Competency-Based Assessment:
Practical Guide on Multiple-Choice
Test Construction
February 18, 2025
DepEd ANC, Banilad, Cebu City
BRYANT C. ACAR
RO VII EPS Science
Facilitator
Priming Activity: Getting down!
Session Objectives:
1.Review the Principles of Assessment.
2. Identify the Features of a Multiple-Choice Test.
3.Apply the Rules of Constructing Multiple-
Choice Tests.
Activity 1: Spot Check
Instructions.
1. Answer the 15 items multiple choice with or
2. If the test item has error or ineffective mark wrong
3. If the test item is correct and effective mark check
4. Read and analyze each question carefully
1. Which of the following is the most best way to
communicate?
A. Speaking
B. Writing
C. Listening
D. All of the above
2. Mathematics is important, isn't it?
A. Yes, it is.
B. No, it isn’t.
C. Maybe.
D. It depends.
3. Who is the best president in history?
A. Jose Rizal
B. Ferdinand Marcos
C. Manuel Quezon
D. Corazon Aquino
4. The boiling point of water is...
A. Hot
B. 100°C
C. Warm
D. Not cold
5. The internet is always safe to use.
A. True
B. False
C. Sometimes
D. Maybe
6. What is the perimeter of a rectangle with length
8 cm and width 5 cm?
A. 13 cm
B. 16 cm
C. 26 cm
D. The perimeter of a rectangle is calculated by
adding twice the length and twice the width. In this
case, the perimeter would be 2 times 8 cm plus 2
times 5 cm, which equals 26 cm.
7. In ancient times, people used different ways to communicate,
such as sending messages through smoke signals, drums, and
even pigeons. Over time, technological advancements led to the
development of the telegraph, telephone, and, later, digital
communication. Given this evolution, what is the most effective
way to communicate today?
A. Writing letters
B. Sending text messages
C. Using social media
D. All of the above
8. Which of the following is a commonly used form of
digital communication?
A. Writing letters
B. Sending text messages
C. Using smoke signals
D. Delivering messages through pigeons
9. Which of the following is NOT an improbable
practice in online safety?
A. Keeping your passwords private
B. Clicking on suspicious links
C. Using strong passwords
D. Enabling two-factor authentication
10. _____________ is the main purpose of
using strong passwords.
A. Protecting
B. Social media
C. Downloading files
D. Protecting online accounts
11. The internet ____ people to communicate
instantly across the world.
A. allow
B. allows
C. allowing
D. allowed
12. What is the primary source of energy
for life on Earth?
A. The Sun
B. A light bulb
C. A refrigerator
D. A watermelon
13. What is the main purpose of laws in a society?
A. Laws are created by governments to ensure that people behave properly
and do not engage in actions that could potentially harm others or disrupt
the peace and order of the community.
B. Laws are optional guidelines that people can choose to follow if they
think it benefits them, but they are not really necessary for a society to
function well.
C. Laws exist to help people understand what is right and wrong, but they
do not have any consequences for those who break them.
D. Laws are made by a small group of people to control others and do not
have any positive effects on society as a whole.
14. Which of the following is an important skill for
success in the workplace?
A. Time management
B. Managing your time effectively
C. Being organized
D. Planning your schedule
15. What is the value of 5 + 3 × 2?
A. 21
B. 11
C. 10
D. 9
Formulating Test Objectives
Remember the ABC3 when determining test objectives
• A- audience
• B- behavior
• C-content or the subject matter
• C- condition
• C- criterion
Summary:
1. Assessment of learning: Used to evaluate what
students have learned (summative).
2. Assessment for learning: Used to guide and improve
learning (formative).
Where do we classify Multiple
Choice Test Questions?
Most Commonly Used Test Types
• Essay
• Matching Type
• Fill-in the Blanks (Sentence Completion)
• True or False
• Multiple Choice
Anatomy of a Perfect Multiple-Choice Question
• Example:
What is the effect of releasing a ball in positive gravity?
A. It will rise. (false but related)
B. It will fall “down. (correct)
B. It will retain its mass. (true but unrelated)
D. Its shape will change. (false and unrelated)
Constructing an Effective Stem
• 1. The stem should be meaningful by itself and should present a definite
problem. A stem that presents a definite problem allows a focus on the
learning outcome. A stem that does not present a clear problem,
however, may test students’ ability to draw inferences from vague
descriptions rather serving as a more direct test of students’
achievement of the learning outcome.
• 2. The stem should NOT contain
irrelevant material, which can
decrease the reliability and the
validity of the test scores (Haldyna
and Downing 1989).
• 3. The stem should be negatively stated only when significant learning
outcomes require it. Students often have difficulty understanding items
with negative phrasing (Rodriguez 1997). -If a significant learning outcome
requires negative phrasing, such as identification of dangerous laboratory
or clinical practices, the negative element should be emphasized with
italics or capitalization.
• 4. The stem should be a question or a partial sentence.
A question stem is preferable because it allows the student
to focus on answering the question rather than holding
the partial sentence in working memory and sequentially
completing it with each alternative (Statman 1988).
• The cognitive load is increased when the stem is constructed with an
initial or interior blank, so this construction should
be avoided.
Constructing Effective Alternatives
• 1. All alternatives should be plausible. The function of the incorrect
alternatives is to serve as distractors,which should be selected by students
who did not achieve the learning outcome but ignored by students who
did achieve the learning outcome.
• Alternatives that are implausible don’t serve as functional distractors
and thus should not be used. Common student errors provide the best
source of distractors.
• 2. Alternatives should be stated
clearly and concisely. Items that are
excessively wordy assess students’
reading ability rather than their
attainment of the learning objective
• 3. Alternatives should be
mutually exclusive. Alternatives with
overlapping content may be
considered “trick” items by test-
takers, excessive use of which can
erode trust and respect for the testing
process.
• 4. Alternatives should be
homogenous in content. Alternatives
that are heterogeneous in content can
provide cues to student about the
correct answer.
• 5. Alternatives should be free from clues about which response is
correct. Sophisticated test-takers are alert to inadvertent clues to the
correct answer, such differences in grammar, length, formatting, and
language choice in the alternatives. It’s therefore important that
alternatives
• -have grammar consistent with the stem.
• -are parallel in form.
• -are similar in length.
• -use similar language (e.g., all unlike textbook language or all like
textbook language).
• 6. The alternatives “all of the above” and “none of the above” should not be
used.
• When “all of the above” is used as an answer, test-takers who can identify
more than one alternative as correct can select the correct answer even if
unsure about other alternative(s).
• When “none of the above” is used as an alternative, test-takers who can
eliminate a single option can thereby eliminate a second option. In either
case, students can use partial knowledge to arrive at a correct answer.
• 7.The alternatives should be presented in a
logical order
(e.g., alphabetical or numerical)
to avoid a bias toward certain
positions.
• 8. The number of alternatives can vary among items as long
as all alternatives are plausible. Plausible alternatives serve as
functional distractors, which are those chosen by students
that have not achieved the objective but ignored
by students that have achieved the objective. There is little
difference in difficulty, discrimination,and test score reliability
among items containing two, three, and four distractors.
9. Avoid complex multiple choice
items, in which some or all of the
alternatives consist of different
combinations of options.
• As with “all of the above” answers, a
sophisticated test-taker can use partial
knowledge to achieve a correct
answer.
Comprehensive Rules for Crafting Multiple-
Choice Questions
1. Align Questions with Learning Objectives
•Ensure the question assesses a specific learning objective.
•Avoid including content that is irrelevant to the course or topic.
•Use verbs from Bloom’s Taxonomy/Andersen to match the cognitive
level of the objective.
Example 1
•Objective: Identify parts of a plant.
Question: Which part of the plant is responsible
for photosynthesis?
a) Root
b) Stem
c) Leaf
d) Flower
Answer: c)
Example 2
Objective: Analyze a chemical
reaction.
Question: What happens to the
mass of reactants compared to
the mass of products in a
chemical reaction?
a) The mass increases.
b) The mass decreases.
c) The mass remains the same.
d) The mass is unpredictable.
Answer: c)
Example 3
•Objective: Solve a basic math
problem.
Question: What is the value of
5×3+2?
a) 17
b) 21
c) 25
d) 30
Answer: a)
2. Write Clear and Concise Stems
•Avoid unnecessary words or jargon.
•Phrase the question positively; avoid negatives unless
necessary.
•Ensure the stem is a complete thought and does not rely
heavily on the options for clarity.
Example 1:
•What is the primary function
of the heart in the circulatory
system?
a) To digest food
b) To pump blood
c) To store oxygen
d) To filter waste
Answer: b)
Example 2
Which of the following is a
renewable energy source?
a) Coal
b) Natural gas
c) Solar energy
d) Nuclear energy
Answer: c)
3. Use Plausible Distractors
•Distractors should be reasonable and based on common
misconceptions or errors.
•Avoid making the incorrect options absurd or too easy to
dismiss.
•Ensure all options are grammatically consistent with the stem
Examples:
•Which gas is most abundant
in Earth’s atmosphere?
a) Oxygen
b) Nitrogen
c) Carbon dioxide
d) Hydrogen
Answer: b)
What is the freezing point of water in
Celsius?
a) 0°C
b) 32°C
c) 100°C
d) -32°C
Answer: a)
•Which of the following animals is a
mammal?
a) Frog
b) Shark
c) Bat
d) Lizard
Answer: c)
4. Avoid Clues to the Correct Answer
•Ensure all options are similar in length, structure, and
complexity.
•Avoid using “always,” “never,” or other absolutes unless
accurate.
•Do not let the correct answer stand out due to formatting or
detail.
Example:
•Poor: What is the boiling point of water at sea level?
a) 100°C
b) Around 100°C
c) Exactly 100°C
d) 99.9°C
•Revised: What is the boiling point of water at sea level?
a) 90°C
b) 100°C
c) 110°C
d) 120°C
Answer: b)
5. Avoid “All of the Above” and “None of the
Above”
•These options can confuse students and may not
effectively assess knowledge.
•If used, ensure they are meaningful and not
overused.
Examples:
•Poor: Which of the following are renewable energy sources?
a) Solar energy
b) Wind energy
c) Hydropower
d) All of the above
•Revised: Which of the following is a renewable energy source?
a) Solar energy
b) Coal
c) Natural gas
d) Petroleum
Answer: a)
6. Balance Difficulty Across Questions
•Include a mix of easy, moderate, and
challenging questions.
•Avoid making all questions too difficult or
too simple.
Examples:
•Easy: What is the largest planet in the solar system?
a) Earth
b) Mars
c) Jupiter
d) Saturn
Answer: c)
•Moderate: What is the chemical symbol for gold?
a) Au
b) Ag
c) Gd
d) Go
Answer: a)
•Challenging: Which law explains the relationship between pressure and
volume in gases?
a) Boyle’s Law
b) Charles’s Law
c) Avogadro’s Law
d) Dalton’s Law
7. Avoid Overlapping Options
•Each option should be mutually exclusive.
Avoid answers that overlap or could both be
correct under certain interpretations.
Wrong:
What is the boiling point of water at sea level?
a) 100°C
b) 90–110°C
c) 100–120°C
d) Above 50°C
•Problem: Options b, c, and d overlap with the correct answer, making the
question ambiguous.
Correct:
What is the boiling point of water at sea level?
a) 90°C
b) 95°C
c) 100°C
d) 105°C
•Fix: Options are distinct and do not overlap.
8. Avoid Double Negatives
•Avoid using double negatives, as they
can confuse students and obscure the
intent of the question.
Wrong:
Which of the following is NOT untrue about renewable energy?
a) It is finite.
b) It can be replenished.
c) It is harmful to the environment.
d) It is costly.
•Problem: Double negatives ("NOT untrue") make the question
unnecessarily confusing.
Correct:
Which of the following is true about renewable energy?
a) It is finite.
b) It can be replenished.
c) It is harmful to the environment.
d) It is costly.
•Fix: Simplify the wording to avoid double negatives.
9. Avoid Using Absolutes (Always, Never)
•Absolute terms like "always" or "never" can
make options too easy to dismiss or
misleading.
Wrong:
Which of the following is always a characteristic of mammals?
a) They have fur.
b) They give live birth.
c) They produce milk.
d) They are warm-blooded.
•Problem: Some mammals (e.g., whales) do not have fur, and some
mammals (e.g., monotremes) lay eggs, making absolutes incorrect.
Correct:
Which of the following is a common characteristic of mammals?
a) They have fur.
b) They give live birth.
c) They produce milk.
d) They are cold-blooded.
•Fix: Avoid absolutes unless the statement is universally true.
10. Ensure the Stem Matches the Options
•The stem should logically align with all
answer choices and maintain grammatical
consistency. Be careful in using
blanks___________.
Wrong:
The primary role of chlorophyll is to _____.
a) Plants use sunlight
b) Absorb light energy
c) It produces food
d) Photosynthesis occurs
•Problem: The options are not grammatically consistent with the
stem.
Correct:
The primary role of chlorophyll is to _____.
a) absorb light energy
b) reflect green light
c) store glucose
d) transport water
•Fix: Ensure all options are grammatically aligned with the stem.
11. Length of Answers
The correct answer should not stand out due to being significantly
longer or shorter than the distractors. Students may perceive the
longest answer as correct because it appears more thought-out or
detailed, or the shortest because it’s concise and confident.
12. Alphabetical Order of Choices
Listing answers in alphabetical order may unintentionally reveal
patterns, especially if the correct answer consistently appears in a
specific position (e.g., always the first or second choice).
Randomization prevents students from guessing based on order
rather than knowledge. While others also use alphabetical order to
emphasize sequence and visual order. Its all up to the writer.
Wrong Example:
Which of the following is the capital of the Philippines?
a) Manila
b) A small city in Southeast Asia that serves as the hub of political and
economic activity
c) The bustling metropolitan area where the President resides and
Congress convenes
d) A historical city with a vibrant culture and a large population
•The correct answer (a) is significantly shorter than the distractors, making
it stand out.
Correct Example:
Which of the following is the capital of the Philippines?
a) Manila
b) Davao
c) Cebu
d) Baguio
•All options are of similar length, avoiding clues based on length.
Wrong Example:
Which of the following is the largest planet in the solar system?
a) Earth
b) Jupiter
c) Mars
d) Neptune
•The correct answer (b) "Jupiter" is the second option, and if the
correct answers often fall in the same position (e.g., always "b"),
patterns may emerge.
Correct Example (Randomized Order):
Which of the following is the largest planet in the solar system?
a) Jupiter
b) Neptune
c) Earth
d) Mars
•The order is randomized, ensuring no pattern.
13. The Test is Free from Cultural or Linguistic Biases
In creating effective and fair assessments, one of the most important considerations is
ensuring that the test is free from cultural or linguistic biases. This means that the
questions, language, and examples used should be inclusive and understandable to all
students, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background. In the Philippine context,
this becomes even more crucial due to the country’s rich cultural diversity and the
presence of multiple languages and dialects.
Cultural Bias
Cultural bias occurs when a question assumes familiarity with a specific cultural practice,
tradition, or event that may not be known to all students. For example, if a question asks
about a local festival or a specific regional dish that is not universally recognized,
students from other regions who are unfamiliar with that culture may be at a
disadvantage.
Question:
What does the word bayanihan mean?
a. A Filipino tradition of helping one another
b. A traditional Filipino dance
c. A Filipino dish made of fish
d. A type of Filipino house
Issue: The term bayanihan is a Filipino word, and while it is widely known,
some students from regions where Filipino is not commonly spoken (e.g.,
those who speak Cebuano, Ilocano, or other regional languages) may not
fully understand the word, leading to confusion.
Improved Version:
What does it mean when people help each other in times of
need?
a. Bayanihan
b. Pagdiriwang
c. Lakbay Aral
d. Salu-salo
This version uses a more universally understandable explanation of
bayanihan, making it easier for students from different linguistic
backgrounds to grasp the meaning.
What is the most famous food served during the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban,
Quezon?
a. Lechon
b. Pancit habhab
c. Bibingka
d. Halo-halo
Issue: This question assumes that all students know about the Pahiyas
Festival in Lucban, Quezon, and the specific food served during it. Students
from other provinces or regions, such as those from Mindanao or the
Visayas, may not be familiar with this festival, which makes the question
culturally biased.
Improved Version:
What is a popular Filipino food often served during festive
occasions?
a. Lechon
b. Pancit
c. Bibingka
d. Halo-halo
This version generalizes the question to make it applicable to all
students, regardless of where they are from, while still focusing on
Filipino food that is commonly known throughout the country.
Let us review back our Test Items
used in the Activity and spot the
“Lessons-Learned”
1. Which of the following is the most best way to
communicate?
A. Speaking
B. Writing
C. Listening
D. All of the above
2. Mathematics is important, isn't it?
A. Yes, it is.
B. No, it isn’t.
C. Maybe.
D. It depends.
3. Who is the best president in history?
A. Jose Rizal
B. Ferdinand Marcos
C. Manuel Quezon
D. Corazon Aquino
4. The boiling point of water is...
A. Hot
B. 100°C
C. Warm
D. Not cold
5. The internet is always safe to use.
A. True
B. False
C. Sometimes
D. Maybe
6. What is the perimeter of a rectangle with length
8 cm and width 5 cm?
A. 13 cm
B. 16 cm
C. 26 cm
D. The perimeter of a rectangle is calculated by
adding twice the length and twice the width. In this
case, the perimeter would be 2 times 8 cm plus 2
times 5 cm, which equals 26 cm.
7. In ancient times, people used different ways to communicate,
such as sending messages through smoke signals, drums, and
even pigeons. Over time, technological advancements led to the
development of the telegraph, telephone, and, later, digital
communication. Given this evolution, what is the most effective
way to communicate today?
A. Writing letters
B. Sending text messages
C. Using social media
D. All of the above
8. Which of the following is a commonly used form of
digital communication?
A. Writing letters
B. Sending text messages
C. Using smoke signals
D. Delivering messages through pigeons
9. Which of the following is NOT an improbable
practice in online safety?
A. Keeping your passwords private
B. Clicking on suspicious links
C. Using strong passwords
D. Enabling two-factor authentication
10. _____________ is the main purpose of
using strong passwords.
A. Protecting
B. Social media
C. Downloading files
D. Protecting online accounts
11. The internet ____ people to communicate
instantly across the world.
A. allow
B. allows
C. allowing
D. allowed
12. What is the primary source of energy
for life on Earth?
A. The Sun
B. A light bulb
C. A refrigerator
D. A watermelon
13. What is the main purpose of laws in a society?
A. Laws are created by governments to ensure that people behave properly
and do not engage in actions that could potentially harm others or disrupt
the peace and order of the community.
B. Laws are optional guidelines that people can choose to follow if they
think it benefits them, but they are not really necessary for a society to
function well.
C. Laws exist to help people understand what is right and wrong, but they
do not have any consequences for those who break them.
D. Laws are made by a small group of people to control others and do not
have any positive effects on society as a whole.
14. Which of the following is an important skill for
success in the workplace?
A. Time management
B. Managing your time effectively
C. Being organized
D. Planning your schedule
15. What is the value of 5 + 3 × 2?
A. 21
B. 11
C. 10
D. 9
CHECKPOINTS FOR REVIEW Yes No
1. Each question has a single, clear correct answer.
2. The stem is clear, concise, and avoids unnecessary words or jargon.
3. The stem is a complete thought and does not rely heavily on the options for clarity.
4. There are no clues to the correct answer, such as length, formatting, or detail differences.
5. "All of the Above" and "None of the Above" are avoided or used sparingly and
meaningfully.
6. Options are plausible and free from obvious distractors.
7. Each option is mutually exclusive and avoids overlap.
8. Options are similar in length, structure, and complexity.
9. Absolutes like "always" and "never" are avoided unless accurate.
10. The correct answer does not stand out due to formatting or other visual cues.
11. The question avoids negatives unless necessary, and double negatives are not used.
12. The number of options is consistent across all questions (typically 3-5).
13. Distractors are meaningful and related to common misconceptions or errors.
14. The content of the question aligns with the learning objectives being assessed.
15. The test is free from cultural or linguistic biases.
CHECKPOINTS FOR WRITER’S REVIEW ON
COMPETENCY-BASED TEST ITEM
CBTI Template
Assessment is vital to a learner’s growth,
A mirror of progress, a guide for us both.
It helps us reflect on what we’ve achieved,
And shows us the areas where we’ve yet to
believe.
In multiple choice, clarity reigns,
Where critical thinking breaks the chains.
A test of skills, both sharp and bright,
Guiding us forward, into the light.
So let us embrace this tool with pride,
For in each question, our strengths reside.
Assessment, the journey, the choice, the call,
In the world of learning, it conquers all.
(Acar, 2025)

ALS-HOW-TO-CRAFT-MULTIPLE-CHOICE-QUESTIONS.pptx

  • 1.
    Competency-Based Assessment: Practical Guideon Multiple-Choice Test Construction February 18, 2025 DepEd ANC, Banilad, Cebu City BRYANT C. ACAR RO VII EPS Science Facilitator
  • 3.
  • 4.
    Session Objectives: 1.Review thePrinciples of Assessment. 2. Identify the Features of a Multiple-Choice Test. 3.Apply the Rules of Constructing Multiple- Choice Tests.
  • 6.
    Activity 1: SpotCheck Instructions. 1. Answer the 15 items multiple choice with or 2. If the test item has error or ineffective mark wrong 3. If the test item is correct and effective mark check 4. Read and analyze each question carefully
  • 7.
    1. Which ofthe following is the most best way to communicate? A. Speaking B. Writing C. Listening D. All of the above
  • 8.
    2. Mathematics isimportant, isn't it? A. Yes, it is. B. No, it isn’t. C. Maybe. D. It depends.
  • 9.
    3. Who isthe best president in history? A. Jose Rizal B. Ferdinand Marcos C. Manuel Quezon D. Corazon Aquino
  • 10.
    4. The boilingpoint of water is... A. Hot B. 100°C C. Warm D. Not cold
  • 11.
    5. The internetis always safe to use. A. True B. False C. Sometimes D. Maybe
  • 12.
    6. What isthe perimeter of a rectangle with length 8 cm and width 5 cm? A. 13 cm B. 16 cm C. 26 cm D. The perimeter of a rectangle is calculated by adding twice the length and twice the width. In this case, the perimeter would be 2 times 8 cm plus 2 times 5 cm, which equals 26 cm.
  • 13.
    7. In ancienttimes, people used different ways to communicate, such as sending messages through smoke signals, drums, and even pigeons. Over time, technological advancements led to the development of the telegraph, telephone, and, later, digital communication. Given this evolution, what is the most effective way to communicate today? A. Writing letters B. Sending text messages C. Using social media D. All of the above
  • 14.
    8. Which ofthe following is a commonly used form of digital communication? A. Writing letters B. Sending text messages C. Using smoke signals D. Delivering messages through pigeons
  • 15.
    9. Which ofthe following is NOT an improbable practice in online safety? A. Keeping your passwords private B. Clicking on suspicious links C. Using strong passwords D. Enabling two-factor authentication
  • 16.
    10. _____________ isthe main purpose of using strong passwords. A. Protecting B. Social media C. Downloading files D. Protecting online accounts
  • 17.
    11. The internet____ people to communicate instantly across the world. A. allow B. allows C. allowing D. allowed
  • 18.
    12. What isthe primary source of energy for life on Earth? A. The Sun B. A light bulb C. A refrigerator D. A watermelon
  • 19.
    13. What isthe main purpose of laws in a society? A. Laws are created by governments to ensure that people behave properly and do not engage in actions that could potentially harm others or disrupt the peace and order of the community. B. Laws are optional guidelines that people can choose to follow if they think it benefits them, but they are not really necessary for a society to function well. C. Laws exist to help people understand what is right and wrong, but they do not have any consequences for those who break them. D. Laws are made by a small group of people to control others and do not have any positive effects on society as a whole.
  • 20.
    14. Which ofthe following is an important skill for success in the workplace? A. Time management B. Managing your time effectively C. Being organized D. Planning your schedule
  • 21.
    15. What isthe value of 5 + 3 × 2? A. 21 B. 11 C. 10 D. 9
  • 30.
    Formulating Test Objectives Rememberthe ABC3 when determining test objectives • A- audience • B- behavior • C-content or the subject matter • C- condition • C- criterion
  • 35.
    Summary: 1. Assessment oflearning: Used to evaluate what students have learned (summative). 2. Assessment for learning: Used to guide and improve learning (formative). Where do we classify Multiple Choice Test Questions?
  • 36.
    Most Commonly UsedTest Types • Essay • Matching Type • Fill-in the Blanks (Sentence Completion) • True or False • Multiple Choice
  • 39.
    Anatomy of aPerfect Multiple-Choice Question • Example: What is the effect of releasing a ball in positive gravity? A. It will rise. (false but related) B. It will fall “down. (correct) B. It will retain its mass. (true but unrelated) D. Its shape will change. (false and unrelated)
  • 41.
    Constructing an EffectiveStem • 1. The stem should be meaningful by itself and should present a definite problem. A stem that presents a definite problem allows a focus on the learning outcome. A stem that does not present a clear problem, however, may test students’ ability to draw inferences from vague descriptions rather serving as a more direct test of students’ achievement of the learning outcome.
  • 43.
    • 2. Thestem should NOT contain irrelevant material, which can decrease the reliability and the validity of the test scores (Haldyna and Downing 1989).
  • 44.
    • 3. Thestem should be negatively stated only when significant learning outcomes require it. Students often have difficulty understanding items with negative phrasing (Rodriguez 1997). -If a significant learning outcome requires negative phrasing, such as identification of dangerous laboratory or clinical practices, the negative element should be emphasized with italics or capitalization.
  • 46.
    • 4. Thestem should be a question or a partial sentence. A question stem is preferable because it allows the student to focus on answering the question rather than holding the partial sentence in working memory and sequentially completing it with each alternative (Statman 1988). • The cognitive load is increased when the stem is constructed with an initial or interior blank, so this construction should be avoided.
  • 48.
    Constructing Effective Alternatives •1. All alternatives should be plausible. The function of the incorrect alternatives is to serve as distractors,which should be selected by students who did not achieve the learning outcome but ignored by students who did achieve the learning outcome. • Alternatives that are implausible don’t serve as functional distractors and thus should not be used. Common student errors provide the best source of distractors.
  • 50.
    • 2. Alternativesshould be stated clearly and concisely. Items that are excessively wordy assess students’ reading ability rather than their attainment of the learning objective
  • 51.
    • 3. Alternativesshould be mutually exclusive. Alternatives with overlapping content may be considered “trick” items by test- takers, excessive use of which can erode trust and respect for the testing process.
  • 52.
    • 4. Alternativesshould be homogenous in content. Alternatives that are heterogeneous in content can provide cues to student about the correct answer.
  • 53.
    • 5. Alternativesshould be free from clues about which response is correct. Sophisticated test-takers are alert to inadvertent clues to the correct answer, such differences in grammar, length, formatting, and language choice in the alternatives. It’s therefore important that alternatives • -have grammar consistent with the stem. • -are parallel in form. • -are similar in length. • -use similar language (e.g., all unlike textbook language or all like textbook language).
  • 54.
    • 6. Thealternatives “all of the above” and “none of the above” should not be used. • When “all of the above” is used as an answer, test-takers who can identify more than one alternative as correct can select the correct answer even if unsure about other alternative(s). • When “none of the above” is used as an alternative, test-takers who can eliminate a single option can thereby eliminate a second option. In either case, students can use partial knowledge to arrive at a correct answer.
  • 55.
    • 7.The alternativesshould be presented in a logical order (e.g., alphabetical or numerical) to avoid a bias toward certain positions.
  • 57.
    • 8. Thenumber of alternatives can vary among items as long as all alternatives are plausible. Plausible alternatives serve as functional distractors, which are those chosen by students that have not achieved the objective but ignored by students that have achieved the objective. There is little difference in difficulty, discrimination,and test score reliability among items containing two, three, and four distractors.
  • 58.
    9. Avoid complexmultiple choice items, in which some or all of the alternatives consist of different combinations of options. • As with “all of the above” answers, a sophisticated test-taker can use partial knowledge to achieve a correct answer.
  • 61.
    Comprehensive Rules forCrafting Multiple- Choice Questions 1. Align Questions with Learning Objectives •Ensure the question assesses a specific learning objective. •Avoid including content that is irrelevant to the course or topic. •Use verbs from Bloom’s Taxonomy/Andersen to match the cognitive level of the objective.
  • 63.
    Example 1 •Objective: Identifyparts of a plant. Question: Which part of the plant is responsible for photosynthesis? a) Root b) Stem c) Leaf d) Flower Answer: c)
  • 64.
    Example 2 Objective: Analyzea chemical reaction. Question: What happens to the mass of reactants compared to the mass of products in a chemical reaction? a) The mass increases. b) The mass decreases. c) The mass remains the same. d) The mass is unpredictable. Answer: c) Example 3 •Objective: Solve a basic math problem. Question: What is the value of 5×3+2? a) 17 b) 21 c) 25 d) 30 Answer: a)
  • 65.
    2. Write Clearand Concise Stems •Avoid unnecessary words or jargon. •Phrase the question positively; avoid negatives unless necessary. •Ensure the stem is a complete thought and does not rely heavily on the options for clarity.
  • 66.
    Example 1: •What isthe primary function of the heart in the circulatory system? a) To digest food b) To pump blood c) To store oxygen d) To filter waste Answer: b) Example 2 Which of the following is a renewable energy source? a) Coal b) Natural gas c) Solar energy d) Nuclear energy Answer: c)
  • 67.
    3. Use PlausibleDistractors •Distractors should be reasonable and based on common misconceptions or errors. •Avoid making the incorrect options absurd or too easy to dismiss. •Ensure all options are grammatically consistent with the stem
  • 68.
    Examples: •Which gas ismost abundant in Earth’s atmosphere? a) Oxygen b) Nitrogen c) Carbon dioxide d) Hydrogen Answer: b) What is the freezing point of water in Celsius? a) 0°C b) 32°C c) 100°C d) -32°C Answer: a) •Which of the following animals is a mammal? a) Frog b) Shark c) Bat d) Lizard Answer: c)
  • 69.
    4. Avoid Cluesto the Correct Answer •Ensure all options are similar in length, structure, and complexity. •Avoid using “always,” “never,” or other absolutes unless accurate. •Do not let the correct answer stand out due to formatting or detail.
  • 70.
    Example: •Poor: What isthe boiling point of water at sea level? a) 100°C b) Around 100°C c) Exactly 100°C d) 99.9°C •Revised: What is the boiling point of water at sea level? a) 90°C b) 100°C c) 110°C d) 120°C Answer: b)
  • 71.
    5. Avoid “Allof the Above” and “None of the Above” •These options can confuse students and may not effectively assess knowledge. •If used, ensure they are meaningful and not overused.
  • 72.
    Examples: •Poor: Which ofthe following are renewable energy sources? a) Solar energy b) Wind energy c) Hydropower d) All of the above •Revised: Which of the following is a renewable energy source? a) Solar energy b) Coal c) Natural gas d) Petroleum Answer: a)
  • 73.
    6. Balance DifficultyAcross Questions •Include a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging questions. •Avoid making all questions too difficult or too simple.
  • 74.
    Examples: •Easy: What isthe largest planet in the solar system? a) Earth b) Mars c) Jupiter d) Saturn Answer: c) •Moderate: What is the chemical symbol for gold? a) Au b) Ag c) Gd d) Go Answer: a) •Challenging: Which law explains the relationship between pressure and volume in gases? a) Boyle’s Law b) Charles’s Law c) Avogadro’s Law d) Dalton’s Law
  • 75.
    7. Avoid OverlappingOptions •Each option should be mutually exclusive. Avoid answers that overlap or could both be correct under certain interpretations.
  • 76.
    Wrong: What is theboiling point of water at sea level? a) 100°C b) 90–110°C c) 100–120°C d) Above 50°C •Problem: Options b, c, and d overlap with the correct answer, making the question ambiguous. Correct: What is the boiling point of water at sea level? a) 90°C b) 95°C c) 100°C d) 105°C •Fix: Options are distinct and do not overlap.
  • 77.
    8. Avoid DoubleNegatives •Avoid using double negatives, as they can confuse students and obscure the intent of the question.
  • 78.
    Wrong: Which of thefollowing is NOT untrue about renewable energy? a) It is finite. b) It can be replenished. c) It is harmful to the environment. d) It is costly. •Problem: Double negatives ("NOT untrue") make the question unnecessarily confusing. Correct: Which of the following is true about renewable energy? a) It is finite. b) It can be replenished. c) It is harmful to the environment. d) It is costly. •Fix: Simplify the wording to avoid double negatives.
  • 79.
    9. Avoid UsingAbsolutes (Always, Never) •Absolute terms like "always" or "never" can make options too easy to dismiss or misleading.
  • 80.
    Wrong: Which of thefollowing is always a characteristic of mammals? a) They have fur. b) They give live birth. c) They produce milk. d) They are warm-blooded. •Problem: Some mammals (e.g., whales) do not have fur, and some mammals (e.g., monotremes) lay eggs, making absolutes incorrect. Correct: Which of the following is a common characteristic of mammals? a) They have fur. b) They give live birth. c) They produce milk. d) They are cold-blooded. •Fix: Avoid absolutes unless the statement is universally true.
  • 81.
    10. Ensure theStem Matches the Options •The stem should logically align with all answer choices and maintain grammatical consistency. Be careful in using blanks___________.
  • 82.
    Wrong: The primary roleof chlorophyll is to _____. a) Plants use sunlight b) Absorb light energy c) It produces food d) Photosynthesis occurs •Problem: The options are not grammatically consistent with the stem. Correct: The primary role of chlorophyll is to _____. a) absorb light energy b) reflect green light c) store glucose d) transport water •Fix: Ensure all options are grammatically aligned with the stem.
  • 83.
    11. Length ofAnswers The correct answer should not stand out due to being significantly longer or shorter than the distractors. Students may perceive the longest answer as correct because it appears more thought-out or detailed, or the shortest because it’s concise and confident. 12. Alphabetical Order of Choices Listing answers in alphabetical order may unintentionally reveal patterns, especially if the correct answer consistently appears in a specific position (e.g., always the first or second choice). Randomization prevents students from guessing based on order rather than knowledge. While others also use alphabetical order to emphasize sequence and visual order. Its all up to the writer.
  • 84.
    Wrong Example: Which ofthe following is the capital of the Philippines? a) Manila b) A small city in Southeast Asia that serves as the hub of political and economic activity c) The bustling metropolitan area where the President resides and Congress convenes d) A historical city with a vibrant culture and a large population •The correct answer (a) is significantly shorter than the distractors, making it stand out. Correct Example: Which of the following is the capital of the Philippines? a) Manila b) Davao c) Cebu d) Baguio •All options are of similar length, avoiding clues based on length.
  • 85.
    Wrong Example: Which ofthe following is the largest planet in the solar system? a) Earth b) Jupiter c) Mars d) Neptune •The correct answer (b) "Jupiter" is the second option, and if the correct answers often fall in the same position (e.g., always "b"), patterns may emerge. Correct Example (Randomized Order): Which of the following is the largest planet in the solar system? a) Jupiter b) Neptune c) Earth d) Mars •The order is randomized, ensuring no pattern.
  • 86.
    13. The Testis Free from Cultural or Linguistic Biases In creating effective and fair assessments, one of the most important considerations is ensuring that the test is free from cultural or linguistic biases. This means that the questions, language, and examples used should be inclusive and understandable to all students, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background. In the Philippine context, this becomes even more crucial due to the country’s rich cultural diversity and the presence of multiple languages and dialects. Cultural Bias Cultural bias occurs when a question assumes familiarity with a specific cultural practice, tradition, or event that may not be known to all students. For example, if a question asks about a local festival or a specific regional dish that is not universally recognized, students from other regions who are unfamiliar with that culture may be at a disadvantage.
  • 87.
    Question: What does theword bayanihan mean? a. A Filipino tradition of helping one another b. A traditional Filipino dance c. A Filipino dish made of fish d. A type of Filipino house Issue: The term bayanihan is a Filipino word, and while it is widely known, some students from regions where Filipino is not commonly spoken (e.g., those who speak Cebuano, Ilocano, or other regional languages) may not fully understand the word, leading to confusion.
  • 88.
    Improved Version: What doesit mean when people help each other in times of need? a. Bayanihan b. Pagdiriwang c. Lakbay Aral d. Salu-salo This version uses a more universally understandable explanation of bayanihan, making it easier for students from different linguistic backgrounds to grasp the meaning.
  • 89.
    What is themost famous food served during the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon? a. Lechon b. Pancit habhab c. Bibingka d. Halo-halo Issue: This question assumes that all students know about the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, and the specific food served during it. Students from other provinces or regions, such as those from Mindanao or the Visayas, may not be familiar with this festival, which makes the question culturally biased.
  • 90.
    Improved Version: What isa popular Filipino food often served during festive occasions? a. Lechon b. Pancit c. Bibingka d. Halo-halo This version generalizes the question to make it applicable to all students, regardless of where they are from, while still focusing on Filipino food that is commonly known throughout the country.
  • 91.
    Let us reviewback our Test Items used in the Activity and spot the “Lessons-Learned”
  • 92.
    1. Which ofthe following is the most best way to communicate? A. Speaking B. Writing C. Listening D. All of the above
  • 93.
    2. Mathematics isimportant, isn't it? A. Yes, it is. B. No, it isn’t. C. Maybe. D. It depends.
  • 94.
    3. Who isthe best president in history? A. Jose Rizal B. Ferdinand Marcos C. Manuel Quezon D. Corazon Aquino
  • 95.
    4. The boilingpoint of water is... A. Hot B. 100°C C. Warm D. Not cold
  • 96.
    5. The internetis always safe to use. A. True B. False C. Sometimes D. Maybe
  • 97.
    6. What isthe perimeter of a rectangle with length 8 cm and width 5 cm? A. 13 cm B. 16 cm C. 26 cm D. The perimeter of a rectangle is calculated by adding twice the length and twice the width. In this case, the perimeter would be 2 times 8 cm plus 2 times 5 cm, which equals 26 cm.
  • 98.
    7. In ancienttimes, people used different ways to communicate, such as sending messages through smoke signals, drums, and even pigeons. Over time, technological advancements led to the development of the telegraph, telephone, and, later, digital communication. Given this evolution, what is the most effective way to communicate today? A. Writing letters B. Sending text messages C. Using social media D. All of the above
  • 99.
    8. Which ofthe following is a commonly used form of digital communication? A. Writing letters B. Sending text messages C. Using smoke signals D. Delivering messages through pigeons
  • 100.
    9. Which ofthe following is NOT an improbable practice in online safety? A. Keeping your passwords private B. Clicking on suspicious links C. Using strong passwords D. Enabling two-factor authentication
  • 101.
    10. _____________ isthe main purpose of using strong passwords. A. Protecting B. Social media C. Downloading files D. Protecting online accounts
  • 102.
    11. The internet____ people to communicate instantly across the world. A. allow B. allows C. allowing D. allowed
  • 103.
    12. What isthe primary source of energy for life on Earth? A. The Sun B. A light bulb C. A refrigerator D. A watermelon
  • 104.
    13. What isthe main purpose of laws in a society? A. Laws are created by governments to ensure that people behave properly and do not engage in actions that could potentially harm others or disrupt the peace and order of the community. B. Laws are optional guidelines that people can choose to follow if they think it benefits them, but they are not really necessary for a society to function well. C. Laws exist to help people understand what is right and wrong, but they do not have any consequences for those who break them. D. Laws are made by a small group of people to control others and do not have any positive effects on society as a whole.
  • 105.
    14. Which ofthe following is an important skill for success in the workplace? A. Time management B. Managing your time effectively C. Being organized D. Planning your schedule
  • 106.
    15. What isthe value of 5 + 3 × 2? A. 21 B. 11 C. 10 D. 9
  • 107.
    CHECKPOINTS FOR REVIEWYes No 1. Each question has a single, clear correct answer. 2. The stem is clear, concise, and avoids unnecessary words or jargon. 3. The stem is a complete thought and does not rely heavily on the options for clarity. 4. There are no clues to the correct answer, such as length, formatting, or detail differences. 5. "All of the Above" and "None of the Above" are avoided or used sparingly and meaningfully. 6. Options are plausible and free from obvious distractors. 7. Each option is mutually exclusive and avoids overlap. 8. Options are similar in length, structure, and complexity. 9. Absolutes like "always" and "never" are avoided unless accurate. 10. The correct answer does not stand out due to formatting or other visual cues. 11. The question avoids negatives unless necessary, and double negatives are not used. 12. The number of options is consistent across all questions (typically 3-5). 13. Distractors are meaningful and related to common misconceptions or errors. 14. The content of the question aligns with the learning objectives being assessed. 15. The test is free from cultural or linguistic biases. CHECKPOINTS FOR WRITER’S REVIEW ON COMPETENCY-BASED TEST ITEM
  • 108.
  • 109.
    Assessment is vitalto a learner’s growth, A mirror of progress, a guide for us both. It helps us reflect on what we’ve achieved, And shows us the areas where we’ve yet to believe. In multiple choice, clarity reigns, Where critical thinking breaks the chains. A test of skills, both sharp and bright, Guiding us forward, into the light. So let us embrace this tool with pride, For in each question, our strengths reside. Assessment, the journey, the choice, the call, In the world of learning, it conquers all. (Acar, 2025)

Editor's Notes

  • #30 -AUDIENCE-knwing the kind of learner helps you to make decision what kind of test you must include, BEHAVIOR behavioral objectives-assistteachersin being able to measure learner progress towards achieving learning outcomes, condition-collection of restrictions,
  • #31 -AUDIENCE-knwing the kind of learner helps you to make decision what kind of test you must include, BEHAVIOR behavioral objectives-assistteachersin being able to measure learner progress towards achieving learning outcomes, condition-collection of restrictions,
  • #32 -AUDIENCE-knwing the kind of learner helps you to make decision what kind of test you must include, BEHAVIOR behavioral objectives-assistteachersin being able to measure learner progress towards achieving learning outcomes, condition-collection of restrictions,
  • #33 -AUDIENCE-knwing the kind of learner helps you to make decision what kind of test you must include, BEHAVIOR behavioral objectives-assistteachersin being able to measure learner progress towards achieving learning outcomes, condition-collection of restrictions,
  • #34 -AUDIENCE-knwing the kind of learner helps you to make decision what kind of test you must include, BEHAVIOR behavioral objectives-assistteachersin being able to measure learner progress towards achieving learning outcomes, condition-collection of restrictions,
  • #35 -AUDIENCE-knwing the kind of learner helps you to make decision what kind of test you must include, BEHAVIOR behavioral objectives-assistteachersin being able to measure learner progress towards achieving learning outcomes, condition-collection of restrictions,
  • #37 -AUDIENCE-knwing the kind of learner helps you to make decision what kind of test you must include, BEHAVIOR behavioral objectives-assistteachersin being able to measure learner progress towards achieving learning outcomes, condition-collection of restrictions,
  • #38 -AUDIENCE-knwing the kind of learner helps you to make decision what kind of test you must include, BEHAVIOR behavioral objectives-assistteachersin being able to measure learner progress towards achieving learning outcomes, condition-collection of restrictions,
  • #39 Anatomy =perfect structure of a Multiple Choice Question
  • #48 Plausible-reasonable or feasible (plausibke explanation)