Multiple-choice questions are a staple of language assessment — but their quality depends on one deceptively simple element: the distractors.
In this lesson, you’ll explore how to write effective distractors that reveal what learners really understand. You’ll see how small wording choices can turn an item from a guessing game into a genuine test of comprehension. We’ll unpack the principles of plausibility, clarity, and cognitive balance — and learn to avoid common pitfalls like absurd options, grammatical giveaways, and overlapping answers.
You’ll also connect these techniques to Cognitive Load Theory, ensuring that your distractors challenge learners’ understanding without overloading their working memory.
By the end of this section, you’ll be able to:
- Write plausible distractors based on common learner errors.
- Avoid ambiguity and unintended clues.
- Balance challenge with fairness through clear, level-appropriate language.
- Use multiple-choice design as a diagnostic tool for deeper learning.
Crafting good distractors isn’t about tricking students — it’s about uncovering their thinking. Done well, multiple-choice questions become powerful windows into understanding.
Watch the video below and then test your knowledge with the lesson quiz.
