How to Create Multiple Choice Questions in Google Forms

Dvir Atias

Dec 19, 2024

How to Create Multiple Choice Questions in Google Forms

Google Forms is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of gathering information, whether for surveys, quizzes, or feedback. One of the most commonly used features is the multiple-choice question type, which allows respondents to select one answer from a list of options. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps to create multiple-choice questions in Google Forms, ensuring your surveys are engaging and effective.

Quick answer: open your form, click Add question, choose Multiple choice from the question type menu, type the question and options, then turn on Make this a quiz in Settings to set an answer key and points. If your questions are already written in a Google Doc, you can convert the whole document into a Google Forms MCQ quiz instead of typing each one.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Multiple Choice Questions in Google Forms

Step 1: Add a multiple choice question

Open forms.google.com and create a blank form. Click the + (Add question) icon, then open the question type menu next to the question field and select Multiple choice.

Step 2: Write the question and answer options

Type your question, then add each answer in its own Option field. Click Add "Other" if you want a free-text option. Use the three-dot menu to Shuffle option order so students cannot share answers by position, and toggle Required if every respondent must answer.

Step 3: Turn the form into a quiz

Click Settings and switch on Make this a quiz. This unlocks answer keys, points, and automatic grading for multiple choice questions.

Step 4: Set the answer key and points

Back on the question, click Answer key. Select the correct option, enter the number of points in the box at the top right, and optionally click Add answer feedback to show an explanation for correct or incorrect answers. Click Done.

Step 5: Choose when students see their score

In Settings > Responses of the quiz section, choose Release grades immediately after each submission or Later, after manual review, and decide whether students can see missed questions, correct answers, and point values.

Step 6: Share your form

Click Send to copy the shareable link, email the form, or embed it on a website. You can also post the link in Google Classroom.

The Faster Way: Turn a Google Doc Into Multiple Choice Questions

If your questions already live in a document, typing them into Google Forms one by one is the slowest part. Formswrite converts a Google Doc into a Google Form with the multiple choice questions already built.

Step 1: Prepare your Google Doc

Before using Formswrite, make sure your Google Doc is well structured:

Format questions as bullet points or numbered lists, with the answer options under each question.
Mark the correct answer or add an answer key so it can be detected.
Add any specific instructions to clarify your content.

Step 2: Convert your content using Formswrite

Now that your content is ready, it's time to publish:

Open the Formswrite dashboard: Log in to your Formswrite account and navigate to your dashboard.

Select "Create New Form" and select your document: Choose the Google Doc you want to publish from the list of documents linked to your Formswrite account.

Preview your document and your form: Customize the output to your preferences. You can add, delete, or modify questions. Next to each question, a small edit icon lets you change it into a multiple choice question.

Convert to Form: Click the Convert to Form button. Formswrite handles the rest, making sure your content is converted correctly.

View Form: When satisfied, click View Form. Formswrite integrates directly with your Google account, creating a form you can access and share via Google Forms.

Step 3: Check the answer key and share your form

Open the form in Google Forms, confirm that Make this a quiz is on and each question has the right answer and points, then copy the shareable link or send invitations directly from the Google Forms interface.

Starting from a topic instead of a document? The Google Form quiz generator can draft multiple choice questions for you to review.

Tips for Better Multiple Choice Questions

Keep the question stem clear and complete, so it can be answered before reading the options.
Use 3 to 5 plausible options; avoid joke distractors that nobody picks.
Keep options similar in length and grammar so the correct one does not stand out.
Avoid "all of the above" and "none of the above" when possible.
Use the Checkboxes question type, not Multiple choice, when more than one answer is correct.

For more ideas, see these multiple choice question examples and types, and learn how to write quiz questions with multiple correct answers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I add images to multiple choice questions in Google Forms?

Yes. Click the image icon next to the question or next to an individual option field and upload your image. Image options are useful for diagrams, maps, and younger students.

Can I limit respondents to one answer in multiple choice questions?

Yes. The Multiple choice question type only allows one answer per question. If you want students to select several answers, use the Checkboxes question type instead.

How do I add an answer key to a Google Forms multiple choice question?

Turn on Make this a quiz in Settings, then click Answer key under the question, select the correct option, set the points, and click Done. Google Forms will grade that question automatically.

Can Google Forms give different points to different questions?

Yes. Each question has its own point value in the Answer key view, so you can make harder questions worth more.

How can I view responses to my Google Form?

Open your form and click the Responses tab. You can see a summary, individual responses, and question-by-question results, and link the form to Google Sheets for further analysis.

Is Google Forms free to use?

Yes. Google Forms is a free tool available to anyone with a Google account.