How to add a short answer type question to a quiz

Short answer questions let you test learners beyond multiple choice. Instead of picking from predefined options, learners type their own response, which is then reviewed by AI and graded automatically.

Here’s how to add a short answer type question to a quiz in your TalentCards portal.

1. Sign in to your TalentCards account as an Administrator.
2. Navigate to your Card Sets (1). Locate the card set that contains the quiz and click Edit Content (2).
   
   
    
3. Scroll to the quiz card where you want to add a short answer question, and click on it (3) to open the quiz editor.
4. Click the + Add Question (4) and select Short Answer (5) as the question type.
5. Add an image and/or type your question in the Question field (6).
   
   
    
6. In the Validation Instructions (7), describe what a correct answer should include. TalentCards’ AI will use the instructions you provide to evaluate learners’ responses.

Note: adding a question and an answer to a published quiz will automatically publish the question. The question automatically unpublishes if nothing is added to the question and answer fields.

How to write effective validation instructions

Validation instructions tell the AI how to evaluate a learner’s response. Clear, specific instructions lead to accurate and consistent grading. Vague or overly broad instructions can result in incorrect scores.

Examples of short answer questions with good and bad validation instructions

Example 1: Safety training

Question: What should you do first if you discover a fire in your workplace?

Good validation instructions: “The answer should mention activating the fire alarm or alerting others nearby. Acceptable alternatives include pulling the fire alarm, calling emergency services, or notifying a supervisor. The answer should NOT say to attempt to extinguish the fire as a first step.”

Bad validation instructions: “They should know what to do in a fire.”

Note: The good example spells out what counts as correct, lists acceptable variations, and clarifies a common wrong answer. The bad example is too vague — the AI has no way to judge what “knowing what to do” means.

Example 2: Product knowledge

Question: Name two benefits of microlearning for employee training.

Good validation instructions: “The answer should mention at least two of the following: shorter learning sessions improve retention, fits into busy schedules, can be accessed on mobile devices, reduces training costs, enables just-in-time learning, or increases learner engagement. Accept answers that paraphrase these concepts.”

Bad validation instructions: “Must list benefits of microlearning.”

Note: The good example provides a clear list of acceptable answers and explicitly allows paraphrasing. The bad example doesn’t define which benefits are valid or how many are needed.
Tips for writing validation instructions

• Be specific: describe what a correct answer should contain, not just the topic.
• List acceptable alternatives: learners may phrase things differently while still being correct.
• Mention common mistakes: tell the AI what should NOT count as correct.
• Allow paraphrasing: add “Accept answers that paraphrase these concepts” so learners aren’t penalised for wording differences.
• Keep it concise: stick to the key criteria. Overloading instructions can confuse the AI.

To view quiz results, review the steps in this guide: How to view quiz results.