Battle of the Books Question Writing

Writing Questions
Things to remember when writing questions for MHLS Battle of the Books:

• Write the questions using only the paperbacks we purchase so the page numbers are correct.
• Each library must submit at least 6 questions for each title--more are welcome!
• Put them in the proper format, as shown below. The must be written so that the answer is always the title and author.
• Be sure to include the title, author and page number for each question. (This is essential to the process of creating question cards for Regional Battle.)
  
  Sample of what each question should include:
  In which book does one main character's job involve speed?
  City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau, p. 27
  
• Try to vary the phrasing so that each question does not begin with, "In which book...
  • Example: Pull a quote from a book and ask, "In which book does a character say this?" or "This is a quote from which title?"
  • Example: "A main character in this book is terrified of frogs. Name the book. "
• Make the questions vague enough so that there are no clues to the answer within the question.
• Make the questions specific enough so that only one title is the correct answer.
• Keep in mind that the teams are very bright so the questions need to be difficult.

Editing Questions
Things to remember when editing the questions

• Identify any duplicate questions dealing with same facts; select the better one for Regional competition and identify other for local practices.
• Make sure questions are clearly written; remember they will be read aloud and need to be concise.
• Check page numbers to verify that is where answer can be found in paperback used. (Important in case of challenge at Regional Battle)
• Consider whether more than one book could be the correct answer to the question; if so, either rewrite question to make it more specific or discard it.
• Make sure no obvious clues are contained in the question. Example: In this book there is a character named Benedict.
• Make sure all questions contain title, author and verified page number where answer can be found.
• Divide the edited questions into Local and Regional questions before sending them to the questions database manager. This can be a random process unless you find some questions that appear easier; those would then go in Local batch.

Send the written questions electronically to the following committee members:

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