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How do I import multiple choice questions from Word or another text editor into OnCourse?

Step-by-step guide

The Aiken format is a very simple way of creating multiple choice questions using a clear human-readable format in a text file.

Requirements:

1. The question must be all on one line.
2. Each answer must start with a single uppercase letter, followed by a period '.' or a bracket ')', then a space.
3. The answer line must immediately follow, starting with "ANSWER: " (NOTE the space after the colon and all capital letters) and then giving the appropriate letter.
   

Important Notes:

1. You have to save the file in a text format. Importing as a Word document will not work.
   

2. Non-ASCII characters like 'quotes' can cause import errors. To avoid this always save your text file in UTF-8 format (most text editors, even Word, will ask you).
   

3. The answer letters (A,B,C etc.) and the word "ANSWER" must be capitalized as shown below, otherwise the import will fail.
   

Examples:

What is the correct answer to this question?

...

What color is the sky?
A) Blue
B) Red
C) Green
D) Purple
E) Black
F) Orange
ANSWER: A

Saving in .TXT or UTF-8 File Formats:

1. Complete the questions using Microsoft Word, following the directions above.
   
2. In Word, choose File, Save As.
   
3. In the “Save as type” drop down menu choose “Plain Text.”
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4. In the “File Conversion” pop-up box choose “Other encoding” and Unicode (UTF-8).
   
5. Press OK.
   

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