Matching Questions

Keep in mind that matching exercises can typically only be used to assess factual recall. Of course, with some work, you could write matching exercises that assess higher-level thinking, but most teachers do not do this. Therefore, use matching exercises only when you feel that remembering factual information - particularly connections between information - is an important objective. Otherwise, use different types of questions.

First, let's break down a matching exercise into its component parts. They typically consist of two columns, one of which contains premises (or the things you are asking about) and the other of which contains responses (or the things that they're picking from). Those columns typically look something like this:

Instructions: Match the states on the left with their capital on the write by drawing a line from the state to the correct capital. Each capital may be used once, more than once, or not at all.

Here are some guidelines for writing matching exercises:

1. Write clear directions.

Specify the basis by which examinees are expected to match corresponding premises and responses (what are they matching and what criteria are they using to match?).

Describe how and/or where students should record the answers they select. This can vary by grade level (e.g., drawing lines, writing a letter on a line, etc.)

Indicate that each response may be used once, more than once, or not at all. (Use your judgment based on the grade level you teach. This is used to prevent the use of elimination).

2. Include an unequal number of premises and responses.

3. Restrict the entries in the response column to the members of a homogenous set or category. Keep the premises homogenous also. In other words, do not combine states and countries in your list of premises. Stick to one thing. Do the same in your list of responses.

Avoid the tendency to include insignificant members of the target category

Consider using a heading at the top of each list.

4. Arrange the responses in a logical order (e.g., alphabetically, chronologically, or numerically).

5. Keep all the premises and all of the corresponding responses on the same page.

Now that you are familiar with the guidelines, why don't you practice evaluating a few matching exercises? Click Next below to continue.