Assessment is not just about grading. It is about understanding what students have learned and what they still need. The distinction matters: assessment of learning measures outcomes, while assessment for learning guides instruction.
AI can generate hundreds of quiz questions in seconds. But quantity is not quality. This framework helps you prompt AI to create assessments that actually measure understanding - questions aligned to learning objectives, at the right cognitive level, with thoughtful distractors and clear rubrics.
Create a quiz about the American Revolution.
Create a 15-question assessment on the American Revolution. CONTEXT: - Grade level: 8th grade US History - Unit focus: Causes and early events (1763-1776) - Learning objectives students should demonstrate: 1. Identify key events leading to colonial resistance 2. Analyze the relationship between taxation and representation 3. Evaluate the perspectives of Patriots vs. Loyalists QUESTION DISTRIBUTION: - 5 questions at Remember/Understand level (basic recall) - 6 questions at Apply/Analyze level (connections and comparisons) - 4 questions at Evaluate/Create level (argumentation and synthesis) QUESTION TYPES: - 8 multiple choice (4 options each, plausible distractors) - 4 short answer (2-3 sentence responses) - 3 document-based questions with primary source excerpts INCLUDE: - Answer key with explanations - Point values for each question - Time estimate for completion
Question Types and When to Use Them
Different question types measure different skills. Match your question format to what you actually want to assess.
Multiple Choice
Best for: Recall, recognition, quick comprehension checks. Efficient to grade. Use when you need broad coverage of content.
Short Answer
Best for: Explanation, application, demonstrating understanding beyond recognition. Requires students to generate rather than select.
Essay
Best for: Analysis, synthesis, argumentation. Assesses deep thinking and communication. Requires clear rubrics for consistent grading.
Matching
Best for: Vocabulary, definitions, pairing concepts. Efficient for testing associations. Include more options than questions to reduce guessing.
True/False
Best for: Quick knowledge checks, identifying misconceptions. High guessing rate (50%). Consider requiring explanations for wrong answers.
Insight
Bloom's Taxonomy Alignment
Bloom's Taxonomy provides a framework for creating questions at different cognitive levels. A balanced assessment includes questions across multiple levels.
Remember
Understand
Apply
Analyze
Evaluate
Create
Pro Tip
Multiple Choice Questions
Well-crafted multiple choice questions can assess more than recall. The key is in the distractors - wrong answers that reveal common misconceptions.
Create 10 multiple choice questions for [TOPIC].
CONTEXT:
- Subject: [SUBJECT]
- Grade/Level: [LEVEL]
- Learning objectives: [LIST 2-3 OBJECTIVES]
REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH QUESTION:
- Clear, concise stem (question part)
- 4 answer options (A, B, C, D)
- Only ONE correct answer
- Distractors should be plausible (common mistakes or misconceptions)
- Avoid "all of the above" or "none of the above"
- No negative stems ("Which is NOT...")
COGNITIVE LEVELS:
- 3 questions at Remember level (recall facts)
- 4 questions at Understand/Apply level (explain or use)
- 3 questions at Analyze/Evaluate level (compare, assess)
OUTPUT FORMAT:
For each question include:
1. The question stem
2. Four answer options
3. Correct answer indicated
4. Brief explanation of why distractors are wrong
5. Bloom's level tagShort Answer Questions
Short answer questions require students to construct responses, revealing their actual understanding rather than their ability to recognize correct answers.
Create 5 short answer questions for [TOPIC]. CONTEXT: - Subject: [SUBJECT] - Grade/Level: [LEVEL] - Students should demonstrate: [KEY SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE] QUESTION SPECIFICATIONS: - Each question should require 2-4 sentences to answer - Questions should test understanding, not just recall - Include at least one question requiring comparison or contrast - Include at least one question requiring explanation of a process FOR EACH QUESTION INCLUDE: 1. The question 2. Expected response length (sentence count) 3. Key points the answer should include (for grading) 4. Common misconceptions to watch for 5. Point value suggestion ALSO CREATE: - A model answer for each question - A grading guide (what earns full/partial/no credit)
Essay Prompts with Rubrics
Essay questions assess higher-order thinking but require clear prompts and detailed rubrics for fair, consistent grading.
Create an essay prompt and rubric for [TOPIC]. CONTEXT: - Subject: [SUBJECT] - Grade/Level: [LEVEL] - Time allowed: [MINUTES] for writing - This assesses: [SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES] ESSAY PROMPT REQUIREMENTS: - Clear, specific question that requires argumentation - Include any necessary context or background - Specify expected length (paragraph count or word count) - State whether sources should be cited CREATE A RUBRIC WITH: - 4 scoring levels (Exceeds/Meets/Approaching/Beginning) - Criteria categories: 1. Thesis/Argument (clear position, addresses prompt) 2. Evidence/Support (relevant examples, specificity) 3. Analysis (depth of reasoning, connections) 4. Organization (structure, flow, transitions) 5. Conventions (grammar, mechanics - if applicable) FOR EACH CRITERIA: - Specific descriptors for each scoring level - Point values - Examples of what each level looks like ALSO INCLUDE: - A model essay outline - Common pitfalls students should avoid
Warning
Practical Assessments
Performance-based assessments evaluate what students can DO, not just what they know. Essential for skills-based subjects.
Create a practical assessment for [SKILL/COMPETENCY]. CONTEXT: - Subject area: [SUBJECT] - Skill being assessed: [SPECIFIC SKILL] - Time available: [DURATION] - Resources students will have access to: [LIST MATERIALS] ASSESSMENT DESIGN: 1. Task description (what students will do) 2. Clear success criteria (what "done well" looks like) 3. Step-by-step instructions for students 4. Materials/setup needed OBSERVATION CHECKLIST: Create a checklist the assessor can use while observing, including: - Key steps to complete - Quality indicators to look for - Common errors to note - Time management benchmarks RUBRIC: - Performance levels with specific descriptors - Critical vs. non-critical elements - Safety considerations (if applicable) ALSO INCLUDE: - Accommodations for students who need more time - Alternative ways to demonstrate the same skill - Self-assessment reflection questions for students
Self-Assessments
Self-assessment builds metacognition - students learn to evaluate their own understanding. It also provides valuable feedback for instruction.
Create a self-assessment for students after learning [TOPIC]. CONTEXT: - Subject: [SUBJECT] - Grade/Level: [LEVEL] - Unit/Lesson: [SPECIFIC CONTENT COVERED] - Learning objectives: [LIST OBJECTIVES] CREATE A SELF-ASSESSMENT WITH: 1. CONFIDENCE SCALE (for each learning objective): "I can [objective]..." - Confidently, without help - With some support or examples - Only with significant help - Not yet 2. REFLECTION QUESTIONS: - What concept did you find most challenging? Why? - What strategy helped you learn best in this unit? - What would you do differently if you studied this again? - What questions do you still have? 3. EVIDENCE PROMPTS: - Give an example that shows you understand [concept] - Explain [key idea] in your own words - What connections did you make to other things you know? 4. GOAL SETTING: - What is one thing you want to improve? - What specific step will you take? FORMAT: - Student-friendly language - Mix of scales, short responses, and checkboxes - Should take 5-10 minutes to complete
Creating Effective Distractors
Distractors are the wrong answers in multiple choice questions. Good distractors are plausible and reveal common misconceptions.
Weak Distractors
- Obviously wrong answers
- Joke or absurd options
- Grammatically inconsistent with stem
- Different length than correct answer
- “All of the above”
Strong Distractors
- Based on common student errors
- Reflect typical misconceptions
- Plausible to someone who did not study
- Similar length and format to correct answer
- Diagnostically useful
Improve these multiple choice distractors for [TOPIC]. CURRENT QUESTION: [Paste your question and options] IMPROVE THE DISTRACTORS BY: 1. Identifying what misconception each wrong answer should test 2. Making wrong answers plausible (could be chosen by someone who partially understood) 3. Ensuring all options are similar in length and format 4. Removing obviously wrong answers FOR EACH NEW DISTRACTOR, EXPLAIN: - What misconception it targets - Why a student might choose it - What it tells you about their understanding
Rubric Development
A good rubric does three things: guides student work, enables consistent grading, and provides meaningful feedback.
Holistic Rubric
One overall score based on general impression. Faster to use but provides less specific feedback. Best for: quick assessments, formative checks.
Analytic Rubric
Separate scores for different criteria. More detailed feedback but takes longer. Best for: major assignments, skill development tracking.
Single-Point Rubric
Describes proficiency only; notes added for what exceeds or falls short. Encourages specific feedback. Best for: growth-focused assessment.
Create an analytic rubric for [ASSIGNMENT TYPE]. ASSIGNMENT: [DESCRIPTION] GRADE LEVEL: [LEVEL] POINT TOTAL: [POINTS] CRITERIA TO ASSESS: 1. [Criterion 1 - e.g., Content accuracy] 2. [Criterion 2 - e.g., Organization] 3. [Criterion 3 - e.g., Use of evidence] 4. [Criterion 4 - e.g., Writing conventions] FOR EACH CRITERION CREATE 4 LEVELS: - Exceeds Standards (4) - What excellence looks like - Meets Standards (3) - What proficiency looks like - Approaching Standards (2) - What partial understanding looks like - Beginning (1) - What significant gaps look like REQUIREMENTS: - Use specific, observable language (not vague terms like "good") - Include examples where helpful - Make distinctions between levels clear - Weight criteria by importance OUTPUT FORMAT: - Table format with criteria rows and level columns - Point values for each level - Student-friendly language
Accessibility Considerations
Well-designed assessments are accessible to all learners. Consider these factors when creating or reviewing AI-generated assessments.
- Clear language: Avoid unnecessarily complex vocabulary that tests reading level instead of content knowledge.
- Visual clarity: Use readable fonts, adequate spacing, and clear formatting for printed assessments.
- Time accommodations: Build in flexibility for extended time without penalizing students.
- Multiple formats: Offer alternatives (oral responses, typed vs. written) when possible.
- Reduced clutter: Limit questions per page, use white space, avoid distracting graphics.
- Screen reader compatibility: For digital assessments, ensure proper heading structure and alt text.
Review this assessment for accessibility: [PASTE YOUR ASSESSMENT] CHECK FOR: 1. Reading level appropriate for the grade 2. Clear, unambiguous language 3. Questions that test content, not reading ability 4. Adequate white space and formatting 5. Alternatives for students with accommodations SUGGEST: - Simplified language alternatives where needed - Format improvements for clarity - Accommodation options for different needs - Any potential barriers for ELL students
Insight
Next Steps
Creating effective assessments takes practice. Start with one question type, master it, then expand. AskSmarter.ai can guide you through the process, asking the right questions about your learning objectives, student needs, and assessment goals.
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