Multiple Choice Question Types, Examples, and Samples

Multiple-choice questions, which are the most widely used question type in the world, can be prepared in various types and formats, such as language tests, intelligence tests, personality inventories, driving license exams.

Created by TestInvite / May, 2024

In multiple choice questions, the question is followed by more than one option and the candidate answers the question by choosing one or more options. The assessment system immediately evaluates the answer given by each candidate, taking into account the grade of the question and the dimensions associated with it, the success contribution rates associated with the options, and the trends associated with the options. If preferred, candidates can see questions that they answered incorrectly during or after the test, and a feedback content can be defined to help them understand why their answer was wrong, or why the correct option was correct.

Creating Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple choice question's text is created using a rich content editor. You can add picture, video, audio, reading text, mathematical equations, formulas and expressions to questions. Multiple choice question's text can be created left-to-right or right-to-left. Owing to the features in the question maker editor, the multiple-choice question can very easily become a "reading question", a "listening question" or a "math question".

Check “Creating Questions” page for all question creation features.

Creating Options of Multiple Choice Questions

Options can consist of simple text or formatted text. The option can be created in the most accurate way owing to formatting options such as writing bold, italic, underlining, choosing text color, font and size, and highlighting text.

Formatting texts in the option
Formatting texts in the option
  • Options can be short texts, or long texts consisting of paragraphs and lists. Links can be added to option texts.

    Adding reading texts to options of multiple choice question type

    You can add long texts consisting of many paragraphs to the options.

    Options with reading texts
    Options with reading texts

    Adding images to options of multiple choice questions

    Options of multiple choice questions can consist of images. You can upload any picture or figure to each option.

    Options with pictures
    Options with pictures

    Options can also be a combination of images, figures, and text.

    Adding audio to options of multiple choice questions

    Audio can be added to the options. In this case, the candidate listens to the audio recordings in the options and then chooses from the options.

    Options with audio
    Options with audio

    You can set the following “listen to audio recording” settings for each audio recording file uploaded in the options:

    • How many times will the candidate be able to listen to the audio file?
      • Will the candidate be able to stop while listening?
        • Will the candidate be able to go forward-backward (by skipping) while listening?
          Settings for adding audio
          Settings for adding audio

          Adding video to options of multiple choice questions

          You can add video to each option. In this case, the candidate can watch the videos in the options and then choose from the options.

          Options with video
          Options with video

          For each video uploaded to the options, you can set the following “video playback” settings:

          • How many times will the candidate be able to watch the video?
            • Will the candidate be able to stop while watching?
              • Will the candidate be able to go forward-backward (by skipping) while watching?
                Settings for uploading video
                Settings for uploading video

                Adding mathematical expressions, equations, and formulas to options of multiple choice questions

                You can add a mathematical formula, equation, or expression to each option, either by typing in TeX or LaTeX format, or using the math editor.

                Multiple choice question and its' options with mathematical expressions
                Multiple choice question and its' options with mathematical expressions

                Adding files to options of multiple choice questions

                In this case, the candidate first uploads the files in the options, then chooses from the options.

                Adding Hints to Multiple Choice Questions

                If you prefer, you can add hints to the multiple choice questions. Hints can be used to clear up some misunderstandings in the question or to help the candidate who is facing with a trouble answering the question.

                Multiple choice question with hints
                Multiple choice question with hints

                Adding Feedback to Multiple Choice Questions

                Correct and incorrect options of multiple-choice questions can be shown to the candidate immediately after the multiple-choice question has been answered by the candidate, or after the candidate has completed the test. If the candidate answered the question incorrectly, the feedback content to be added to the question and an explanation of the correct answer to the question or an explanation of why the distracting answers were incorrect can be shown.

                Multiple choice questions with feedback
                Multiple choice questions with feedback

                Ordering Options of Multiple Choice Questions

                You can set the order of options as you want by moving up or down.

                Ordering options of multiple choice questions randomly

                You can order the options of multiple choice questions randomly mixed for each candidate. All options can be ordered randomly or you can fix the order of the options you want.

                Automatic mixed and fixed order of options
                Automatic mixed and fixed order of options

                Maximum and Minimum Option Selection Settings

                You can determine the minimum number and maximum number of options the candidate can choose among the options of the multiple-choice question.

                Determine the minimum and maximum number of options that can be selected in a multiple-choice question.
                Determine the minimum and maximum number of options that can be selected in a multiple-choice question.

                In such case, candidates cannot select less or more options than they should choose.

                A question that the candidate has to choose at least 2 options
                A question that the candidate has to choose at least 2 options

                Displaying Alternatives of Options

                Displaying options side by side

                Options can be displayed side-by-side. It is possible to determine how much space (range) will be between the options.

                Side by side display of options
                Side by side display of options

                Displaying options in table template

                Options can be displayed in a table template where you specify the number of columns.

                Display of options in table template
                Display of options in table template

                Displaying options as a list

                If your options are simple text, the options can be displayed as a selectable list.

                Display of options as a list
                Display of options as a list

                Purpose of Multiple Choice Question Type

                Evaluating success

                If a multiple choice question aims to assess knowledge, competence, skill etc on a subject, then one or more of the options created will be the correct option, and one or more of the options will be the incorrect (distracting) option.

                Determining correct and incorrect options

                You can select the correct ones among the options.

                Determining correct options
                Determining correct options

                Determining passmark for questions by options

                If there is more than one correct option and you allow the candidate to select more than one option, you can weight the options by specifying the "success contribution rate" for each option. The candidate gets success from the question in proportion to the "success contribution rates" of the options he has selected.

                Determining the success contribution rates with weights of the options
                Determining the success contribution rates with weights of the options

                Negative Effects of Distracting/Incorrect Options on Success Rate

                If you want the candidate's success rate to decrease when the candidate chooses the incorrect options, you can set a negative weight (success contribution rate) to the distracting options.

                Determining negative contribution rates of distracting options to the question's success points
                Determining negative contribution rates of distracting options to the question's success points

                Determining passmark success rate for multiple choice questions

                As candidates achieve a success rate in proportion to the options they have selected, if the rate they have achieved is below the passmark specified, you can have the success rate set to zero automatically. For this, you can specify a “passmark rate” for the question.

                Determining the passmark to earn points from the question
                Determining the passmark to earn points from the question
                Determining the passmark to earn points from the question
                Determining the passmark to earn points from the question

                Testing the auto evaluation through preview option

                If you want to test how the success rates you have determined work, you can observe how the system automatically evaluates the given answer by selecting the options you want from the preview panel in the multiple choice question editor.

                Testing auto evaluation with preview
                Testing auto evaluation with preview

                Determining how many points candidate will earn from the question

                You can set a default point for a question.

                Determination of the points can be earned from the question
                Determination of the points can be earned from the question

                When questions are added to the test, the question's points on the test becomes the question's default point. Then you can change the point of the question, specific to the test. In this way, the same question can have different points on different tests.

                Determination of the questions's point in a particular test
                Determination of the questions's point in a particular test

                Determining punishment points for questions

                If the candidate answers the question incorrectly, that means if the total success rate of the options in the multiple-choice question is negative, you can have the test grade affected negatively. For this, you can set a negative score multiplier for the question.

                Determination of the negative score multiplier that will affect if the question is answered incorrectly
                Determination of the negative score multiplier that will affect if the question is answered incorrectly

                Linking questions to various dimensions

                With a multiple choice question, you can evaluate more than one dimension. In order to this, you can link the question with one or more dimensions. For instance, if you want a question to effect both the test grade, and the "geography" dimension and the "general culture" dimension, you can also link the question with the "geography" and "general culture" dimensions.

                Linking the question to different dimensions to calculate additional points
                Linking the question to different dimensions to calculate additional points

                As the question is linked to a dimension, dimensions can be designed in a hierarchical structure. For instance, if you linked the question to a dimension called "math/prime numbers", the question will effect the prime numbers heading under both math and prime numbers under math.

                Linking several dimensions effecting the same superior dimension with the question
                Linking several dimensions effecting the same superior dimension with the question

                Evaluating Tendency

                If you want to evaluate the candidate's tendency in a topic with a multiple choice question, you can add a tendency impact point to the options. In such multiple-choice questions, which are widely used in tests such as personality inventories and competency inventories, each of options selected by candidates can increase or decrease their point for a tendency.

                Adding tendency points to options
                Adding tendency points to options

                Creating Multiple Choice Question Type Quickly

                In particular, the “Quick Multiple-Choice Question Creator” can be used to create simple multiple-choice questions quickly. You can create your multiple-choice question by writing the question to the first line, then after having left a blank inserting each option to a new line.

                Creating multiple choice question with a simple text
                Creating multiple choice question with a simple text

                After having created the general structure of your question in this way, you can make updates specific to the question text or options.

                Importing Multiple Choice Questions Collectively

                If you want to import many multiple-choice questions into your question bank or test at once, you can use the "Multiple-Choice Questions Import Templates".

                Import template for designing and importing questions collectively
                Import template for designing and importing questions collectively

                Grouping Many Multiple-Choice Questions with One Content

                You can group multiple-choice questions under a single content. In such case, all questions can be asked through a common content. The content can be a reading, a video, an audio file, or a picture.

                Testing Multiple Choice Questions with Preview Mode

                You can run the question in preview mode to be sure that it works exactly the way you want it to. In preview mode, your question is displayed exactly as the candidate will see it. In the preview mode, you will have the chance to observe how the assessment system evaluates your answer by selecting the options you want.

                Previewing the question and testing the scoring rules
                Previewing the question and testing the scoring rules

                Importing Answers Given to Multiple-Choice Questions Collectively

                After the test consisting of multiple-choice questions is taken by candidates, you can import the information of the selected answers in each question. With the Exam Results Import Tool, you can choose exactly what information you want to import.

                Importing the candidates' answers to the questions in the assessment
                Importing the candidates' answers to the questions in the assessment

                Saving Multiple Choice Questions in the Online Question Bank

                You can save all your multiple-choice questions in your question bank. In order to do this, it is enough to specify the folder name in which the question will be stored and the tags to which you will link to the question. Folders and tags make it easy for you to find quickly the exact questions you want from the question bank.

                Saving questions in question bank
                Saving questions in question bank

                Types of Multiple Choice Questions

                True-false questions

                The true-false question is a multiple-choice question with 2 options. One of the options is set as true and the other as false. The true option is marked as true.

                True-false question example
                True-false question example

                Multiple choice question type answered by selecting single option

                In this multiple choice question type, candidates can choose only one among many options. If the answer they choose is correct, they get full point from the question.

                Multiple choice question where only one option is selectable
                Multiple choice question where only one option is selectable

                Multiple choice question type answered by selecting single option from a list

                In this question type, candidates can choose only one among many options. If the answer they choose is correct, they get full point from the question.

                Multiple choice question where a single option can be selected from a list
                Multiple choice question where a single option can be selected from a list

                Multiple choice question type answered by selecting multiple options

                In this question type, candidates can select more than one option. The minimum and the maximum number of options can be determined before. Candidates get a success rate in proportion to the success contribution rates of the options they have chosen.

                Multiple choice question where multiple options are selectable
                Multiple choice question where multiple options are selectable

                Multiple choice question type answered by selecting single picture

                In this question type, the question is followed by options where each option is a picture. Candidates answers the question by choosing a single picture that they think is correct.

                Multiple question type that contains pictures as options and where single option can be selected
                Multiple question type that contains pictures as options and where single option can be selected

                Multiple choice question type answered by selecting multiple pictures from options

                In this question type, the question is followed by options where each option is a picture. Candidates answer the question by choosing the pictures they think are correct.

                Multiple choice question where multiple pictures can be selected from options
                Multiple choice question where multiple pictures can be selected from options

                Listening multiple choice questions

                In the question, a listening piece that the candidate can listen to is given. After listening to the audio file, the candidate answers the question by selecting the correct option.

                Multiple-choice question that contains audio
                Multiple-choice question that contains audio

                Reading multiple choice questions

                In the question, a listening piece that the candidate can read is given. After reading, the candidate answers the question by selecting the correct option.

                Multiple-choice question containing reading text
                Multiple-choice question containing reading text

                Multiple-Choice Watching Questions

                In the question, a video that the candidate can watch is given. After watching, the candidate answers the question by selecting the correct option..

                Multiple choice question containing video
                Multiple choice question containing video

                Multiple Choice Questions With Side Content

                Additional content can be added to the right or left side of the multiple choice question. This content can be a reading text, video, audio file, picture.

                Multiple choice question preview with image content placed to the right
                Multiple choice question preview with image content placed to the right

                Advantages of Multiple Choice Questions

                Objectivity

                Multiple choice questions are categorised in the objective type questions. It means that the answers given to the questions are evaluated objectively by the assessment system automatically and immediately. Due to this reason, assessment process become more fair and unjust situations can be prevented.

                Quickness and cost

                The fact that the evaluation of the answers can be made automatically and immediately provides both quickness and cost advantages.

                Common usage

                Multiple choice questions are the most frequently used question type in the world. Due to this reason, it is the type of question that candidates are most used to answering. So it is easy, does not cause any confusion or misunderstanding.

                Wide range of use

                With multiple-choice questions, you can both test the candidate's knowledge on a subject and evaluate which topic the candidate is more inclined to. In this regard, multiple-choice questions have become the basic element of inventories such as personality inventories, competency inventories, culture tests, and also achievement-oriented tests such as language tests, mathematics tests, IQ tests, ability tests.

                Logos of institutions using multiple choice questions in their assessments
                Logos of institutions using multiple choice questions in their assessments

                Because of the fact that multiple choice questions can be evaluated automatically by the examination system, they are also the ideal question type for pilot tests, self-tests and practice tests. As the system can provide immediate feedback on the answers given by the candidate, or at the end of the test, it can list the questions answered correctly and incorrectly by the candidate, and show the correct answer and an explanation for the questions answered incorrectly.

                Display of feedback given to the candidate
                Display of feedback given to the candidate

                Disadvantages of Multiple Choice Questions

                Difficulty in creating distracting options

                If you are preparing a multiple-choice question to test candidates' knowledge on a topic, the distracting options need to be well created. The reason that, if the incorrect options are not distracting, candidates may select the correct option even though they have insufficient knowledge on a subject.

                Questions that cannnot be expressed with options

                Not all questions are suitable to be answered by selecting one or more options. For instance, if you want to assess a candidate's speaking skills, performance on a topic or presentation skills, it is not possible to evaluate directly with multiple choice questions.

                Multiple Choice Test Sample for Trying

                By taking the demo test we have created for you, you may get an idea of the multiple choice question types you can prepare with the Testinvite assessment system.

                Try sample test
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