Short-Answer Test Item Writing Procedure

DOE-HDBK-1204-97

5. SHORT-ANSWER TEST ITEM WRITING PROCEDURE

As with all test item formats, more consistent results are attainable if certain guidelines and

rules are followed when the test items are developed. Keep the following in mind when

constructing short-answer test items:

Provide clear, explicit directions

Avoid excessive wording or information

Ensure the answer key matches the test item

Avoid giving away the answer

Avoid trick test items

Use the question form if possible

Word each test item in specific terms with clear meanings so the intended

answer is the only one possible, and so the answer is a single word, brief

phrase, or number

Avoid copying statements word for word from texts or classroom materials

State the precision, numerical units, or degree of accuracy expected of the

answer

Word the test item to avoid irrelevant clues or specific determiners

Word each test item so the blank is toward the end of the sentence

Omit important rather than trivial words from fill-the-blank test items

Avoid "butchered" or "mutilated" sentences; use only one or two blanks in a

complete sentence

If more than one blank is used, keep the blanks equal in length.

The test item directions should provide clear, explicit directions for answering the test item

so that the trainee understands what constitutes a fully correct response. Choose words

carefully to ensure that the conditions and requirements of the test item are appropriately

conveyed. Words such as "evaluate," "outline," and "explain," can invite lots of detail that is

not necessarily relevant.

The test item developer should avoid excessive wording or information in the test item. In

an attempt to make a test item operationally oriented and/or meaningful, there is a tendency