Importing Questions from Text Files

PrimeExam can import questions from plain text files and add them to either an existing question bank or a new question bank.

Opening the Import Window

1. Open the Question Bank window.
2. Select the Import tab.

Selecting the Destination Question Bank

Questions may be imported into either an existing question bank or a new question bank.

Importing into an Existing Question Bank

1. Select the desired question bank in the bank list.
2. In the Import tab, select To Existing Question Bank.

Importing into a New Question Bank

1. In the Import tab, select To New Question Bank.
2. Enter the name of the new question bank.

PrimeExam will create the new question bank and import the questions into it.

Opening the Import File

1. Click the Open File button.
2. Select the text file containing the questions.

The contents of the selected file will appear in the import text window.

Specifying the Input Format

Before parsing the questions, specify the format of the source text.

Question Separator

Specify how questions are separated in the source file.

Options include:

• Questions separated by blank lines.
• Questions with no blank lines between them.

Fill-In Question Identification

Fill-in questions are identified using underscores:

The capital of France is __________.

Answer Marking

If answers are already marked in the source text, specify how the correct answers are identified.

For example, correct answers may be preceded by a special character:

* Paris

Editing the Import Text

The import text may be edited before parsing.

This can be useful for correcting formatting problems or removing unwanted text.

Parsing the Questions

1. Click the Parse button.
2. Review the parse results carefully.

The parse results show how PrimeExam interpreted the imported text.

Before accepting the import, ensure that PrimeExam has correctly identified the question text, question type, answer choices, and correct answers.

Understanding the Parse Results

PrimeExam displays tags that identify the various parts of each question.

Parse Result Tags

• `<TEXT>` - Question text (stem)
• `<TYPE>` - Question type
• `<CHOICE>` - Answer choice
• `<CANS>` - Correct answer choice
• `<ANSWER>` - Fill-in answer

Example Multiple Choice Question

<TEXT>Tropical rain forests exhibit all of the following except
<CHOICE>high rainfall.
<CHOICE>moderate temperatures (~70-80F).
<CHOICE>a thick humus layer of topsoil.
<CHOICE>high humidity.
<CHOICE>intense light competition.
<TYPE>MC

Example True/False Question

<TEXT>Transcription is the synthesis of RNA on the surface of DNA in the nucleus of a cell.
<CHOICE><CANS>True
<CHOICE>False
<TYPE>TF

Example Fill-In Question

<TEXT>The function of transfer RNA is carrying a specific ______________ to the correct site on the mRNA of the ribosome.
<TYPE>FI
<ANSWER>amino acid

Example Short Answer Question

<TEXT>List four ways by which recombination of genetic material occurs thereby increasing variability in a population. For each mechanism, describe HOW recombination occurs.
<TYPE>SA

If the parse results do not appear correct, adjust the import options or edit the source text and then parse again.

Accepting the Import

After reviewing the parse results and confirming that the questions have been interpreted correctly, click the Accept button.

The questions will then be imported into the selected question bank.