How to Construct Completion & Short Answer Items

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1. Specify very clearly what goes in the blank
   
   --is problem with student's understanding or your directions?

2. Generally, one blank per item.
   Too many blanks.

3. Put the blank at the end of the item if you can.
   • especially avoid having blanks start sentence: reading burden
     
     blanks at start of sentence.
     
     
   • too many options available without context

4. Easier to mark if all answers put in single column
   blanks at page edge.
   
   
   • not advisable for lower grades

5. Avoid taking statements directly from texts
   Why?
   
   
   • promotes memorization without understanding
     
     
   • statements out of context are often ambiguous

6. Watch out for unintended hints:
   • 'an' and 'a's before blanks, just like in m-c
     
     
   • plurals, etc. --> may have to rewrite sentence several times so correct answer will fit with rest of it without tipping student off
     
     
   • length of blanks

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