Canvas Quiz Question Types Explained (Classic and New Quizzes)
Multiple answers, fill in the blank, matching, ordering, hot spot, formula and more. How each Canvas quiz question type works and how to answer it.
Canvas quizzes use many question types, and each one rewards a slightly different approach. Here is a guide to the common types and how to answer them well.
Multiple choice
One correct answer. Eliminate wrong options first, then compare the remaining ones carefully.
True/false
Watch for absolute words like "always" and "never", which often make a statement false, and for statements that are partly true.
Multiple answers
Several options can be correct. Treat each option as a separate true/false statement. Scoring varies: some settings give partial credit, others subtract for wrong selections, so do not tick options you are unsure about without thinking.
Fill in the blank and multiple dropdowns
Fill in the blank requires typing a word or phrase that matches the teacher's accepted answers. Spelling and exact form matter. Multiple dropdowns put a dropdown in each blank, which is easier, but read every option.
Matching
Pair items from two lists. Do the pairs you are sure about first; elimination helps with the rest. See Canvas matching questions tips.
Numerical and formula
Enter a number, sometimes within a tolerance range. Watch units, rounding and significant figures. Formula questions use variables, so each student may get different numbers.
Essay and file upload
Graded by your teacher. Plan in bullet points before writing, answer the question in the first sentence and keep an eye on the timer.
New Quizzes only
Ordering
Drag items into the correct sequence. Find the clear first and last steps, then fill the middle.
Categorisation
Sort items into categories. Some items may fit no category (distractors). Ask "what defines this category?" for each item.
Hot spot
Click the correct location on an image. Zoom in if needed, and click precisely.
Stimulus
A passage, image or data set followed by several questions. Read the questions first, then the stimulus.
Practising each type
Ask an AI to generate questions in the formats your teacher uses, or use practice quizzes. For practice questions with images, such as hot spot, use a screenshot-based tool so the AI can see the picture. TrustStudy can check practice questions on the page in Screenshot mode, which also works inside New Quizzes.
Learn more
See Canvas Classic vs New Quizzes and Canvas New Quizzes: a complete guide.
Study with TrustStudy
Try the question yourself, then highlight it and press Alt + X to check your answer right on the page. No tabs, no copy-paste. Start with 20 free credits.
Install extensionFrequently asked questions
What question types are in Canvas quizzes?
Classic Quizzes include multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blank, multiple answers, multiple dropdowns, matching, numerical, formula and essay. New Quizzes add ordering, categorisation, hot spot, stimulus and more.
Does Canvas give partial credit on multiple answers questions?
It depends on the engine and settings. Classic Quizzes typically give partial credit on multiple answers questions, with deductions for wrong selections. New Quizzes lets teachers choose the scoring method.
Are fill in the blank answers case sensitive in Canvas?
Teachers can set accepted answers and, in New Quizzes, options like case sensitivity. Write the term exactly as taught to be safe.