Create Written Response Questions in the Question Library

Written response (WR) questions require respondents to write detailed answers in response to open-ended questions. Instructors can enable students to respond in multiple sentences, paragraph answers, or mathematical explanations and calculations. Students can also respond in HTML code.

Note: HTML code is sometimes stripped from saved written responses if a student refreshes the page while taking the quiz. As a best practice, encourage students to save a version of their HTML response locally in case they need to refresh the page.

Written response questions are not auto-graded.

Watch how to add an answer key to a written response question

  1. On the nav bar, select the Activities menu, then click either Quizzes, Surveys, or Self Assessments. In the example below, we selected Quizzes.
    Quizzes on the Nav Bar
  2. From the tool navigation, click Question Library.
    Question Library from Quizzes
  3. Select New.
    Question Library New
  4. Select the question type: Written Response (WR).
  5. In the Question Text field, enter your written response question details.
    Written Response Question Text
  6. If you want students to be able to format their answer, select the Enable HTML Editor for student responses check box. A preview of the HTML editor will display to the right.
    Enable HTML Editor for Written Response
  7. If you want to allow students to insert images and attachments, select the Enable inserted images and attachments checkbox. A preview of the Add File/Record Audio/Record Video buttons will display to the right.
    Insert Images and attachments in Written Response
    Important information about attachments:

    • When creating a written response question, instructors can students to upload files in their answers and include embedded images. Students can also record audio or video responses when answering written response question types. Written response questions are available in surveys.
    • When grading a quiz instructors can download and open these attachments in another tab.
    • When students are reviewing their quiz submissions, if they are allowed to view their quiz responses, they can view their uploaded attachments.
    • The maximum file size for a single file or embedded image attached to a quiz response is set to 102400 KB (100MB). The maximum file size for all files attached or embedded in a single quiz question response is set to 102400 KB (100MB).
  8. In the Default Points field, enter the points students will receive for answering the whole question correctly.
    Written Response Default Points
  9. From the Options drop-down list, do one of the following:
    Written Response Question Options

    • To add feedback for the answer, select Add Feedback. Learn about Quiz Question Feedback.
    • To add a hint to the question, select Add Hint. Learn about Quiz Question Hints.
    • To add a short description to the question, select Add Short Description.
    • To add an answer key to assist evaluators in their marking, select Add Answer Key.
      Quiz Written Response Answer Key
    • To add a custom size to the response box, select Add Custom Response Box Size.
      Quiz Written Response Custom Response Box Size
    • To add Initial Text that would appear at the top of the answer box when a student answers the question, select Initial Text.
      Written Response Initial Text
  10. Click Save.