A. Large
B. Small
C. Meaningful
D. None
Answer is = C
You are absolutely right! In multiple-choice items, the stem of the item should be C. Meaningful.
Here’s why:
- The stem: This is the part of the question that presents the problem or situation and asks the question. It should be clear, concise, and provide all the necessary information for students to understand what is being asked.
- Meaningful: A meaningful stem sets the context for the answer choices and focuses the student on the specific knowledge or skill being assessed. It should be well-written and avoid ambiguity.
Large or small stems aren’t necessarily the best criteria. The ideal length depends on the complexity of the question. However, it should be long enough to provide all the necessary information and short enough to be easily understood.
Here are some additional characteristics of a good stem in multiple-choice items:
- Grammatically correct: The stem should be free of errors in grammar and punctuation.
- Free from irrelevant information: The stem should focus on the essential information needed to answer the question and avoid including unnecessary details that might distract students.
- Wording that avoids clues: The wording of the stem should not inadvertently provide clues to the correct answer.
By following these guidelines, you can create meaningful stems that effectively guide students towards the intended answer choices