You can use Microsoft Copilot to generate quiz questions based on specific course content. As with all content created by Copilot, it's important to review the output to ensure accuracy. Here are some best practices when using Copilot to create quizzes:

• 1. Define Quiz Scope and Topic
• 2. Diversify Question Type
• 3. Use Your Learning Objectives
• 4. Specify Difficulty Levels
  • Easy Multiple-Choice Questions
  • Difficult Multiple-Choice Questions

1. Define Quiz Scope and Topic

Start by clearly identifying the length and topic of the quiz. This will help narrow down the focus when generating questions.

PROMPT:

Create a 5-question quiz about Tide Formations.

RESPONSE:
Here is a 5-question quiz about Tide Formations:

1. What is the primary force responsible for tides?
2. What is the relative tidal force of the Sun and Moon as they impact the Earth?
3. What is the term used to describe the water current that flows out to sea as tide levels fall?
4. What is the term used to describe the point in the Moon’s orbit when it is closest to the Earth?
5. When do spring tides occur?

2. Diversify Question Type

In the previous example, Copilot created a quiz with only fill in the blank answers. However, we can ask Copilot to create various types of questions (i.e. multiple-choice, true/false, short answer, or essay questions).

PROMPT:

Generate three multiple-choice questions about the role of carbon dioxide in the ocean.

RESPONSE:
Sure, here are three multiple-choice questions about the role of carbon dioxide in the ocean:

 

1. Carbon Dioxide and Ocean Acidification: Which of the following best describes the process of ocean acidification?

a. Increase in ocean temperature due to absorption of CO2

b. Decrease in ocean salinity due to absorption of CO2

c. Decrease in ocean pH due to absorption of CO2

d. Increase in ocean oxygen levels due to absorption of CO2

 

2. Carbon Dioxide and Marine Life: How does increased carbon dioxide in the ocean affect marine life?

a. It promotes the growth of all marine species

b. It can harm shell-forming organisms and disrupt the food chain

c. It increases the lifespan of marine species

d. It has no significant effect on marine life

 

3. Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Sequestration: What role does the ocean play in carbon sequestration?

a. The ocean releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

b. The ocean absorbs a significant amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide, acting as a carbon sink

c. The ocean has no role in carbon sequestration

d. The ocean converts carbon dioxide into oxygen

3. Use Your Learning Objectives

You can also ask Copilot to generate quiz questions based on your course’s specific learning objectives. Similar to the previous examples, you’ll start by defining the quiz scope and question type. Then, copy and paste your learning objectives.

PROMPT:

Create a 3-question multiple choice quiz based on the following learning objectives:

1. Describe how and why salinity changes as a function of latitude and depth.
2. List the major ions in seawater.
3. Understand the rule of constant proportions.

RESPONSE:
Here is a 3-question multiple choice quiz based on the learning objectives you provided:

1. How and why does salinity change as a function of latitude and depth?

a. Salinity decreases with increasing latitude and depth due to lower evaporation rates and less sea ice melting.

b. Salinity increases with increasing latitude and remains constant with depth due to higher evaporation rates and more sea ice melting.

c. Salinity increases with increasing latitude and depth due to higher evaporation rates and less sea ice melting.

d. Salinity remains constant with increasing latitude and decreases with depth due to lower evaporation rates and more sea ice melting.

 

2. Which of the following are major ions in seawater?

a. Sodium and Chloride

b. Potassium and Nitrate

c. Calcium and Bicarbonate

d. All of the above

 

3. What does the rule of constant proportions state?

a. The proportion of major salts in samples of seawater varies greatly from place to place.

b. The proportion of major salts in samples of seawater remains about the same everywhere.

c. The proportion of major salts in samples of seawater is directly proportional to the depth of water.

d. The proportion of major salts in samples of seawater is inversely proportional to the depth of water.

 

4. Specify Difficulty Levels

You can specify the difficulty level of the questions. Below are examples of an easy and difficult multiple-choice question about human interface on shorelines.

Easy Multiple-Choice Questions

PROMPT:

Generate an easy multiple-choice question about human interference with shorelines.

RESPONSE:

1. What are some ways that humans try to influence the erosion process of beaches?

a. Building seawalls

b. Constructing groins

c. Creating breakwaters

d. All of the above

 

Difficult Multiple-Choice Questions

PROMPT:

Generate a difficult multiple-choice question about human interference with shorelines.

RESPONSE:

1. Which of the following is not a negative impact of seawalls on shorelines?

a. Loss of important marine habitat

b. Reduced sediment production

c. Alteration of wave and longshore current behavior

d. Increased beach erosion

Recommendation for instructor use of artificial intelligence.