LC Test Question Guide
FILE TO COPY: TEST QUESTION DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
Developing Effective Test Questions
Do we all agree that there are different levels or degrees of knowledge that we must gain from a lesson?
Example: A doctor needs a high degree of knowledge about the workings of our heart whereas, a nurse needs a low to moderate degree of knowledge about the workings of the heart. These degrees of knowledge required on a subject is called “Levels of Understanding.” As we gain knowledge/skill, we move from being a novice (beginner) to being competent, to becoming an expert.
As directed by your teacher, (individually, with a partner, in a small group and/ or class), using the chart provided, write potential test questions on the topic(s) covered in today’s lesson.
Prospective Test question chart
Topic / learning objective
(Hint: Each question should be related to the topic / learning objective at the front of the lesson/chapter.)
level of understanding required:
(Hint: The level of understanding may be available in the written learning objective statements available at the front of the lesson/chapter. For further explanation on levels of understanding, please see "WHAT LEVEL OF TEST QUESTION DO YOU WISH TO WRITE?" chart provided.)
A. KNOWLEDGE LEVEL
B. COMPREHENSION LEVEL
C. APPLICATION LEVEL
D. ANALYSIS LEVEL
E. SYNTHESIS LEVEL
F. EVALUATION LEVEL
test question
(Hint: To determine the KEYWORD to start the test question, use the "WHAT LEVEL OF TEST QUESTION DO YOU WISH TO WRITE?" chart provided.)
what level of test questions do you wish to write?
Does the subject matter being addressed in your test question require you to be proficient, competent or an expert? The level of understanding required within the lesson will determine your first word (keyword) in writing your test question. To write appropriate test questions, review the chart below for “Levels of Understanding” and the keywords appropriate for your test question.
A. Simple Recall of Information - Knowledge Level
Begin test questions with the keyword - Arrange, Define, Label, List, Match, Name, Select, State, Recall
B. Simple Understanding of the Meaning of the Information - Comprehension Level
Begin test questions with the keyword - Classify, Describe, Discuss, Distinguish, Explain, Give, Defend, Identify, Predict, Report, Review, Summarize, Translate
C. Ability to apply information to a new situation - Application Level
Begin test questions with the keyword - Demonstrate, Illustrate, Modify, Show, Sketch, Solve
D. Ability to analyze information to a high degree - Analysis Level
Begin test questions with the keyword - Calculate, Categorize, Diagram, Differentiate, Examine
E. Ability to design a new idea using pieces (components) of the information - Synthesis Level
Begin test questions with the keyword - Arrange, Assemble, Compile, Compose, Construct, Create, Develop, Design, Explain, Organize, Plan, Rearrange, Reconstruct, Revise
F. Ability to judge, criticize and / or defend an idea/product - Evaluation Level
Begin test questions with the keyword - Appraise, Compare, Conclude, Contrast, Criticize, Defend, Interpret, Judge, Justify, Rate
(Adapted from Shank, P. 2013; Anderson, L. 2001)
FUN OPTIONAL GUIDE: (As Directed by Teacher)
As directed by your teacher, (individually, with a partner, in a small group and/ or class), you may be asked to insert your test questions into an online generated Game PowerPoint Template for common games, such as JEOPARDY, CONCENTRATION, PASSWORD, OR WHEEL OF FORTUNE. Several PowerPoint Templates for these classroom games can be found with simple online searches. They allow the users to insert their content and receive immediate results.
Click Here to Start Module. The gears provided on each module provide specific student learning and achievement research for the selected module strategy. Click on the gear to read and click on gear again to eliminate the research box retrieved. For more citation reference information, please refer to the Learning Connect Research Listings in the Teacher Menu located at the top of the page.