Quiz setting

Each QLL team is required to provide at least one set of questions and answers preseason as part of the conditions of entry to the League. To assist teams in the completion of sets of questions, the following guidelines are given.

1. Set papers in good time. If left to the last minute they are often found to contain errors and this inevitably leads to an imbalance. It's better to make it a team effort than rely on a single setter as this will tend to limit the subject spread.

2. When setting out the paper, indicate the name of the setting team and the date set at the top of the paper. A normal set consists of eight rounds of eight questions per round, plus a minimum of three spare questions at the end. Head each round with a round number, and number the questions 1a through 4b. Use a common font of at least size 12. Print the quiz on one side of the paper only.

3. Check each question/answer against at least one reputable reference source. Particular care should be taken with current news stories - do not base questions on a single report which could prove erroneous.

4. Required answers should be given in capital letters, with additional/optional information in lower case - see examples at points 10 & 12 below.

5. Questions should be evenly balanced both as regards topic and difficulty. When setting pairs on a similar broad topic, ensure that the questions go to different seats. Balance can be checked by playing the questions as a friendly prior to submission.

6. Generally, split pairs of questions between different rounds. But take care to remember that the order of questioning switches at half time.

7. Do not set themed rounds based on a single subject/topic. For friendly quizzes, it is permissible to set themed rounds based on a secondary link between the answers or words in the questions, provided the questions cover a range of topics. But take particular care with the balance.

8. In phrasing questions, remember that they are intended to be read aloud (preferably just once). Keep sentences short and simple.

9. Where appropriate, include phonetic pronunciation [PRO-NUN-SEE-AYSHUN] guides to assist the QM.

10. Avoid questions with long-winded answers (e.g. whole quotations). Questions with one or two word answers are usually the most suitable. Indicate where, exceptionally, a forename is required if the answer is a name (e.g. JACKIE CHARLTON, but Gordon BANKS).

11. Avoid words or topics that could cause offence (for example questions about recent tragedies).

12. Questions requiring multi-part answers should not be set. This includes questions involving the meaning of abbreviations - just ask for the meaning of a key letter (e.g. the M in BMA - British MEDICAL Association).

13. Questions with only two possible answers (YES/NO, LEFT/RIGHT etc.) must not be used. Similarly, do not set multiple choice questions: “Was it a, b or c?”

14. Avoid pairs with two closely associated answers and no or only very few plausible alternative answers (e.g. “In the Children's Nursery Rhyme, who broke his or her crown?” and “Who came tumbling after?”).

15. Pay close attention to the phrasing of questions to ensure that there is only one possible answer. For example, there are a number of equally correct answers to the question “Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains?” (USA, Virginia, Appalachians); but there is only one possible answer to the questions “In which [country/state/ larger mountain range] are the Blue Ridge Mountains?”

16. Questions that contain an answer that may change - e.g. naming the manager of a football team - should specify the effective date (or say 'currently' if correct as of the stated date of the quiz set).

17. Certain types of question involving dates require particular care. For example, don't ask: “Who won the 1997 Best Film Oscar?” Specify “Best Film of 1997” or “Best Film Oscar in 1998” [at the 1998 ceremony]. A similar issue arises with innovations brought about by Act of Parliament because Acts are often passed in a year before they are implemented. The question should make clear which date is required: the passage of the Act or the innovation coming into effect.

18. Do not use trick questions.

19. Do not copy sets directly from published quiz books or old sets.

20. Don't forget the spare questions.