The Essay item type is an open question where the candidate writes a longer free-text response. Use this article to create an Essay item, set up a marking scheme, and configure the candidate-facing options.
Essay items cannot be auto-scored. An assessment that contains one requires a manual marking workflow.
Create an Essay item
In a collection, select + Add and choose Essay.
- Enter the title. The title is internal; candidates do not see it.
- Enter the question in the rich text editor. Add resources or media as needed. See How to add and use media elements.
- Enter the marking scheme in the marking-scheme box. Markers see this; candidates do not.
- Set the maximum score. Markers can use decimals when marking, for example 1.5.
- Save and close.
Text options for the candidate
- Maximum number of words: enter a number. The candidate can still type past the limit, but Cirrus shows that the limit has been exceeded to both the candidate and the marker.
- Rich text editor for the candidate: tick to give the candidate basic formatting tools.
- Spell checker for the candidate: tick to enable the in-question spell checker. The candidate can change its language during the exam.
Criteria-based marking
The Criteria tab lets you set up criterion and sub-criterion based marking. Markers then use sliders rather than a single score box. See Scoring for the marker view.
Save, close, and preview
- Save to save without leaving the editor.
- Save and close to save and return to the collection.
- Preview to see how the question renders for the candidate.
- Cancel to exit. Cirrus warns about unsaved changes.
Related articles
- How to add and use items
- Scoring
- Plagiarism with Turnitin
- File response for file uploads instead of plain text.
- Choosing a marking workflow