The 10 Commandments of Writing Multiple Choice Items

1. Suggestions The 10 Commandments of Writing Multiple Choice Items Rudy Tarpley Agricultural & Consumer Sciences Kubiszyn, T. & Borich, G. (2003). Educational testing and measurement: Classroom application and practice (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

2. Today’s Measurable Student Learning Objective … After completion of this unit, students will identify breeds of swine. Hampshire • Black/White • Erect Ears Duroc • Red • Drooped Ears Yorkshire • White • Erect Ears

3. The 10 Suggestions for Writing Multiple Choice Items • Write one correct Item • Put options in a logical order • Questions are best • Include plausible distractors • Avoid asking negatives • Write longer stems than options • Use 4-5 options • Write similar options • Avoid “All of the Above” • Avoid “None of the Above”