D.4 Multiple-Choice Test Items

DOE-HDBK-1204-97

EXAM TEST ITEM REVIEW CHECKLIST

Are the test item blanks the same length regardless of the number of words to be

entered?

Does the test item wording avoid grammatical clues to the correct response such as

"a" or "an" before the blank?

Limit the space allocated for each answer to encourage a single word or short

phrase.

For fill-in-the-blank test items, arrange the blanks to be of equal but adequate length.

For fill-in-the-blank test items, do not omit words that are interdependent.

For fill-in-the-blank test items, do not make sentences unrecognizable by leaving too

many blanks.

For a completion table, do not have more than six items in one column.

For a completion diagram, include only necessary features and ensure that

components are clearly referenced.

Compose a detailed model answer, identifying important statements, steps, or parts,

and allocate points for each test item subpart.

D.4 Multiple-Choice Test Items

Does the test item have one focused topic, making it something other than a

collection of true/false test items? Does the stem clearly express a single problem in

a direct manner followed by response?

Does the test item provide sufficient information to provide a basis for formulating the

response?

D-6