Overview of question types

Below is an overview of the question types you can use in your assignments and tests. Certain question types can only be used for a digital test or for a written assignment. At the bottom of this article, you will find an overview of the question types and the assignment types they can be used in. 

Open question for digital tests
An open question is one of the most used question types within Ans. For an open question in a digital test, there is an option to limit the number of words a student can use in their answer. There is also an option to work with predefined answers. A predefined answer is shown to all students when they begin with the question. 

Open question for written assignments
An open question can also be used in a written assignment. For an open question in a written assignment, you have the option to select the answer field types 'Field with lines', 'Empty field' or 'Field with squares'. Previously, the answer field types were separate question types ('Open question as blank box' and 'Open question with squares'). This was changed in the release on July 24th 2022.

Multiple choice question
A multiple-choice question is one of the most used question types within Ans. A multiple-choice question can contain one or multiple correct answers. The answer options of a multiple-choice question can be shuffled randomly for all students. 

Code editor question
The code editor question is used when students need to provide code in their answers. The following programming language can be used by the students: C++, C#, Haskell, HTML, Java, Javascript, Latex, Matlab, PHP, Python, R, Ruby, Shell script and SQL. 

Evaluation form question
The evaluation form question can be added to the hand-in assignment and the appraisal form for reviewers to base their feedback on and award their points to. This question type can be used to review students on their submitted work or during an oral presentation. This question type will not be visible to students when they hand in their assignment or during the assessment.

File upload question
A file upload question is used to allow students to upload a file during the test. If the uploaded file is, for example, a JPEG or PNG you can view it during grading or if the file is, for example, XLS or PSD you can download the file to view on your own computer. 

Fill-in question
A fill-in question consists of a phrase, sentence, or paragraph with a blank space where a student provides the missing word or words.

Free formatted question
It allows you to create your own format for a question, which will not be boxed. The question requires a description and content in the free format section of the question.

Hotspot question
With a hotspot question, students are required to drag and drop one or more markers in the correct areas of an image. The areas can be created by making use of rectangles, circles, or polygons.

As well to the hotspot question, you can also use the hotspot match question. The hotspot match question is similar to the hotspot question. The difference is that with a hotspot match question it doesn't matter in which area the marker is placed to receive points.

Hotspot match question
With the hotspot match question, students are required to drag and drop multiple markers in the correct areas of an image. The area can be created by making use of rectangles, circles, and polygons.

As well as the hotspot match question, you can also use the hotspot question. The hotspot question is similar to the hotspot match question. The difference is that with a hotspot match question it doesn't matter in which area the marker is placed to receive points.

Image question
An image question allows you to upload an image to go along with the question. 

Match question
The match question consists of two or more columns and rows. Normally, the columns contain premises (the thing you are asking about) and the rows contain the responses (the options to pick from). Each item in the column is paired with at least one item in the row. The students have to couple the rows to the columns.

Mathematical equation question
The mathematical equation question is used when students need to answer a question by using an equation. Grading of this question can be done manually or automatically by making use of the equation solver.

Numerical question
A numerical question can be used to limit the student’s answer to a number. You can specify the answer and margins to review automatically. A numerical question can be a question with a value or a question consisting of variables.

Open question with final answer
The open question with final answer is a question type that is mostly used if the correct answer awards full points. If the final answer is correct, an instructor or reviewer does not have to check the reasoning or the calculation. This question type is primarily used with math questions, but can be used in different cases too.

Order question
An order question is mostly used if students are required to rank the answers. Students can drag and drop the alternatives into the right order.

Worksheet question (beta)
A worksheet question is used to ask students to write their answers in a spreadsheet. There is also an option to work with predefined answers. A predefined answer is shown to all students when they begin with the question.  

Statement question (beta)
The statement question is a question type that contains two or more statements and most often has a limited amount of options like true/false or yes/no. The grading of these statements is done with response rules which allow you to set the awarded points based on the number of correct statements.

Drawing question (beta)
A drawing question allows students to draw or sketch their answers during a digital test. You can also upload a background image for students to draw on. 

Overview question types and corresponding assignment type