What is the Short Answer tool and when should I use it?

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.  Click, or Click and Drag The Tools menu will pop up. Select 'Short Answer' from the left column.

You can also choose, 'Insert' from your menu bar and 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:

  • Number of Points: This shows how many points your students will receive for correctly answering the question. The default point value is always 1.

  • Correct answers: Type in the correct answers. You can write more than one! 

  • 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.


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

Short Answer Tool Explainer Video 

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



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