Best for
- Spotting errors in a passage
- Identifying grammar, vocabulary or key evidence
- Reading comprehension
Capabilities
- Selectable words or phrases inside a passage
- Automatic marking of selections
- Works with longer reading texts
Considerations
- Tell candidates how many selections are expected
- Make the selectable units clear
What is a text selection question?
A text selection question shows a passage and asks the candidate to select specific words, phrases or sentences within it. The answer is the selection itself, rather than a separate option list.
When to use it
Use text selection for language and grammar tasks, proofreading and error spotting, and comprehension questions where candidates must find the evidence in a source. It tests close reading in a way that multiple choice cannot.
How Synap marks it
Text selection questions are auto marked by comparing the candidate's selections with the correct ones, so results are instant and consistent across large cohorts.
Authoring tips
Say clearly what candidates should select and how many items to choose. Keep the passage focused so the task is about understanding, not hunting through unnecessary text.
Text selection is one of 29 question types in Synap's exam authoring software, alongside reusable question banks, bulk import and flexible marking.