Quizzes
Quizzes in Canvas are a way for you instructor to check what you've learned in your class. Quizzes can be formal like a midterm or final exam, or just an informal check for understanding, like a chapter or lecture quiz. Either way, there are some things that you should know that will help you manage your quizzes better.
If your instructor is requiring the use of Respondus Lockdown Browser for quizzes, make sure to get to know how that program works through our dedicated Lockdown Browser module.
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Quizzes in Canvas
Quiz details and settings
Just as with assignments and discussions, the important information about a quiz is available at the top of the screen. You will find the quiz availability and due date, the number of points and questions, and whether there is a time limit set (1).
Your instructor will also provide you instructions for the quiz (2).
Tip: Keep an eye on important information, like what time the quiz is available. Some instructors might set a quiz to open after a lecture, with it closing later that day. Some quizzes will also give you the option to have multiple attempts. This allows you to retake the quiz to try to get a better score. However, retakes can only happen while the quiz is open! So make sure you give yourself time to complete the quiz, as well as a retake, if you have multiple attempts available.
Number of attempts and availability
Instructors have the option to allow multiple attempts at taking a quiz in Canvas. Identify if that is an option before you start. Multiple attempts allow for you to retake a quiz for a better score. You should also be aware of the availability of the quiz. Some quizzes will only be open for a limited time, and you don’t want to miss it!
- A quiz with no dates means the quiz is open and will not close.
- Available until means the quiz is open and will be closing on that specified date.
- Not available until indicates when the quiz will open for you to take it.
- Closed quizzes can longer be taken
Quizzes on your calendar
Quizzes with due dates will automatically show up on your course calendar. However, the date a quiz opens will not show there.
Time limit
Be sure to take notice of the amount of time allowed to complete your quiz especially if there is only one attempt allowed. Canvas will start a timer once you begin a quiz, once that time is up, you will be locked out and your quiz will be submitted as is. The following are example of different notifications you might see during a quiz or exam if you start them too close to the due date.
Always try to take quizzes or exams well in advance of the due date!
Quiz results
Once you’ve completed a quiz you can find the score in the top-right corner. This will tell you the time you took, your current score, and which score was kept - if you took it multiple times. If you have more attempts available it will tell you how many, and provide a link.
Checking correct answers
Scroll down to review your answers and read any feedback the instructor has left for you based on your selections. Depending on the quiz settings you may not be able to see the correct answers if you still have attempts left. You will be able to see wrong answers, so you know what to go take a second look at.
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