How to add a SELECT THE MISSING WORD question type to a MOODLE 4.0 Quiz

How to Create a “Select Missing Word” Question in Moodle 4.0

When building quizzes in Moodle 4.0, one of the powerful yet slightly underused question types is Select Missing Word. It’s a fantastic way to test a learner’s understanding by asking them to choose the correct word or phrase from a dropdown menu embedded within a sentence.

In this post, I’ll walk you step-by-step through how to create a “Select Missing Word” question. Let’s dive right in!

Step 1: Add a New Question

First, head over to your quiz and click Add → Add a New Question.
Scroll right to the bottom under the Other section and choose Select Missing Word, then click Add.

Step 2: Set Up the Question

Now, it’s time to set up the basic details:

  • Name your question (for your own reference — for example, “Illustrator Focus”).
  • Then, in the Question Text, you’ll input your sentence.
    This part looks a little different because you need to insert placeholders for missing words using double square brackets with numbers inside (e.g., [[1]], [[2]]).

Example of a question text:

“Illustrators are often more [[1]] and create [[2]]. They may produce individual pieces of [[3]] art.”

These numbers link directly to the correct choices you’ll define next.

Step 3: Add Your Answer Choices

Now, you’ll see fields labeled Choice 1, Choice 2, etc., and Group options. Here’s how it works:

  1. Enter your first two choices for the first missing word.
    • Choice 1: Art Focused
    • Choice 2: Overall Design Focused
    • Set both to Group A.
  2. Next, enter choices for the second missing word:
    • Choice 3: Individual Images
    • Choice 4: Complete Compositions
    • Set both to Group B.
  3. Finally, add choices for the third missing word:
    • Choice 5: Vector
    • Choice 6: Photographic
    • Set both to Group C.

Important: Grouping ensures that only the right options appear for each missing word, preventing crossover confusion.

Step 4: Link Correct Answers

In your Question Text, wherever you have [[1]], [[2]], and [[3]], you need to match these to the correct choices:

  • [[1]] → Choice 1 (Art Focused)
  • [[2]] → Choice 3 (Individual Images)
  • [[3]] → Choice 5 (Vector)

You just replace the number inside the double brackets according to the correct answer’s choice number.

Step 5: Shuffle Choices (Optional)

Tick the Shuffle box if you want Moodle to randomize the order of choices inside each dropdown.
This keeps things fresh and challenges learners to think rather than memorize the position.

Step 6: Save and Preview

Once you’ve filled everything out:

  • Click Save Changes.
  • Then hit Preview to test the question and make sure everything is working as expected.

In the preview, you’ll see dropdowns where the missing words were, each filled with the correct group of choices.

Quick Example in Action:

Here’s what the learner might see:

“Illustrators are often more [Art Focused/Overall Design Focused] and create [Individual Images/Complete Compositions]. They may produce individual pieces of [Vector/Photographic] art.”

Selecting the correct words ensures they understand both terminology and context!

Final Thoughts

The Select Missing Word question type is an excellent way to create interactive, challenging quizzes without overwhelming your learners. By grouping answer choices and linking them properly, you keep your questions clear and structured — which leads to better learning outcomes.

And that’s it!
You’ve now mastered how to create a Select Missing Word question in Moodle 4.0. 🎉