Word-to-Test Conversion Format

If you’re looking to create a test or pool of questions quickly, CETL can generate a question pool or test from an appropriately formatted Word (or other simple text) file in about two business days. Just email the file to ask-cetl@udmercy.edu

CETL requires a minimum of two business days to get your test file converted.

CETL CAN ONLY CONVERT PROPERLY FORMATTED WORD FILES. If your file is not properly formatted, it will be returned with instructions on how to correct the format. CETL WILL NOT REFORMAT IMPROPERLY FORMATTED FILES. 

Information to Include

In your email, not in the word file itself, please include --

  • The class your test will appear in (ideally course site id, which this page shows you how to find)
  • Where in the course site you want the exam posted
  • Exam instruction text for students
  • Number of points per question
     
  • Whether you want to allow multiple attempts, if so how many
  • Time limit on the test (we have a note about how availability and duration interact here)
  • When you want the exam to become available-to-start (date / time)
  • When you want the exam to no longer be available-to-start (date / time)
  • The due date / time for exam completion (optional)
     
  • What feedback options do you want applied (we have info on feedback options here)
     
  • Whether the test will be offered with all the questions on screen at once or one question at a time
  • If test is offered one question at a time, should backtracking be prohibited
  • Should the questions be randomized (all questions shuffled and / or answers within questions shuffled)
     
  • Would you like to require LockDown Browser  and / or Monitor for remote proctoring

Keep in Mind

1. Only include questions (and their answers) in your file. Instructions to students, test options, etc, should be included in the body of your email or in a separate Word file. 

2. You CANNOT use numbered lists in either your questions or answers. If Word begins to automatically create a numbered list for you, turn off this formatting option by clicking on the little lightning bolt option that appears when you start to type the number “1″.

numbered list menu with Stop Automatically Creating Numbered Lists highlighted

  • If you select the “Undo Automatic Numbering” option, this should tell Word to quit making automatic numbered lists for this document. This will allow you to put the asterisk in front of your correct answer options.
  • The “Stop Automatically Creating Numbered Lists” turns off the automatically creating numbered lists on this document and on future documents. Note: You can turn it back on by going into [File > Options > Proofing > Auto Correct Options > Auto Format As You Type].
  • OR: Simply use Notepad (PC) or Textedit (Mac) instead.

 

Formatting Guidelines

The following text provides information on formatting for the most common question types -- Multiple Choice, True / False, and Essay.

We are capable of converting and importing Fill-in-the-Blank, Matching, and Multiple Answer questions. The full formatting options also include instructions for importing feedback along with your questions.

Please review this Respondus-Question-Types file for the full formatting options.

 

Importing Multiple Choice Questions

Example:

1.  Who determined the exact speed of light?

a. Albert Einstein
*b. Albert Michelson
c. Thomas Edison
d. Guglielmo Marconi

Provide a question number followed by a period and a single space (". "). The question wording must follow the question number. 

Note: Each answer must begin with a letter (upper- or lower-case A-T) followed by a period and a space (“. “). 

Note: Correct answer must be marked with an asterisk before the letter.

 

Importing True and False Questions

Example:

2. Albert Michelson determined the exact speed of light.

*a. True
b. False

Formatting is the same as for a multiple-choice question, we're just providing two answer options -- true or false.

 

Importing Essay Questions

Example:

Type: E

3. How is the Michelson-Morley experiment related to Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity?

The logic for importing essay questions is similar to what is described above for Multiple Choice and True & False questions. The primary difference is that the first line of formatting must begin with “Type: E”. This is followed by the question.

 

A three-question quiz consisting of the preceding questions would look like this:

1.  Who determined the exact speed of light?

a. Albert Einstein
*b. Albert Michelson
c. Thomas Edison
d. Guglielmo Marconi

2. Albert Michelson determined the exact speed of light.

*a. True
b. False

Type: E

3. How is the Michelson-Morley experiment related to Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity?