Keys to Writing Great Questions

Mastering the art of writing great questions unlocks a universe of engaging experiences that empower players to build lasting habits. Dive into this guide and discover the secrets to crafting questions that spark growth, challenge minds, and ultimately, make Ringorang shine based on our best practices.

Keep it Short and Sweet

The question and its answer choices present a single factoid that appears in the Learn More Item. That's all you're asking the Player to consider. So here's a way to keep it short: avoid trying to TEACH with the question. That's what the Insight and Learn More Items are for. The multiple-choice question is just a fun way to get them there.

Instead of: "How can mindfulness practices help improve your focus throughout the day?"

Ask: "What's one benefit of practising mindfulness before work?"

TIP: If your question is long, keep the answer choices short. If your answer choices are long, keep your question brief. And, remember, the BEST Questions are short all the way around.

One Thing At A Time

Imagine staring at a question under a ticking clock, only to discover it's asking about two different things! Resist the urge to multitask with your questions. Each one should focus on a single key point, letting players learn with laser focus and conquer that leaderboard with newfound clarity.

Instead of: "Which of these are healthy habits?"

Ask: "How many glasses of water should you drink per day for optimal hydration?"

Clearly Phrase Questions As Questions

This ensures players immediately grasp what's being asked, avoiding confusion and time-wasting rereads under pressure. Use a question mark for direct inquiries or consider formats like "Complete this sentence..." or "True or False?" for variety.

Instead of: "Complete this sentence: Sleep is vital for..."

Ask: "How many hours of sleep does an adult need for optimal health?

Find The Right Difficulty (Not Too Hard, Not Too Easy)

Remember, learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Questions should offer stepping stones, not cliff faces. While easy questions might feel like coasting downhill, impossible ones make players want to throw in the towel. Design questions that tap into existing knowledge, encouraging players to climb, not crumble under the pressure.

For beginners: "Is morning or evening the best time to exercise?"

For advanced users: "Which HIIT exercise burns the most calories in 30 minutes?"

Begin With The End In Mind

Craft the Insight or Learn More Item (text, image, website, video, or PDF) first. It's your knowledge anchor. Then, build a question and clue that connects back to it, guiding players towards a satisfying "aha!" moment.

Example: Write the Learn More Item (e.g., "5 Tips for Building a Consistent Meditation Habit") and then create a question connected to it, like "What app offers guided meditations for beginners?"

TIPS tips for Learn More impact:

Every habit deserves a Learn More companion.
Shorter, more frequent Learn More items often pack a bigger punch.
Give players a sneak peek by linking Learn More items in the Library to your flash messages.

Make Insights Actionable

Insights aren't mere knowledge nuggets; they're habit-building boosters! Craft them to spark action, not just understanding. Give players practical tips, and actionable steps, and watch their "aha!" moments transform into "I'll do it!" moments.

Instead of: "Positive affirmations boost confidence."

Turn it into: "Repeat this empowering affirmation daily to combat self-doubt: 'I am capable and worthy.' Take action!"

One Right Answer, Please!

Remember, Ringorang is a knowledge quest, not a debate club. Avoid questions where players have to decipher your personal beliefs. Stick to verifiable facts and cite reliable sources like reputable websites, scientific research, or even your own expert insights. Show them the path to knowledge, not just the answer itself.

Example: "According to the Mayo Clinic, the ideal sleep range for adults is 7-8 hours. How many hours do you usually sleep?"

TIPS:

Use clear and concise language when citing sources.
Don't overload players with too many citations.
Choose sources that are relevant to the target audience and topic.
Consider linking directly to the cited source in the Learn More item for easy access.

Art of the answer choices:

When designing answers to your questions, consider the sweet spot between challenge and clarity! Aim for a mix of difficulty levels to keep players engaged without overwhelming them, especially under a time crunch.

For four-choice questions, consider these options:

The Champion: The winning answer, shining with accurate knowledge!
- Example: "What's the capital of France?" - Paris
The Challenger: A tempting but ultimately incorrect option, designed to spark critical thinking.
- Example: "Which planet is known as the Red Planet?" - Venus (while a plausible distractor, the correct answer is Mars)
The Stepping Stone: An easier-to-discern choice to guide players towards the correct answer.
- Example: "What's the largest ocean on Earth?" - The Atlantic (while still incorrect, it eliminates smaller options and might lead players to consider the Pacific)
The Wildcard: A creative, unexpected option that adds a touch of humour or surprise (without being completely nonsensical).
- Example: "What's the best way to motivate a sloth?" - A motivational poster (while not a serious answer, it adds a playful element and might make players chuckle)

Remember, the goal is to create a fun and rewarding learning experience for your players. By balancing challenge with clarity and incorporating variety, you can keep them engaged and motivated throughout their Ringorang journey!

Clues, Not Spoilers

Clues spark, not spoil! A good clue is a gentle nudge, not a blaring answer. It whispers possibilities, not shouts solutions. Its purpose? To ignite curiosity, not extinguish learning. Instead of revealing the answer in the clue, hint at it without giving it away.

Here's how to craft clues that spark critical thinking, not instant reveals:

Variety is key: Don't just rely on text! Pictures, symbols, and even playful rhymes can add intrigue and spark different connections.
Conciseness matters: Keep it short and sweet. Every word should offer a nudge, not a shove.
Relevance is crucial: The clue should point towards the answer, not wander off on a tangent. It should be part of the learning journey, not a detour.
Information balance: Don't give away the game! Tease the answer, don't hand it over on a silver platter. Leave room for deduction and the sweet satisfaction of discovery.

Clue: (Image) A breathtaking aerial photograph of a vast, interconnected network of coral reefs stretching across turquoise waters. Tiny, colourful dots represent individual coral polyps, while the vastness of the network hints at its immense scale.

Explanation: This visual clue uses several elements to nudge players towards the answer:

Scale: The aerial view emphasizes the vastness of the interconnected network, suggesting something much larger than a single organism.
Pattern: The interconnectedness of the coral reefs hints at a living system, not just a collection of individual creatures.
Colour and detail: The vibrant colours and intricate details of the coral reefs add visual interest and suggest a complex and diverse ecosystem.

This clue avoids giving away the answer directly but provides enough information to spark curiosity and encourage players to consider the possibilities. They might think about the interconnectedness of life, the vastness of the oceans, or even the unique biology of coral reefs before arriving at the correct answer: a single, massive coral reef system like the Great Barrier Reef.

Remember, a well-crafted clue is a bridge, not a shortcut. It should guide players along the path of learning, allowing them to savour the journey and the thrill of reaching the answer on their own.

Learn More For Action, Not Info Overload

Think of Learn More as a personal trainer, not a dusty encyclopedia. It's not about passive absorption, it's about active application. Craft bite-sized, actionable tips that turn knowledge into real-world action. Empower players to do more than just learn, let them thrive!

Example: Offer practical tips in the Learn More section, like "3 Time Management Hacks for Busy Professionals" or "Create your personalized daily schedule template."

Forget info dumps, ignite action! Learn More isn't a textbook, it's a launchpad. Give players practical tips, not walls of text. Show them how to "do" with actionable steps, not just "know" with dry facts.

Ditch The "All/Except" Crutches

Shake up the question game! Ditch the "All/Except" crutches and watch engagement soar. Predictable formats lead to autopilot answers. Keep players on their toes with fresh, diverse question styles.

Instead of: "All of the following contributes to effective teamwork, EXCEPT?

A) Communication, B) Trust, C) Jealousy, D) Respect"

Ask: "Which teamwork ingredient is often overlooked but essential for success?

A) Clear roles, B) Shared goals, C) Healthy conflict, D) Regular celebrations"

Positive Vibes Only

Ditch the Doubt, Embrace the Wow! Forget the "not right" questions that leave players feeling deflated. Ringorang is about igniting curiosity and celebrating knowledge, not testing it with negativity. Let's flip the script and ask questions that empower players to showcase their smarts.

Instead of: "Which of these is NOT a renewable energy source?"

Ask: "Which renewable energy source could power your future home?"

Instead of: "Which of these habits is NOT productive?"

Ask: "What's one habit that can supercharge your productivity?"

See the difference? Positive questions spark interest, inspire creativity, and make learning a joyful adventure. They build confidence, encourage deeper thinking, and turn "what if" into "I know!" Remember, Ringorang is your player's personal knowledge catapult. Use positive questions to launch them towards success, not doubt.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided examples, you can write engaging and effective questions that enhance the Ringorang learning experience for your users. Remember, the key is to keep it concise, focused, and actionable while sprinkling in a bit of challenge and fun!