Multiple-choice Questions: Linking Teaching and Learning

• Introduction
• Category 1
• Category 2
• Category 3
• Category 4
• References
• Additional Sample Questions

Category 1: Questions That Met the Criteria

Discrete Questions

Sample Question

In Europe, the political situation of the interwar period was dominated by:

1. The emergence of powerful dictatorships*
2. An increase in support for internationalism
3. The emergence of free trade among nations
4. A decrease in support for the communist movement

This question meets all relevant criteria. It tests student knowledge of concepts (dictatorships, internationalism) rather than specific facts about the interwar period.  

Knowledge and Understanding 20-1 outcome:


2.5	analyze how the pursuit of national interest shapes foreign policy (First World War peace settlements, the interwar period) (PADM, TCC, ER, LPP)

Skills and Processes 20-1 outcome:


S.1.2

determine relationships among multiple and varied sources of information

Knowledge and Understanding 20-2 outcome:


2.6	examine how the pursuit of national interest shapes foreign policy (First World War peace settlements, the interwar period) (PADM, TCC, ER, LPP)

Skills and Processes 20-2 outcome:


S.1.2

determine relationships among multiple sources of information

Source-based Questions

Sample Question

Use the following observations about the interwar period to answer the questions.

Observation I: For the German people, reparations were an unacceptable punitive levy that would destroy the prosperity of future generations.

Observation II: Because the First World War had not been fought in Germany, German transportation networks and industrial plants escaped extensive damage.

Observation III: Germany, with 60 million people, remained the most populous nation in Western Europe.

Observation IV: The new German government refused to accept the loss of the Polish Corridor, which separated East Prussia from the rest of Germany.

Which observation points to a contradiction of the principle of self-determination as outlined in Wilson's Fourteen Points?

1. Observation I
2. Observation II
3. Observation III
4. Observation IV*

This source-based question tests student knowledge of concepts (self-determination) rather than specific facts about the interwar period. Specifically, students would be able to answer the question correctly based on their understanding of the concept of self-determination even if (although not likely) they did not have knowledge related specifically to the Polish Corridor.

Knowledge and Understanding 20-1 outcome:


2.5	analyze how the pursuit of national interest shapes foreign policy (First World War peace settlements, the interwar period) (PADM, TCC, ER, LPP)

Skills and Processes 20-1 outcomes:


S.1.1	evaluate ideas and information from multiple sources
S.1.2	determine relationships among multiple and varied sources of information

Knowledge and Understanding 20-2 outcome:


2.6	examine how the pursuit of national interest shapes foreign policy (First World War peace settlements, the interwar period) (PADM, TCC, ER, LPP)

Skills and Processes 20-2 outcomes:


S.1.1	analyze ideas and information from multiple sources
S.1.2	determine relationships among multiple sources of information
S.1.9	identify main ideas underlying a position or issue

Sample Question

Which observations suggest that France did not achieve its objective of reducing the military threat posed by Germany?

1. Observations I and II
2. Observations I and III
3. Observations II and III*
4. Observations II and IV

This source-based question tests student knowledge of concepts (military threat) rather than specific facts about the interwar period. Students would be able to answer the question correctly based on the understanding of the concept of "military threat" even if the student could not recall detailed facts related to events described in the observations cited in the source. Students would most likely have a better chance of determining the correct answer if the relationship among the events of the interwar period, as well as their relationship to the concept of "military threat," is understood. However, students could also answer the question correctly if the relationship between an undamaged infrastructure, a large population and the concept of a military threat is understood.

Knowledge and Understanding 20-1 outcome:


2.5	analyze how the pursuit of national interest shapes foreign policy (First World War peace settlements, the interwar period) (PADM, TCC, ER, LPP)

Skills and Processes 20-1 outcomes:


S.1.1	evaluate ideas and information from multiple sources
S.1.2	determine relationships among multiple and varied sources of information
S.1.6	synthesize information from contemporary and historical issues to develop an informed position
S.2.2	analyze connections among patterns of historical change by identifying cause and effect relationships

Knowledge and Understanding 20-2 outcome:


2.6	examine how the pursuit of national interest shapes foreign policy (First World War peace settlements, the interwar period) (PADM, TCC, ER, LPP)

Skills and Processes 20-2 outcomes:


S.1.1	analyze ideas and information from multiple sources
S.1.2	determine relationships among multiple sources of information
S.1.7	identify seemingly unrelated ideas to explain a concept or event
S.1.9	identify main ideas underlying a position or issue
S.2.2	analyze connections among patterns of historical change by identifying cause and effect relationships