Look at the following test item

Which of the following is a function of the digestive system?

a. To circulate the blood
b. To protect vital body organs
c. To digest the food we eat and turn it into usable fuel for our bodies
d. To transfer nerve impulses

There are at least three problems with this item. Identify the problems. Then rewrite the item to make it more acceptable.


The following are problems with the item. First, the word digest is in the correct answer, which is closely related to the word digestive. Second, the correct answer is placed at choice c, which is not a problem unless choice c is overused. Third, the correct answer is significantly longer than the distracters.
An example of a more effective item might be:
Which of the following is a function of the digestive system?
a. To turn the food we eat into fuel for our cells
b. To circulate our blood throughout our bodies
c. To protect our vital body organs from harm
d. To transfer nerve impulses from our brains to other parts of our bodies

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