Generating Algorithmic Variations

The power of the Exam Builder lies in algorithmic variation—the automatic generation of slightly differing versions of an exam based on a single set of algorithmic instructions. With the Exam Builder, you can build algorithmic variations into your file in several ways. You can

• Create questions and answers using definitions, random number functions, conditions, and formulas.

  For each instance of the exam, the Exam Builder automatically varies the content of question statements and multiple-choice answers that are stated with algorithms.

• Change the order of the elements on the exam.

  For each instance of the exam, the Exam Builder varies the order of the questions and even varies the order of the items in multiple-choice answer lists when you specify their permutation. Chapter 4EBfrontsection.tex explains more about permuting exam elements.

• Provide several variants for each question.

  For each instance of the exam, the Exam Builder randomly selects a different variant or set of variants. Chapter 5EBquestion.tex explains how to use question variants.

• Using definitions
  •     To enter a definition
  
  
• Using random number functions
  •     To enter a random number function
    
  
  
• Using conditions
  •     To enter a condition
  
  
• Using formulas
  •     To create a formula
  
  
• Building questions with algorithms