Quote Unquote: A Two-Stage Quiz
At a Glance
Discipline
- Languages and Literature
- General
- Interdisciplinary
Instructional Level
- College & CEGEP
Course
- Any course where students must quote from text sources.
Tasks in Workflow
Social Plane(s)
- Individual
- Group
Type of Tasks
- Taking a quiz & test
- Revising & improving
Technical Details
Class size
- Small (20-49)
Time
- Multiple class periods (2-3 classes)
Inclusivity & Accessibility
- Diversity of engagement
Instructional Purpose
- Preparation & knowledge activation
- Assessment & knowledge refinement
Overview
Students begin by independently studying a set of rules and guideline for proper quote use and format.
The first part of the 2-stage quiz evaluates students’ knowledge of these rules and conventions. This part of the activitiy is an individual multiple choice quiz.
The second part of the 2-stage quiz requires students to apply these rules correctly in a given sample text. This part of the activity includes small group discussion and revision of a piece of written work. The group collaboration gives students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of how the rules apply in specific situations, and this makes it more likely for students to be able to retain the rules and apply them correctly in their own writing thereafter.
This activity is suited to any of the 4 Cegep English classes as well as any other course where students quote from text references in their writing. the specific examples here are for MLA.
Activity timeline suggestion: Since the quiz takes place over 2 classes, absences can be an issue. It may be possible to do both stages in one class if there is time for the instructor to correct the multiple choice part during a break in the class.
Instructional Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate their knowledge of formal rules regarding correct quote use and documentation
- Apply their knowledge to the correction of a specific text.
- Develop concrete, practical experience in collaborative editing and revision skills.
Workflow & Materials
Activity Workflow
Contributor's Notes
- In part 1, students get quick feedback on the technical aspects of writing related to quote use, as the multiple choice quiz is returned to them in the 2nd class.
- In part 2, students have a chance to clarify their understanding of how the rules apply by discussing with their partner/group members. Students are then more likely to subsequently apply the rules correctly in their own writing.
- The instructor must create pairs or groups fairly. In the initial trials for this activity, a mix of stronger and weaker students seems to work effectively, with groups limted to pairs or 3s.
Applied Strategies
Published: 26/06/2026
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