The Short Answer tool creates a text box meant to contain one- or two-word answers that can be auto-graded. Students will not be able to indent, type sentences, or long paragraphs. If you want students to write more than simple responses, use the Open Answer tool.

➽  Use the Open Answer tool to make text boxes that can display sentences and paragraphs. Note that Open Answers cannot be auto-scored.

To create a Short Answer question type:

•  Click down in your activity, or click and drag to draw a box. The Tools menu will pop up. Select 'Short Answer' from the left column titled "Question Types."

You can also:

•  Choose, "Insert" from your menu bar. Then "Short Answer." Your mouse will turn to cross-hairs and your toolbar will tell you to "Click in the activity to add a(n) Short Answer."  Click down on your activity to create a Short Answer Box. 

This pop-up window will appear:

• Correct answers: Type in the correct answers. You can write more than one! Delete the answers by clicking the "X" to the right.

• Upper/Lowercase Lettering: You have the option to give points only when the correct capitalization is present in the student's answer by checking this box. 

• Ignore Punctuation: Select this box when you want to ignore punctuation in your student's answers.

• Partial Match: By selecting this checkbox, TeacherMade will mark a student's answer correct as long as it contains the key word(s) you set as correct answers above. For example, the correct answer is, 'Yellowstone' and your student answers, 'Yellowstone National Park.' If you have this checkbox checked off, it will still be marked as correct.

• Ignore all spaces: By checking this box TeacherMade will ignore all the spaces in the students answer. 

*Be sure to click on “Save Changes” when you are done.

To align your short answer boxes: 

• Click on your short answer box.
• Hold down the shift key and select the other boxes you want aligned. On your toolbar you will see the number of boxes selected and an "Align" dropdown. 
• Select the "Align" dropdown. 
• Choose how you would like the boxes aligned.

Short Answer Tool Explainer Video 

Here’s a quick video explaining how to use the feature: