Matching test items

Matching test items

1. A simple matching item consists of two columns: one column of stems or problems to be answered, and another column of responses from which the answers are to be chosen.

2. Matching questions provide a most efficient way to test knowledge in courses in which events, dates, names, and places are important.

3. Review your teaching objectives to make sure that a matching component is appropriate.

4. When possible, reduce the amount of reading time by including only short phrases or single words in the response list.

5. Suggestions For Writing Matching Test Items

   • 1. Include directions which clearly state the basis for matching the stimuli with the responses.
   • 2. Use only items that share the same foundation of information.
   • 3. Avoid grammatical or other clues to the correct response.
   • 4. The column of stimuli on the left should set the question clearly.

6. How to Study For a Matching Test

   • If your instructor usually includes a matching section in a typical exam, here is one way to prepare for it. On a separate sheet, list the names and facts opposite each other, resulting in two distinct vertical columns, as in the following example