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Multiple-choice Questions: Linking Teaching and Learning

This document provides criteria that may be considered when choosing and creating appropriate multiple choice questions.  Examples are drawn from the Social Studies 20 & 30 programs of study however the criteria and principles are applicable across programs of study.

Additional Sample Questions

These questions are provided as sample multiple-choice questions that meet the criteria and address learner outcomes in the 2007 program of studies for the Social Studies 20-1 and 20-2 sequences.

1. Use the newspaper headlines to answer the following question.

    On which issue do all four newspaper headlines most directly focus?

    1. Should the victors in a war form a military alliance?
    2. Should the victors in a war dictate the terms of peace?*
    3. Should an agency of collective security grant certain members special privileges?
    4. Should an agency of collective security interfere in the domestic affairs of its members?

    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

2. Use the illustration to answer the following question.

    The "common theme" of this diagram is the League of Nations':

    1. Resistance to foreign diplomatic negotiations
    2. Success in resolving international conflict
    3. Inability to stop imperialist aggression*
    4. Encouragement of self-determination

    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

3.

    During the period between the First World War and the Second World War, American foreign policy was primarily based on ideas related to:

    1. Militarism
    2. Imperialism
    3. Isolationism*
    4. Internationalism

    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)

    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)

4.

    The official purpose of the conferences held near Paris immediately following the First World War was to:

    1. Provide a forum for the meeting of the League of Nations
    2. Form a new balance of power along ideological lines
    3. Decide how to prevent the spread of communism
    4. Draw up provisions for a lasting peace in Europe*

    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)

    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)

5.

    Which of the following statements best summarizes the intent of the Treaty of Versailles?

    1. The treaty must punish all the losers of the First World War.*
    2. The treaty must be signed and supported by all victors of the First World War.
    3. All nations that participated in the First World War must be treated fairly by the treaty.
    4. The input of all nations that participated in the First World War must be taken into account by the treaty.

    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)

    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)

6.

    Initially, the United States hesitated to enter the Second World War because the American government was pursuing a foreign policy of:

    1. Isolationism*
    2. Appeasement
    3. Confrontation
    4. Interventionism

    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)

    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)

7.

    The Treaty of Versailles was created primarily to:

    1. Establish a military alliance of non-communist European nations
    2. Outline the organizational structure for the League of Nations
    3. Ensure open and fair diplomacy between nations of the world
    4. Detail the terms of peace settlement with Germany*

    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)

    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)

8.

    The American policy of isolationism after the First World War clashed most directly with the ideas and principles of:

    1. Nationalism
    2. Humanitarianism
    3. Self-Determination
    4. Collective Security*

    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)

    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)

9. Use the following events to answer the question.

    The progression of events shown above suggests that Nazi Germany confidently pursued and applied foreign policies of:

    1. Imperialism and Militarism*
    2. Regionalism and Imperialism
    3. Nationalism and Isolationism
    4. Militarism and Internationalism

    Knowledge and Understanding 20-1 outcome:
    2.7  analyze nationalism and ultranationalism during times of conflict (causes of the First and Second World Wars, examples of nationalism and ultranationalism from the First and Second World Wars, ultranationalism in Japan, internments in Canada, conscription crises) (PADM, TCC, GC, 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.2.6 identify reasons underlying similarities and differences among historical narratives

    Knowledge and Understanding 20-2 outcome:
    2.8 analyze nationalism and ultranationalism during times of conflict (causes of the First and Second World Wars, examples of nationalism and ultranationalism from the First and Second World Wars, internments in Canada, conscription crises) (PADM, TCC, GC, 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.2.7 develop reasoned arguments supported by historical and contemporary evidence

10.

    Territorial expansion to provide living space for a "master race" was used to justify actions taken by:

    1. France immediately after the First World War
    2. Germany in the late 1930s*
    3. China prior to the Second World War
    4. The Soviet Union in the late 1940s

    Knowledge and Understanding 20-1 outcome:
    2.7 analyze nationalism and ultranationalism during times of conflict (causes of the First and Second World Wars, examples of nationalism and ultranationalism from the First and Second World Wars, ultranationalism in Japan, internments in Canada, conscription crises) (PADM, TCC, GC, LPP)

    Knowledge and Understanding 20-2 outcome:
    2.8 analyze nationalism and ultranationalism during times of conflict (causes of the First and Second World Wars, examples of nationalism and ultranationalism from the First and Second World Wars, internments in Canada, conscription crises) (PADM, TCC, GC, LPP)

11.

    The "Final Solution" was an attempt by Germany to:

    1. Invade and conquer the Soviet Union
    2. Destroy civilian morale by bombing cities
    3. Invade and occupy France and the low countries
    4. Annihilate European Jews and other ethnic groups*

    Knowledge and Understanding 20-1 outcome:
    2.8 analyze ultranationalism as a cause of genocide (the Holocaust, 1932–1933 famine in Ukraine, contemporary examples) (TCC, PADM, GC)

    Knowledge and Understanding 20-2 outcome:
    2.9 examine ultranationalism as a cause of genocide (the Holocaust, the 1932–1933 famine in Ukraine, contemporary examples) (TCC, PADM, GC)

12.

    At the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson supported the principle of self-determination in the hope that:

    1. National groups in Europe would have the right to form independent nations*
    2. Germany would be blamed for the destruction caused during the First World War
    3. A military alliance between France, Great Britain and the United States would be created
    4. European nations would accept the American sphere of influence established in Latin America

    Knowledge and Understanding 20-1 outcome:
    3.4 analyze the motives of nation and state involvement or noninvolvement in international affairs (economic stability, self-determination, peace, security, humanitarianism) (GC, TCC, PADM)

    Knowledge and Understanding 20-2 outcome:
    3.4  examine the motives of nation and state involvement or noninvolvement in international affairs (economic stability, self-determination, peace, security, humanitarianism) (GC, LPP, TCC)

13. Use the following information to answer the question.

    The League of Nations failed primarily as a result of two reasons: one, the lack of universality in its membership; and two, the unwillingness of the League to consider military action. This second reason was understandable considering the slaughter of the Second World War; however, the unwillingness to use military action proved to be a critical error. Following the Second World War, the creators of the Charter of the United Nations showed evidence that they had learned from the past experiences of the League of Nations.

    To prevent a similar situation such as the second reason, the United Nations has claimed the authority to:

    1. Allow Security Council members to veto power
    2. Impose economic sanctions to enforce collective security
    3. Intervene with force in disputes that are caused by aggression*
    4. Violate national sovereignty during times of international crisis

    Knowledge and Understanding 20-1 outcome:
    3.7 evaluate the extent to which selected organizations promote internationalism (United Nations, World Council of Indigenous Peoples, European Union, L'Organisation internationale de le Francophonie, Arctic Council, contemporary examples) (GC, PADM, ER)

    Skills and Processes 20-1 outcomes:
    S.1.1 evaluate ideas and information from multiple sources
    S.2.2 analyze connections among patterns of historical change by identifying cause and effect relationships
    S.2.4 evaluate the impact of significant historical periods and patterns of change on the contemporary world

    Knowledge and Understanding 20-2 outcome:
    3.7 analyze the extent to which selected organizations promote internationalism (United Nations, World Council of Indigenous Peoples, European Union, l'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Arctic Council) (GC, PADM, ER)

    Skills and Processes 20-2 outcomes:
    S.1.1 analyze ideas and information from multiple sources
    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
    S.2.4 identify and describe the impact of significant historical periods and patterns of change on society today

14. Use the information to answer the following question.

    1987 After taking over Serbia's ruling League of Communists, Milosevic became a hero to the Serbs.
    1990 Following the collapse of communist rule, Milosevic is freely re-elected president of Serbia.
    1991 Yugoslavia breaks up as Slovenia and Croatia declare independence. Fighting erupts in Croatia and Bosnia.
    1992 Serbia and Montenegro form a new Yugoslav federation. The United Nations imposes economic sanctions on Yugoslavia for inciting war in Croatia and Bosnia, where thousands of atrocities are committed.
    1995 After intense negotiations, spearheaded by the United States, a peace accord regarding Bosnia is signed in Dayton, Ohio.
    1998 Tensions rise in Kosovo amid reports of Serbian atrocities committed against local Muslims of Albanian ancestry.
    1999 NATO starts its air war against Serbian forces. In June, Milosevic concedes defeat and withdraws his forces from Kosovo.
    2000 Running for re-election, Milosevic faces a surprisingly strong challenge from Vojislav Kostunica, who wins in the first round of balloting. Massive protests finally persuade Milosevic to resign.

    Which of the following titles is most appropriate for the information provided?

    1. "The Rise and Fall and Slobodan Milosevic"*
    2. "The Western States Legitimize the Milosevic Regime"
    3. "The Consequences of United Nations Intervention in Yugoslavia"
    4. "The Failure of Collective Security to Prevent the Rise of a Dictator"

    Knowledge and Understanding 20-1 outcomes:
    3.8 analyze impacts of the pursuit of internationalism in addressing contemporary global issues (conflict, poverty, debt, disease, environment, human rights) (GC, PADM, ER)
    3.9 evaluate the extent to which nationalism must be sacrificed in the interest of internationalism (GC, PADM, ER)

    Skills and Processes 20-1 outcomes:
    S.1.2 determine relationships among multiple and varied sources of information
    S.1.4 predict likely outcomes based on factual information
    S.2.2 analyze connections among patterns of historical change by identifying cause and effect relationships

    Knowledge and Understanding 20-2 outcomes:
    3.8 examine impacts of the pursuit of internationalism in addressing contemporary global issues (conflict, poverty, debt, disease, environment, human rights) (GC, PADM, ER) relationships among multiple and varied sources of information
    3.9  evaluate the extent to which nationalism must be sacrificed in the interest of internationalism (GC, PADM, ER)

    Skills and Processes 20-2 outcomes:
    S.1.2 determine relationships among multiple sources of information
    S.1.4 suggest likely outcomes based on factual information
    S.2.2 analyze connections among patterns of historical change by identifying cause and effect relationships

Last updated: August 31, 2010 | (Revision History)
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