Five Tips for Writing Great Quizzes

We hated taking quizzes in high school -- particularly the "pop" kind -- but most of us enjoy taking a fun quiz every now and again. The Internet has made quizzes even more popular because you can learn your IQ and how well you fit with your partner all at one time. Writing great quizzes isn't just about coming up with thought-provoking questions; if you want to generate interest in your quizzes, you can use the following five tips.

1- Reach the Broadest Audience Possible

Writing great quizzes means finding topics that will appeal to large groups of people. Obviously, every quiz can't satisfy every person all the time, but you should do your best to broaden the appeal of your quizzes. For example, you can ask questions about work or school to allow both teenagers and adults to take a quiz about work and study habits.

2- Eliminate All But One Variable

The most common mistake that writers make when attempting to write great quizzes is the inclusion of too many variables in one question. The goal of a quiz is to make every single question geared toward one specific answer. Some quizzes are subjective, which means that different people will answer differently based on their personality, but there should be a clear choice for everyone. In the same vein, make sure that no question has two possible answers unless you account for that possibility in your results.

3- Avoid Questions to Which the Answer Could Be None

Writing great quizzes means making sure that each question has an answer. Using "None of the Above" is one way to get around this (for example, with a question that could have an infinite number of answers), but people get frustrated with those types of questions. Instead, focus on questions that require the reader to choose at least one, and make sure the answer is attractive for a subjective quiz.

4- Triple-Check the Answers

There is nothing more frustrating than taking a quiz and realizing that the writer got it wrong. Obviously, we all make mistakes, but make sure you triple-check each of your questions and answers to ensure that you've set the right one. This should be done while you are writing the quiz and then again before you attempt to publish it.

5- Give Reasons for Your Answers

Writing great quizzes means that your readers get something out of it. Make sure that you give the reasoning behind the correct answer to each question, including the source if applicable. Even if you are correct, you'll have readers who won't believe it, and then you'll be inundated with argumentative e-mails or letters that question the validity of your quiz.