How to Construct Better Tests: an Example

What is Wrong with this Question?

The following question violates three rules for writing good multiple choice questions. What are they?

Which one of the following is not true?

A.  Mass is weight.

B.  Inertia is a resistance of mass to change speed or direction.

C.  Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock and is formed from materials settling to the    

      deposition of material at or near the Earth's surface.

D.  Velocity is speed is a given direction.

Answers below.

Tests are enough of a challenge without
students having to maneuver through
poorly written questions.

1. Choices should be of approximately equal length.

2. Negative questions are not recommended.

3. The choices should related to the same topic (C. relates to earth science, the others 

    relate to physics).

(BTW: the correct answer is A.)