Question formats
Choose a question format that matches what the student is asked to do. AutoMark marks structured answers against your answer key; it does not mark essays or judge extended arguments. You review and confirm every mark before it is recorded.
Common structured answers
Section titled “Common structured answers”| Format | What to check when authoring |
|---|---|
| Multiple choice | The choices and the correct selection agree with the question. |
| True or false | The statement is unambiguous and the key matches it. |
| Numeric | The instruction specifies the form or units you expect. |
| Short written answer | The key includes the alternative answers you would accept. |
| Fill the blanks | Each blank asks for a defined answer and has room for handwriting. |
| Table | Each answer belongs in the intended row and column. |
A question can include multiple parts, each with its own marks. Check both the part values and the total when preparing the key.
Other structured tasks
Section titled “Other structured tasks”The editor also covers matching, ordering, selecting from a passage, checklists and diagram labelling. Read the print preview to check that each task is understandable on paper: students should know where and how to answer without a verbal correction to the printed instructions.
For multiple choice on ordinary paper, see the multiple-choice marking guide. For spelling, where the letters themselves are being assessed, see spelling test marking.
Decide what needs manual judgement
Section titled “Decide what needs manual judgement”An explanation or extended response may require you to judge the reasoning, argument or expression. A long-answer question can be set aside for manual marking while structured questions use the ordinary workflow. Do not reduce an essay to a short-answer key and expect the software to assess its quality.
Check the key and paper together
Section titled “Check the key and paper together”Enter the answers and marks, then read the preview. Include acceptable alternatives and leave enough writing space. If you imported a test from text or a scan, confirm the types and key rather than assuming the draft is ready.
Authoring tests explains the preparation step, and your first test walks through creating and printing the papers.