Q: Why is "A" the correct answer for all the multiple-choice questions in some testbanks?

A: Some algorithmic math testbanks have "A" as the correct answer for every multiple-choice question so that test item writers, programmers, accuracy checkers, and instructors can quickly identify and check the correct answer and its distractors in a testbank. In TestGen 7, to make sure that answer choices are randomly shuffled when you transfer questions to a test, select "Preferences" and "Application Preferences" from the Tools menu and click the Transfer Options tab. Select the option to Scramble Testbank Answer Order when questions are added to a test.

In TestGen 5.5, select "Preferences" on the Setup menu and click the Answer Choices tab. Click the checkbox to check "Shuffle answer choices on transfer", and then click OK.

Q: How do I view testbank questions on the screen?

A: In TestGen 7, when you open a testbank, you see a list of chapter titles. Click the arrow at the left of any chapter title to display its questions or subheadings. Click the arrow next to any subheading to display more questions.

In TestGen 5.5, when you open a testbank, it is in outline view and displays the chapter titles or other main level headings. Click the chapter title or heading you want to view, and then click the icon at the top left of the testbank window to switch to question view. (You can also switch between outline and question view by selecting "Question View" or "Outline View" from the View menu.) While in question view, use the scroll bar to see more questions in the same chapter or section of the testbank. To view the next or previous chapter or section, click the down or up arrow at the top of the TestGen main window. To jump to a different chapter, click the curved Go to arrow at the top of the TestGen main window or return to outline view and make a new selection.

Q: I resized my testbank and test windows. How do I make them return to the standard size and positions?

A: In TestGen 7, you can select "Show Library" or "Hide Library" from the View menu to change the size of the testbank or test window. If more than one test is open, use "Arrange" on the Window menu.

In TestGen 5.5, if your testbank and/or test windows are out-of-position or overlapping, you can quickly return them to the standard arrangement by selecting "Arrange" from the Window menu. This places two windows side-by-side, with the active (selected) window on the left.

Q: Why do some questions have [BI] next to them in testbanks and on tests?

A: The [BI] marking identifies "bimodal" questions that can be displayed as either multiple-choice or short answer questions on tests. You can take advantage of this feature to switch bimodal questions to the question type you prefer on tests.

In TestGen 7, to globally change all bimodal questions on a test from multiple-choice format to short answer format, select "Preferences" and "Test Options" from the Tools menu. On the Questions tab, make your selection as to how you want bimodal questions to be displayed. You can override the global setting for any individual question by selecting the question and clicking the BI button on the standard toolbar.

In TestGen 5.5, select "Display" from the Setup menu. This opens the Test Page Display Options dialog. Click the Questions tab and put a check next to "Print bimodal questions as short answer". (Uncheck the box to make the global setting display bimodal as multiple-choice questions.) All bimodal questions on the test change to the form you selected. You can override the global setting for any individual question by
selecting the question and clicking the MC/SA button at the top of the test page.

Q: Does TestGen keep track of which questions I've selected for tests?

A: Yes. You can display the dates a question was created, modified, and last used on a test. In TestGen 7, open a testbank for editing and select "Preferences" and "Testbank Options" from the Tools menu. On the Descriptors tab, mark the box next to Question Dates. When you view the testbank, it will show the create, modify, and last used dates.

In TestGen 5.5, click the Display icon at the top of the testbank window or select "Display" from the Setup menu to open the Testbank Display Options dialog. Click the box to put a check mark next to "Question Dates". When you view the testbank, it will show the create, modify, and last used dates.