AP Latin
Multiple-Choice Item Writing Tutorial

This website is designed to provide AP Latin teachers with as much information as possible about writing their own multiple-choice questions based on passages, so that they can better prepare their students for the exam. The site contains material on the format of the Vergil and Latin Literature multiple-choice sections, sample questions with rationales, and guidelines for writing and reviewing questions. While the site is aimed primarily at teachers, AP Latin students may also find it useful.

We would like to express our thanks to Susan Bonvallet of The Wellington School, Columbus, Ohio, Barbara Weiden Boyd of Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, Pierre Habel of D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School, Golden, Colorado, and Dick Solo of S.U.N.Y. Stony Brook for their contributions to this project.

Margaret Brucia
Kate Rabiteau

Table of Contents

1. Why Multiple-Choice Questions?
   
   
2. Terminology for Multiple-Choice Questions
   
   
3. Do's and Don't's of Item Writing
   
   
4. Format of Multiple-Choice Section
   
   
5. Types of Questions
   
   
6. Phrasing Multiple-Choice Questions
   
   
7. How to Choose a Passage

   	Option #1:	Vergil
   	Option #2:	Catullus
   	Option #3:	Sight Passage (Poetry)
   	Option #4:	Sight Passage (Prose)

   
   

8. Preparing to Write Questions
   
   
9. Writing Questions
   
   
10. Reviewing Questions and Making Selections
    
    
11. Samples of Final Versions

    	Option #1:	Vergil
    	Option #2:	Catullus
    	Option #3:	Sight Passage (Poetry)
    	Option #4:	Sight Passage (Prose)

    
    

12. Where to Send Your Passages and Questions
    
    

		Passages Submitted by Teachers