Short answer

To create a Short Answer question in Cirrus, go to your Library, create or open a collection, and click + Add or use the drop-down arrow to select this question type. The screen below will appear.

The Short Answer question type enables questions that require a short written response. It is suitable for questions requiring a few words or a single line.

Enter the title

Enter the item title. This is for internal use only and will be visible in your Library throughout the process. This title is not visible to candidates.

Enter the question

Click inside the text box to enter or edit your question. Use the text editor for a range of text editing options.

Resource & media file

The Add Resource and Add Media file buttons are available. See How to add and use Media Elements.

Short answer example

To create a Short Answer question, enter your question text into the question box. For example:

'What is the name of the legal Act that protects consumers from false or misleading information about goods being sold?'

Enter the correct answers in the answer box.

Answer options

Optionally, require the candidate's answer to be case-sensitive to receive the mark.

Set a spelling tolerance by entering a number in the Spelling error field. This uses the Levenshtein algorithm. Within this tolerance, spelling errors are accepted and the answer is still marked as correct.

Set maximum score for this question

Set a maximum score for the question by entering a number in the box. When marking Short Answer questions, assessors can use decimals (for example, 1.5).

Save, close, preview & cancel

• Click Save to save the item.
• Click Save and Close to return to your collection overview.
• Use Preview to see how the question will appear to the candidate and verify that the correct answer receives the correct marks.
• Select Cancel to exit the question editor. A warning will appear to avoid losing unsaved data.