Checklist for determining the quality of objective test item

The following checklist is based on the criteria that can help educators to
evaluate the quality of objective item.
Which type of objective test item do you want to assess?
• If you want to assess True or False item go to section A.
• If you want to assess Matching item go to section B.
• If you want to assess Completion item go to section C.
• If you want to asses multiple choice item go to section D.
• Please encircle Y or N in the column where applicable.
• If the item does not meet the criteria, re-formulate the test item to improve
the quality of assessment.

A. Criteria for writing appropriate True or False item Yes No

Is the item constructed definitely false? Y N

Is the item constructed definitely true? Y N

Are the lengths of true items equal? Y N

Are the lengths of false items equal? Y N

Is the item free from double-negative? Y N

Is the item used in context? Y N

Is the item free from absolute words? Y N

Is the item free from any grammatical clue? Y N

Is the item relatively short? Y N

Is the item free from extraneous material? Y N

B. Criteria for writing appropriate - Matching item Yes No

Are the options homogeneous in content? Y N

Is the item not gender biased? Y N

Is the item not racial biased? Y N

Are all options plausible distractors? Y N

Are the options identified by letters? Y N

C. Criteria for writing appropriate - Completion item Yes No

Does the item require only one answer? Y N

Does the test item pose a problem to the examinee? Y N

Is the language used précised? Y N

Is the use of direct question avoided? Y N

D. Criteria for writing appropriate - Multiple choice item Yes No

Is the item free from any grammatical clue? Y N

Is the grammar in the stem correct? Y N

Is the option without “none of the above” used? Y N

Are all options plausible distractors? Y N

Is the double barreled item avoided? Y N

Is the option without “all the above” used? Y N

Does the item include more than three options? Y N

Reference:

Kubsyzen, T. & Borich, G. (2007). Educational Testing and Measurement:

Classroom Application and Practice, 8rth Editions: Wiley/Jossey-Bass Education.