multiple choice

/ˈmʌltɪpl tʃɔɪs/

Meaning

Multiple choice is a format for tests or surveys where respondents are given a list of options and must select the correct one (or more). It is a highly common assessment style because it is easy to grade. It can refer to the test itself or the type of questions.

Examples

  • The final exam consists of fifty multiple choice questions and two short essays.

    The final exam consists of fifty multiple choice questions and two short essays.

  • I prefer multiple choice tests because you can sometimes guess the correct answer.

    I prefer multiple choice tests because you can sometimes guess the correct answer.

  • Each multiple choice question has four options, but only one is correct.

    Each multiple choice question has four options, but only one is correct.

  • She designed a multiple choice quiz to test the students' reading comprehension.

    She designed a multiple choice quiz to test the students' reading comprehension.

  • Make sure you read all the options in a multiple choice question before choosing one.

    Make sure you read all the options in a multiple choice question before choosing one.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ The exam was very easy because it was a multiple choices test.

    ✓ The exam was very easy because it was a multiple choice test.

    When used as an adjective modifying 'test' or 'question', 'multiple choice' is always singular.

  • ✗ I have to do a test of multiple choices tomorrow.

    ✓ I have to take a multiple choice test tomorrow.

    Use 'multiple choice test' as a compound noun phrase instead of translating literally from other languages.

Related Expressions

Practice

  • The midterm exam will be entirely ___, so you won't have to write any essays.

    💡 A test format where you select from a list of options

    Show answer

    multiple choice

  • In a ___ question, it's helpful to eliminate the obviously wrong answers first.

    💡 A question with options A, B, C, or D

    Show answer

    multiple choice