The Short answer item type asks the candidate for a short, free-text response, typically a single word or short phrase. Cirrus matches the candidate's typed answer against a list of accepted answers and auto-scores.
Short answer is auto-scored.
Create a Short answer item
In a collection, select + Add and choose Short answer.
- Enter the title for internal use.
- Enter the question in the rich text editor. Add resources or media as needed.
- Enter every accepted answer as a separate row in the answer box. Cirrus accepts any of them.
- Set the maximum score.
- Save and close.
Example question:
What is the name of the legal Act that protects consumers from false or misleading information about goods being sold?
Enter every accepted answer the candidate might type, for example Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, CPUT, CPRs.
Case sensitivity
Tick case sensitive if capitalisation must match exactly.
Spelling tolerance
Set a spelling error number to allow minor spelling mistakes. The tolerance uses the Levenshtein algorithm: a tolerance of 1 accepts answers that are one character different from the accepted answer.
With no spelling tolerance set, the candidate's answer must match an accepted answer exactly. Use the spelling tolerance option when minor variation is acceptable.
Score
Set the maximum score. Markers can use decimals when reviewing scores, for example 1.5, even though Short answer is normally auto-scored.
Related articles
- How to add and use items
- Fill in the blank for blanks embedded in a sentence.
- Essay for longer free-text answers that need manual marking.
- Numeric for numeric short answers.