B -4 Figure B-3.  This is an example of a multiple choice question with a poorly written stem.  ⦁ $_{Make each item independent of every other item in the test. Do not permit one question to reveal, or }$ depend on, the correct answer to another question.  ⦁ $_{Design questions that call for essential knowledge rather than for abstract background knowledge or }$ unimportant facts.  ⦁ $_{State each question in language appropriate to the learners. }$ ⦁ $_{Include sketches, diagrams, or pictures when they can present a situation more vividly than words. They }$ generally speed the testing process, add interest, and help to avoid reading difficulties and technical  language.  ⦁ $_{When a negative is used, emphasize the negative word or phrase by underlining, bold facing, italicizing, or }$ printing in a different color.  ⦁ $_{Avoid questions containing double negatives, which invariably cause confusion. }$ ⦁ $_{Avoid trick questions, unimportant details, ambiguities, and leading questions that confuse and antagonize }$ the learner. If attention to detail is an objective, detailed construction of alternatives is preferable to trick  questions.  ⦁ $_{The stem should clearly present the central problem or idea. The function of the stem is to set the stage for }$ the alternatives that follow.  ⦁ $_{The stem should contain only material relevant to its solution, unless the selection of what is relevant is }$ part of the problem.  ⦁ $_{The stem should be worded in such a way that it does not give away the correct response. Avoid the use of }$ determiners, such as clue words or phrases.  ⦁ $_{Put everything that pertains to all alternatives in the stem of the item. This helps to avoid repetitious }$ alternatives and saves time.  ⦁ $_{Generally avoid using “a” or “an” at the end of the stem. They may give away the correct choice. Every}$$_{ }$ alternative should grammatically fit with the stem of the item.  When developing the stem of a multiple choice item, the following general principles should be utilized.  [Figure B-3]  Stems$_{ }$