In a multiple-choice item, the stem should be ______.

Correct answer: Meaningful. The stem should present a clear, meaningful problem so the examinee knows what is being asked.

• Large: A stem need not be large; length should match the problem.
• Small: Brevity alone does not make a stem good if it is unclear.
• Relevant: Relevance matters, but a good stem is first of all meaningful and clear.