What is a written text response

The written text response type allows learners to type their answers in free-form, rich text. Responses are manually assessed after the exam.

Who can access the feature

Only accounts with the Assessment Designers role can access this feature. To learn more about course roles, please refer to the article What are the different roles within a course?

How to set the written text response

Step 1

Go to Assessment > Question Banks

 Step 2

Click on Create new bank. Enter a name for your question bank and then click Create.

Step 3

Click the newly created Question bank from the list. Click on Add question > Create new question

Step 4

a) Enter a unique name for this question. This name is a unique identifier that helps you identify the question. It is not the question text. 

b) Select the Written Text response type.

Step 5

Click Edit to customise a few available settings.

Can I set a word limit for responses?

Yes, you can define a maximum word limit to guide learners in structuring their answers appropriately.

Can I disable grammar and spell check for responses?

Yes, you can enable or disable grammar and spell check to align with assessment requirements and prevent external tool assistance.

What is a response template, and how does it help learners?

A response template provides learners with a structured format to guide their answers. You can include headings, prompts, or placeholders to help them focus on key points.

How do I provide assessment guidelines for Assessors?

Click on the Assessment tab and you can also include assessment guidelines when setting up the question. These guidelines will be visible to Assessors during grading. 

Click Save to apply the changes to the settings.

Step 6

Click Save to save the questions, and click Preview to see a preview of the questions.

Can Assessors provide feedback on responses?

Yes, Assessors can leave comments and feedback when grading each response in the Exam report. To learn more about assessing the learners, please refer to the article How do I assess learners?

Can I export responses for offline grading? Can responses be exported for external review or analysis?

Currently, responses are assessed within the platform. 

Can responses be graded using a rubric?

Currently, responses are graded by assigning a score rather than using a built-in rubric. However, you can include a rubric as part of the assessment guidelines by attaching it in text or image format for reference during grading.

Can responses be annotated?

Currently, responses cannot be directly annotated within the platform. However, you can copy the response, add annotations externally, and upload the annotated version as feedback.

Can multiple assessors assess the same response?

Yes, multiple assessors can assess the same response and leave feedback.

Is there an option for automatic plagiarism detection on responses?

Currently, the platform does not have built-in automatic plagiarism detection for exam responses. However, you can manually check for plagiarism using external tools if needed.

Is there an option to anonymise responses during grading?

Currently, there is no option to anonymise responses during grading. Assessors will be able to see the learner’s identity while reviewing responses.