10 KEYS TO
WRITING THE BEST Q'S
1. There is only ONE, 'without-a-doubt' correct answer!
It might seem like common sense but answers that are too similar, or too vague, present a problem.
Try an answer that is pretty close to the right answer or a commonly mistaken answer but decidedly the wrong choice, an answer that's in the realm of possibility, and one that's way off-base. for your players, it should quickly narrow to a choice between 2 strong possibilities.
2. Keep Q's Short and Sweet!
The quiz question is just a fun and challenging way to get a player to the lesson.
The real lesson is shared in the Insight that follows the standard quiz question. Then invites the player to adopt new habits in the more comprehensive Learn More item.
3. Make it about ONE THING!
In line with the first key, if you have multiple ideas mixed into your Q's or answers, it creates anxiety in the user's experience
To continue the Learner's Path through the Q sequence, verify that the insight is also about that ONE THING, only more in-depth.
4. Phrase the Q as a Q...
To keep your players earning maximum points, avoid confusion and slowdowns on their learning path and end your Q with a question mark.
Otherwise, include a format instruction like, "Complete this sentence…"
5. Avoid "...of the above."
Let's face it, when we see "all/none of the above" as the answer choice, we almost always assume that it will be the correct answer.
Your players will feel the same and lose a valuable part of their learning when they gloss over the other answer choices.
6. Phrase all answer choices similarly.
By phrasing all of the answer choices similarly, a player is not distracted and then frustrated by the slowing of their pace.w
This is also important when attempting to test player's retention between training information that is similar but distinct and the differences highlighted.
7. The Clue should NOT give the answer!
The reasoning for key 7 is explained in some depth in key 8, where you are warned...
8. Don't make the Q's too easy
(or too hard)...
Making it easy does not make it fun; We all like a good challenge. As long as it's not too challenging. On the other hand, if the user is unlikely to know the answer and has to guess, it will also be less enjoyable.
It only takes 2 consecutive Q's with high-difficulty levels to get 50% of players frustrated.
9. Begin at the end.
Write the Insight or Learn More Item first. Learn More items can be text, or an image, or a website, or a video, or a PDF.
As a rule, there should be one Learn More Item for each unique 'Action' listed in your Q's.
10. The insight should be actionable...
...not just a lesson to memorize! Make sure the info is useful, applicable to the ONE THING, and drives Users to take ACTION! That's how you build habits.