How to use the vocabulary quiz maker
- Type your words and definitions, one pair per line, separated by a vertical bar or an equals sign. For example: ample | more than enough. Up to 40 pairs fit.
- Choose Matching or Multiple choice, give the quiz a title, and decide whether to add an answer key page.
- The quiz appears at once. A six digit shuffle code sets the order of the choices. Press New shuffle for a different order, or type a code to get an earlier one back.
- Press Print or Download PDF. Copy answer key puts the key on your clipboard.
Five words, matching
Take the pairs ample, brief, candid, diligent and fragile with their definitions. A matching quiz lists the five words in your order, numbered, and the five definitions in a shuffled order with letters. With shuffle code 123456 the definitions come out as ample, brief, fragile, candid and diligent, so the key reads 1 A, 2 B, 3 D, 4 E, 5 C.
The same five pairs as a multiple choice quiz give each word four lettered choices: the right definition and three wrong ones taken from the other words. With the same code, the correct letters are C, B, C, B, B. A multiple choice quiz needs at least four words.
How the shuffle works
The order of the choices comes from the shuffle code, using a seeded random generator and a standard shuffle that gives every order the same chance. Because the code fixes the order, the quiz and its key can always be recreated from your word list and the code. Print the code on a copy if you plan to grade later.
For multiple choice, the three wrong choices for each word are picked at random from the other definitions in your list. Every choice on a question is different, and the right answer sits in a random position. Two words may not share one definition, because a quiz with two right answers would be unfair.
Making a good quiz
Short, clear definitions work best. If two definitions are close in meaning, learners can only tell them apart by guessing, so keep them distinct. Matching works well for 5 to 15 words, and multiple choice suits lists where distractors that look plausible are available from the other words.
The answer key goes on its own page so you can print the quiz without it. For other study tools see the flashcard maker, and for something more playful, the word search maker. To record scores, use the grade calculator.
Privacy
The quiz is made in your browser and nothing is uploaded. Remembering your words is optional and keeps them in this browser only.
Assumptions and limits
- Each word has one definition, and no two words share a definition.
- A quiz holds up to 40 words, and the lines should be at most 60 characters for the word and 200 for the definition.
- Choices are lettered A, B, C and on. Beyond Z the labels continue as AA, AB and so on.
- The shuffle is pseudo-random and fixed by the code, so it is for classroom use and not for secrets.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get the same quiz again?
Keep the word list and the six digit shuffle code. Type the code back in, and the order of the choices and the answer key are the same.
Why does multiple choice need four words?
Each question has one right choice and three wrong ones taken from other words, so at least four words are needed to fill the choices.
Can a word have more than one definition?
Not in the same quiz. Choose the one you want to test, or make the definitions different words in the list.
How do I print the quiz without the answers?
Untick the answer key option before printing. You can still copy the key separately with the Copy answer key button.