The Match List Question type requires learners to pair associated items, using one static list and one dynamic list.

Figure 1: Match list Question example.

Create a Question

Watch the "How to create a Match List Question" tutorial video.

Enter a Question stem in the Compose question area. Below you will see the Stimulus List. The text entered here will appear as a static list, which the learner will match responses to. Enter stems into empty fields. Click +Add to create a new empty field, and click the trash can icon beside a stem to remove it.

In the Possible Responses section, the text entered will appear as a list of possible responses that the learner can select an answer from. See example in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Match list Question basic parameters.

Follow these steps in order to configure Question validation:

• Insert a value in the Point(s) box to set up a mark for the Question. The default value is 1.
• The Correct tab holds a list of stems and possible responses. To validate the Question match each stems with their correct responses by dragging and dropping them in the empty response boxes beside each stem. See example in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Match List Question validation.

Group possible responses

This feature allows the grouping of possible responses. To use this feature, check the checkbox called Group possible responses which appears under the compose Question area.

Figure 4: Adding Groups and Possible Responses.

Once this has been switched on you will notice a blue + add group button appear under the stimulus list. Once you click this button you add the title of the group and then begin adding the possible responses that belong in that group. You can then add the second group and add possible responses to that and so on. Once you have all the fields filled in, your Question will look like this.

Figure 5: Match List with Groups.

Enable Duplicate Responses option if you want the responses to be used infinite times. This means a response when dragged into a cell will not disappear from the possible responses container and is reusable. The option can be found below Validation.

You can also enable or disable the Drag Handles. 

More options

Under the More options button, in Scoring section, you can change formatting settings, scoring types and apply different styles to your Question.

The following scoring types are available in Match List Questions:

• Exact Match - Learner must answer all parts of the Question correct to receive a mark.
• Partial Match Per Response - Each response box will be awarded an individual score.
• Partial Match - Each response box will be scored individually, and the overall Question score will be divided between responses.

Other Scoring options:

• Unscored/Practice usage type - Enabling this option will remove all scoring from the Question.
• Penalty point(s) - The value entered here indicates marks that will be deducted from the learner for an incorrect response.
• Check answer button - If this is enabled, a "Check answer button" will appear to the learner alongside the Question; clicking this button will indicate to the learner if their answer is correct or incorrect, but it will not tell them the correct response. This can be useful for informal assessment.
• Check answer attempts - The value entered here will indicate how many times the learner can use the "Check answer button". A value of 0 indicates an infinite number of times.
• Minimum points if attempted¹ - Points awarded to the learner for attempting the Question, regardless of a correct or incorrect response.

Layout options:

• Position controls: from the Response Container Position drop-down menu, you can choose where to position the possible responses container. Options include Top, Bottom, Left and Right.
• Random shuffling: tick the Shuffle Options check box. For details on how shuffling options works, see this article: Randomizing Content in Learnosity Assessments.

'Extra' options

The extras section in the authoring interface allows you to add more information about the Question, information that we refer to as metadata.

There are a number of fields available: acknowledgements, contains math, distractor rationale, distractors, instructor stimulus, rubric reference, sample answer, and stimulus (review only).

To learn more about the options shown in the Extras section, see Understanding the Extras Section of the Question Editor.

1. Note: “Minimum points if attempted” replaces the earlier label “Minimum score if attempted”. Version added: v2026.1.LTS