How to Write Matching Questions

Matching questions should be used sparingly as they introduce an additional layer of difficulty: They are essentially three or more questions combined into one, and a learner must successfully form each match in order to master the question. Matching questions consist of only four sections:

• Question stem
• Drag and drop pairs
• What you need to know
• Additional learning

Include no more than four matching pairs to avoid making the question too difficult to answer. These questions lend themselves well to certain types of knowledge:

• Groups of terms and their definitions
• Recall of facts and features
• Matching examples to a concept
• Steps in a procedure
• Image-based learning

Because the list of answer options is shuffled by the Amplifire algorithm, Matching questions are not well-suited for presenting sequences and timelines.

Here are some examples matching questions, including image-based learning, matching examples to concepts, and groups of terms and their definitions, respectively:

Question Stem             

Writing an effective question stem is a way to promote and test higher-order thinking and cognition as defined by Bloom’s Taxonomy. Use these guidelines to create effective question stems that help the learners achieve a higher level of thinking and learning.  

• Have the question stem contain all the information necessary to understand the problem or question 
• Limit using negatively stated stems 
• Write the stem clearly, simply, and to the point 
• Avoid the use of unnecessarily complex words – focus on testing understanding of learning objectives versus reading comprehension level 
• Avoid using information that gives away the correct answer 
• Always keep in mind the purpose of the question and how it relates to learning objectives 
• Align the stem with a learning objective 
• Ensure that your grammar and spelling is correct 

Although these guidelines apply in most cases, it is important to note that there are exceptions and authors need to be flexible when using these guidelines and always keep in mind what is best for the learner.

In this example, we provide only brief, relevant information for learning to introduce the drag-and-drop section and make it clear that matching is required.

Drag and Drop Pairs

Continuing with this example, we've created a question field that demonstrates groups of terms and their definitions. When creating the trap-and-drop field, be sure to put terms on the left-hand side and definitions, or "targets" on the right-hand side.

Best Practices

• Three matching pairs is the recommended amount. Adding more can make the question more complex and difficult for learners to master.
• Matching questions are 508-compliant (consideration for visually impaired learners).

What You Need To Know

Let’s face it—most people don’t read anymore. Our analytics supports that fact. So, we recommend building explanations that don’t overload learners but make your content as interesting as possible.​

• Keep your explanation brief, (recommended 90–120 words).​
• Judiciously use graphics, videos, and dynamic content to enhance and explain concepts.​
  • This is especially true for workflows – show your learners as much as possible rather than relying on text.​
• Focus on the most important concepts.​

Use the Explanation to:​

• ​Explain “why” ​
• Correct confidently held misinformation ​
• Address ambiguity​
• As needed and appropriate, correct plausible distractors with explanations of why they are wrong​
• Include images that illustrate key points​
• Use the source material to add all the relevant details. Focus on correcting misinformation​

Since this matching question has already required a good amount of reading from the learner, we kept the explanation short. We reiterated the common thread between the matched items and made it clear what term matched what definition. Never leave learners guessing what the correct answer is. Tables are a great way to visually organize information for the learner.