.. _write_question_contributor_ref:

Write a Question for a Skill
============================

As a contributor, you can help create a library of additional practice questions
for specific skills, so learners can review and master what they learn in each
exploration.

**In this article, you will learn how to:**

* :ref:`Choose a skill and difficulty <choose_difficulty_ref>`
* :ref:`Write and suggest a question <suggest_question_ref>`
* :ref:`Add interactions and responses <add_interaction_to_question_ref>`
* :ref:`Add hints and misconceptions <add_hint_ref>`
* :ref:`Tips for effective questions <effective_question_tips_ref>`

---

.. _choose_difficulty_ref:

Choose a Skill and Question Difficulty
--------------------------------------

1. Log in and select your **Profile picture** in the navigation menu.
2. Select **Contributor Dashboard**.
3. Select **Submit Question** in the tab menu. You will see a list of skills (e.g., Place Values) and their topics (e.g., Decimals) that need questions.
4. Select **Suggest Question** next to a skill.

   .. figure:: /images/contributors/suggest_question_dashboard.png
      :alt: Suggest a question for a skill on the Contributor Dashboard
      :align: center

      *Fig. 1. Suggest a question for a skill on the Contributor Dashboard*

5. Choose the difficulty level. If the skill creator has provided **Rubrics**, they will appear here to explain what makes a question suitable for Easy, Medium, or Hard levels.

   .. figure:: /images/contributors/question_difficulty_dialog.png
      :alt: Question difficulty selection dialog
      :align: center

      *Fig. 2. Question difficulty dialog*

6. Select **Done** to open the **Question Editor**.

---

.. _suggest_question_ref:

Suggest a Question
------------------

The **Question Editor** is where you build the interactive experience for the learner.

Write the Question
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the text field, write your question. Use a conversational tone and personal pronouns (e.g., "you", "your"). When finished, select **Save Question**.

.. _add_interaction_to_question_ref:

Add an Interaction
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Once the question text is saved, you can add an interaction to allow the learner to answer.

1. Select **+Add Interaction**.
2. Choose an interaction that fits your question (e.g., Equations, Math Expressions, Multiple Choice).

   .. figure:: /images/contributors/add_interaction_button.png
      :alt: Add Interaction button
      :align: center

      *Fig. 3. The +Add Interaction button appears below the question*

   .. figure:: /images/contributors/choose_interaction_dialog.png
      :alt: Choose Interaction dialog
      :align: center

      *Fig. 4. Interaction selection menu*

3. Customize the interaction settings and select **Save Interaction**.

Add a Response
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The **Add Response** panel helps you build Oppia’s feedback based on the learner’s answer.

1. Select possible answers and add appropriate responses. Use feedback to celebrate correct answers and offer support for incorrect ones.
2. At least one response **must** be marked as correct.

   .. figure:: /images/contributors/mark_correct_answer.png
      :alt: Mark correct answer checkbox
      :align: center

      *Fig. 5. Marking the correct answer*

3. Select **Save Response**.
4. **Solicit Answer Details (Optional):** If you want Oppia to ask the learner to explain their reasoning, check this box in the editing screen.

   .. figure:: /images/contributors/solicit_answer_details.png
      :alt: Solicit Answer Details checkbox
      :align: center

      *Fig. 6. Solicit Answer Details checkbox*

---

.. _add_hint_ref:

Add a Hint
----------

1. Select **+Add Hint** on the editing page.
2. Type your hint and select **Save Hint**.
3. Select **Done** to close the editor. Your question is now submitted for review.
4. Check the status of your submission on the **My Contribution** page of the dashboard.

---

Add a Misconception
-------------------

Misconceptions provide targeted feedback for common errors. If a skill has attached misconceptions, you may be required to tag them to specific wrong-answer responses.

.. figure:: /images/contributors/tagging_misconceptions.png
   :alt: Tagging responses with a misconception
   :align: center

   *Fig. 7. Tagging responses with a misconception*

Optional Misconceptions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If optional misconceptions do not apply to your question:

1. Select the three vertical dots next to the optional misconception.
2. Select **Mark as Not Applicable**.

   .. figure:: /images/contributors/optional_required_misconceptions.png
      :alt: Optional and required misconceptions UI
      :align: center

      *Fig. 8. Managing optional and required misconceptions*

---

.. _effective_question_tips_ref:

Tips to Create Effective Questions
----------------------------------

* **Address Misconceptions:** Ensure your feedback directly addresses common learner errors.
* **Variety:** Avoid patterns (like making "A" the correct answer every time). Use different interaction types.
* **Simplicity:** Keep the language simple and the focus strictly on the skill being practiced.
* **Scaffolding:** Ensure the question complexity matches the instruction the learner has already received.

.. figure:: /images/contributors/my_contribution_tab.png
   :alt: My Contribution tab on dashboard
   :align: center

   *Fig. 9. Tracking status on the My Contribution tab*