Format and Import Questions into Respondus

This article will explain how to format test questions and import them into Respondus for use in Canvas.

Quick Links: | Prepare Questions for Import | Format Question Types | Import Questions into Respondus | Resolve Import Issues |

Prepare Questions for Import

Before importing questions into Respondus, make sure you have Respondus installed and your test questions in a properly formatted Word document, plain text file, or Notepad file.

To prepare questions in Notepad:

1. Open the test in Microsoft Word or another word processor.
2. Highlight and copy all test questions.
3. Use the Windows search bar to open Notepad.
4. Paste the questions into Notepad.
5. Save the file.

Format Question Types

Format questions carefully before importing them into Respondus.

Multiple Choice

1. Begin each question with a number followed by a period, a space, and the question text.
2. Begin each answer with a letter followed by a period, a space, and the answer text.
3. Mark the correct answer by placing an asterisk directly to the left of the answer choice. Do not add a space between the asterisk and the answer choice.
4. Repeat this process for all multiple choice questions.
5. Save your text file.

Multiple Response

Multiple response questions are similar to multiple choice questions, except the line above the question must begin with “Type: MR”. In the question body, place an asterisk to the left of each correct answer.

Matching

Matching questions are similar to multiple choice questions, except the line above the question must begin with “Type: MT”. Each question and its matching answer must be separated by an equals sign with a space on each side.

True/False

True/False questions use only “a. True” and “b. False” as answer choices. Add an asterisk to the left of the correct answer. True must come before False for Respondus to recognize the question as True/False.

Essay or Short Answer

Essay questions must begin with “Type: E” on the first line. Place the question on the line below.

Fill in the Blank

Fill in the Blank questions must begin with “Type: F”, followed by the question and answer. Respondus allows one answer for fill in the blank questions, but you can include multiple variations of the answer.

Import Questions into Respondus

1. Open Respondus on your Windows PC.
2. In the Respondus main menu, select Import Questions.
3. In the Import Questions menu, select the type of file, such as Plain Text.
4. Under File Name, select Browse and locate your test question file.
5. Select Create a new document, named, then enter the quiz title as it should appear in Canvas.
6. Make sure Exam is checked under the type of file to create.
7. Select Preview to check for issues.
8. If warnings appear, correct them in the source file and preview again until no warnings remain.
9. When the preview is error-free, select Finish to complete the import process.

Your test questions are now imported into Respondus and ready to be published to Canvas or exported as needed.

Resolve Import Issues

• If the import fails or shows warnings, double-check the formatting of your source file.
• Check out the Respondus support page with user guides and videos

Still need help? Contact Academic Technology for further assistance.

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