Constructing a True or False Test

True or False Test

• Binomial-choice tests are tests that have only two options such as true or false
• Students have 50% chance of getting the correct answer by guess work
• A modified true or false test can offset the effect of guessing 

Rules in Constructing True-False Items

1. Do not give a hint inadvertently on the body of the question

Example: 

• The Philippines gained its independence in 1898 and celebrated its centennial year in 2000.
• Rules in Constructing True-False Items

2. Avoid using the words always, never, often and other adverbs that tend to be either always true or always false.

Example: 

• Christmas always falls on a Sunday because it is a Sabbath day. 
• Rules in Constructing True-False Items

3. Avoid long sentences as these tend to be true. Keep sentences short

Example: 

• Tests need to be valid, reliable and useful though it would require a great amount of time and effort to ensure that tests possess these test characteristics.

4. Avoid trick statements with some minor misleading word or spelling anomaly, misplaced phrases etc.

Example: 

• The principle of the school is Mr. Albert Panadero.
• Rules in Constructing True-False Items

5. Avoid quoting verbatim from reference materials or textbooks

6. Avoid grossly disproportionate number of either true or false statements or even patterns in the occurrence of true or false statements