchea
homogeneity or degree of similarity of b. India and China
responses. The more homogenous, the
more difficult the question as the c. China and Malaysia
choices all look like the correct answer). d. Laos and China
e. India and Malaysia
MATCHING TYPE TEST SELECTED-RESPONSE
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MATCHING TYPE POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 1: Match homogenous not A B

heterogeneous items. 1. First republic of the A. Magellan
Republic
2. National Hero B. Lapu-Lapu
3. Discovered the C. Obama
Philippines
4. Brain of Katipunan D. Rizal
5. The great painter E. Mabini
6. Defended Limasawa F. Aguinaldo
Island
G. Juan Luna
H. Antonio Luna
I. Martin Luther King
SELECTED-RESPONSE:
MATCHING TYPE
Rule 2: The (longer in construction than the options) must be in the first column
while the options (usually shorter) must be in the second column.
Rule 3: The options must be more in number than the stems to prevent the student
from arriving at the answer key by a mere process of elimination
Rule 4: To help the examinee find the answer easier, arrange the options
alphabetically or chronologically, whichever is applicable.
Rule 5: like any other test, the direction of the test must be given.
COMPLETION TEST CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE
CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE:
COMPLETION POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 1: Avoid over-mutilated sentences. The ___ produced by the ___ is used by
Give enough clues to the student. the green ___ to change the ___ and ___
into ___. This process is called ___.
CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE:
COMPLETION POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 2: Avoid open-ended items. There Hemingway wrote _____.

should be only one acceptable answer.
CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE:
COMPLETION
Rule 3: The blank should be at the end or near the end of the sentence. The question
must first be asked before an answer is expected.
CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE:
COMPLETION POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 4: ask question on more significant Jose Rizal was born on June ___, 1861.
item not on trivial matter.
CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE:
COMPLETION
Rule 5: the length of the blanks must not
suggest the answer, so better make the
blanks uniform in size.
POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:
A part of speech that names persons,
places, or things are ____. A word used
to connect clauses or sentences or to
coordinate words in the same clause is
called __________.
ESSAY TEST CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE
CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE:
ESSAY POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 1: Phrase the direction in such a Using details and information from the
way that students are guided on the key article (hundred points), summarize the
concepts to be included. Specify how main points of the article.
the students should respond.
CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE:
ESSAY POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 2: inform the students on the Write an essay on the topic: “Plant
criteria to be used for grading their Photosynthesis” using the keywords
essays. indicated.
CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE:
ESSAY
Rule 3: Put a time limit on the essay tests.
Rule 4: Decide on your essay grading system prior to getting the essays of your
students.
Rule 5: evaluate all of the students’ answers to one question before proceeding to the
next question.
Rule 6: evaluate answers to essay questions without knowing the identity of the writer.
Rule 7: whenever possible, have two or more persons grade each answer.
Rule 8: do not provide optional questions.
Rule 9: provide information about the value/weight of the question and how it will be
scored.
CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE:
ESSAY POOR / VIOLATED RULE EXAMPLE:

Rule 10: Emphasize higher-order Considering the influence of ocean

thinking skills temperatures, explain why inland
temperatures vary in summer and winter
to a greater degree than coastal
temperatures. List three coastal land
masses