Each question must contain mode, question, and answer statements. In addition, there are many optional fields that can be added to questions to enhance functionality, add comments or hints, or otherwise define or expand the capabilities of the question. The available question fields are summarized in the table below, which also summarizes related information.
|
qu.x.y. <field name> |
Required or optional |
Can include HTML? |
Can include MathML? |
Field Type |
Description / Function |
|
Required |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
System command that identifies the question type | |
|
type |
Required (in Maple-graded questions) |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Specifies subtype of Maple question. For Maple Syntax questions, it is maple. For Maple Formula questions, it is formula. |
|
Optional |
Yes |
Yes |
Display - no variables |
Displays text that identifies individual question. | |
|
Optional |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Indicates use of HTML editing in the question. Set directly or automatically by Question Bank Editor. | |
|
question |
Required |
Yes |
Yes |
Display - can contain variables |
The question statement. Can contain any combination of text, MathML, HTML, tables, or references to images or objects. |
|
Optional |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Contains variable definitions for use in the question. Must conform to the system formula and variable syntax. | |
|
Required (except in essay, matching, and Maple-graded questions) |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Defines correct answer for use in grading. If mathematical question, must conform to the system math/formula syntax. | |
|
answer.number answer.unit |
Optional |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Defines correct number and units of answers in numeric questions. Required in numeric questions. |
|
maple |
Required (in Maple-graded questions) |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Maple code to grade student responses and prevent cheating |
|
plot |
Optional |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Maple plot command that plots a student response or related function. Available in all Maple-graded questions. |
|
grading |
Optional |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Defines grading mode in numeric questions. Required in numeric questions. |
|
units |
Optional |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Reference to a customized table of units |
|
digit |
Optional |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Number of significant digits. Required for exact_sigd and toler_sigd grading modes in numeric questions. |
|
perc |
Optional |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Percentage error (or tolerance). Required for toler_perc grading mode in numeric questions. |
|
err |
Optional |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Absolute error (or tolerance). Required for toler_sigd and toler_abs grading modes in numeric questions. |
|
Optional |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Absolute tolerance for formula questions (including subtypes) | |
|
choice.i |
Optional |
Yes |
Yes |
Display - can contain variables |
Contains the ith choice in a multiple choice or multiple selection question. The values of i in a question must start at 1 and be consecutive. |
|
or |
Optional |
Yes |
Yes |
Display - can contain variables |
Contains feedback provided to students upon grading. The comment.i field provides response-specific in multiple choice questions. The values of i in a question must start at 1 and be consecutive. |
|
Optional |
Yes |
Yes |
Display - can contain variables |
Contains a hint. The values of i in a question must start at 1 and be consecutive. | |
|
Optional |
Yes |
Yes |
Display - can contain variables |
Contains worked solution. Shown only in Study Session assignments | |
|
Optional - user specified |
No |
No |
Internal directive |
Contains descriptive information about the question. Multiple user specified fields and corresponding values can be contained in this statement. |
Internal Directive fields are commands that are evaluated and performed by the system. They cannot contain HTML or MathML tags and must conform to the system syntax for algorithms, formulas, math expressions, or command switches.
Display fields hold question information that is used in displaying the question or related feedback, hints, or solutions. The topic and name fields cannot contain variable values because algorithmic variables are set at the level of the question.