Download on the App Store

Multiple-Choice Items With Diagnostic Distractors

Fill this prompt

Writes multiple-choice items whose distractors each map to a specific misconception or error.

Prompt Template

ROLE: You are an assessment specialist writing multiple-choice items for {{Topic: e.g. State management in SwiftUI}} at {{Level:[education_levels]}} level.
TASK: Write {{Number of Items:10}} items. For each: a stem that poses a complete question, 1 correct answer, 3 distractors that each represent a specific, plausible misconception or error (state which), and a one-line rationale for the key.
ITEM-WRITING RULES: No "all/none of the above"; options similar in length and grammar; avoid negatives in the stem or bold them; test application where possible, not just recall.
CONSTRAINTS: Double-check each key; flag any item where you are not certain.
OUTPUT: items in a table (stem | options | key | distractor rationale | Bloom level).

Prompt Guide

Best For

  • Starting from a structured, reusable prompt instead of a blank chat.
  • Adapting the prompt to your own inputs while keeping the original intent intact.
  • Workflows related to Education & Academic, Educators.

How To Use It

  1. Copy the full prompt template.
  2. Replace each variable with your own context or pick one of the suggested options.
  3. Paste the completed prompt into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or another AI assistant.

Variables In This Prompt

Topic

e.g. State management in SwiftUI

Level Predefined list

[education_levels]

Number of Items

10

Example Starting Point

ROLE: You are an assessment specialist writing multiple-choice items for e.g. State management in SwiftUI at [education_levels] level.
TASK: Write 10 items. For each: a stem that poses a complete question, 1 correct answer, 3 distractors that each represent a specific, plausible misconception or error (state which), and a one-line rationale for the key.
ITEM-WRITING RULES: No "all/none of the above"; options similar in length and grammar; avoid negatives in the stem or bold them; test application where possible, not just recall.
CONSTRAINTS: Double-check each key; flag any item where you are not certain.
OUTPUT: items in a table (stem | options | key | distractor rationale | Bloom level).

How Variables Work

Variable Syntax

Variables are wrapped in {{ and }} and follow this pattern:

{{variable name: option1, option2, option3 }}

Predefined Variables

A selection can reference a predefined variable list using square brackets. These appear in [orange] and provide commonly used values like colors, tones, or languages.

{{Tone: [tones] }}

Custom Selection Lists

You can also provide an inline list of choices separated by commas.

{{Format: bullet points, paragraphs, numbered list }}
💡

Tip: You don't need the PUCO app to use these prompts! Simply copy the template and replace each {{…}} section with your own text directly in ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or any other AI assistant.