Long answer
A question that requires a multi-line text response.
The multi-line text question type asks for an open answer of a few sentences to a few paragraphs, in a plain multi-line text box. It's the workhorse for "explain", "describe", and "compare" questions where you want the student's own words without the overhead of a full essay.
When to use it
Short explanations: "Describe the main stages of the water cycle."
Definitions in the student's own words, short arguments, worked reasoning in prose.
Anything too long for a single line but not structured enough to need headings.
If students should format their answer with headings and rich text, use the essay question type instead.
How it works for students
The student types their answer into a multi-line text area. There are no formatting tools — just text. A typical question takes around 5 minutes. (Tip: this type has keyboard shortcut 2 in the editor.)
Grading
Graded by AI against your scoring criteria, with your review. Specific criteria ("names all three stages", "mentions condensation") produce more consistent suggestions than one broad criterion.
Start building better assessments
Mix and match question types to build tests and practice materials that fit your course — or build your own question type with our developer platform.
