Copyright: Copyright © 1995 PPSI


Contents
TestMaker Help Contents

Introduction

Getting Started

Creating a Test

Taking a Test

Saving and Loading Tests

Differences in Specific Types of Tests

How to get Technical Support


Introduction

Personalized Programming Services, Inc. (PPSI) has been producing educational software for teachers and students since 1981.  A vast database of over 20,000 questions and 5,000 color images related to math, science, social studies, and English is available for grades 7-12.  Each subject is supplied as a separate database, so you can pick and choose which one(s) you require, and use any of them from the same software interface.

There are several different types of databases available:

TestMakers: These are the standard databases.  From the database of questions, you can create tests, quizzes, or even assignments for the students to complete.  These may be taken and graded online by the program, or they can be printed out along with answer sheets and answer keys.  These are designed to allow the user to easily control the content of the tests.  Special vocabulary TestMakers are also available.

Self-Help: These are designed to assist the student in learning or reviewing a subject.  Information is given online to the student with questions to reinforce the lessons.  The students responses are graded by the program to evaluate their progress.

Library Series: These are a series of lessons on a subject designed to allow the users to learn or review the subject at their own pace.  Questions are asked to reinforce each lesson, and explanations are given for incorrectly answered questions.

Achievement/Diagnostic TestMakers:  These databases supply random tests similar to many standardized tests that are commonly available.  These can be taken by the student online as practice to prepare for the actual test.  The responses are graded by the program, and areas that need help are supplied to the end with references to the appropriate Self-Help topic.

For more specifics, see our complete listing of databases available.

Other software also available from PPSI:

QuizMaker: This program allows you to create tests, quizzes, and assignments by inputting your own questions.


Getting Started

Once you have installed TestMaker, you are ready to begin.  The program is controlled by an easy to use mouse-driven interface.  Some portions of the program can also be accessed by using the keyboard.  To access the features available on each screen, just use your mouse to click on the labeled buttons.  For information on a specific screen, just search for help on that screen.

To start the program, just double click with the mouse on the TestMaker icon to begin the program.  This will take you directly to the Select a TestMaker screen.


Creating a Test

Once you have selected 'Create New Test' from the main menu of a TestMaker, or 'Questions from Selected Topics' from a Self-Help or Comprehensive Reasoning TestMaker main menu, you will come to the select questions Menu:

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

This screen allows you to choose questions from specific topics or from topics at random.  The screen will be slightly different for different test types.  For example, the 'Choose from this Topic' button is only available in Vocabulary TestMakers, to allow you to choose specific words within each topic.  (Click on the button on the screen above for more information.)

Once you have selected questions in a regular TestMaker, you still have the option of returning to this screen to make changes.  (See After The Test is Created.)

Please note that Achievement and Diagnostic Tests and Library Series TestMakers do not include this option.


Taking a Test

There are two ways to take a test using TestMaker, Printing a Test to take later and  Taking a Test Online.  Both options are available for most TestMakers, although Self-Help and Comprehensive Reasoning and Library Series tests cannot be printed out, and Essay TestMakers cannot be taken online.


Saving and Loading Tests

Saving a Test

Once you have created a test in the typical TestMaker, the main menu gives you the option of saving the test.  (See After the Test is Created.  This is not available in Self-Help and Comprehensive Reasoning, Library Series, or Achievement and Diagnostic Tests.)  When you click the 'Save Test' button, it will bring you to the Save Current Test window.  There, choose the drive and directory you want on the right, and type in the name of the test.  (It will be given the default extension, .tmx, to show it is a TestMaker save file.)

Loading a Test

Once you have saved a test, you can load it later.  This option will be available on the Main Menu of any of the TestMakers that allow saving tests.  Once you click the 'Load Test' button, the Load Test window will appear.  Any previously saved files in the current directory will appear.  If you have saved them to another drive and directory, just choose the correct drive and directory on the right.  Once you see the test you want, just click on it and click the 'Ok' button.


Differences in Specific Types of Tests

Although most TestMakers are very similar, there are some fundamental differences in several of them.  The way most TestMakers work and many of the differences are described in other portions of this help file (see the specific topic).  However, if you want more specific information, look under the general type of test:

General TestMakers

Vocabulary TestMakers

Essay TestMakers

Achievement and  Diagnostic Tests

Self-Help and Comprehensive Reasoning

Library Series


How to get Technical Support

On The Internet:

For technical support, send E-Mail to: tech-support@ppsisoft.com .

For orders, send E-Mail to orders@ppsisoft.com .

Or see our web page at http://www.ppsisoft.com/ .

By Mail:

In New York contact us at:

PPSI

P.O.Box 503

Syosset, NY 11791

In other areas contact us at:

PPSI

4521 PGA Blvd., #373

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

By FAX:

FAX us at 561-627-2068.


Main Menu

The main menu will vary based on what type of TestMaker you are using, and whether or not a test has been created.  The most common type of TestMaker has no questions selected when you start, and the main menu gives you the option of creating a test or loading one you have previously created:

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

The screen will only appear like this if a test has not been created.  Please note that Achievement and Diagnostic Tests, Library Series, and Self-Help and Comprehensive Reasoning TestMakers will have different main menus.  See the specific type for information.  Also see After The Test is Created for information on the main menu at that point.


Select a TestMaker

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

TestMaker databases are generally divided into different levels, depending on which ones you have.  The four main departments are English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, which are each divided into subject areas (i.e., Chemistry, Geometry, World History) or Types of Tests and in some cases further subdivided by section.  (For more information on specific databases available, see our online catalog.)  If you have databases in more than one of these divisions, the program will ask you to choose one of them.  If all of your databases are in the same department, it will go directly to that department, and will only show the subject areas that you have.

Once you have selected a database, you will get to the opening screen.


Opening Screen

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

This screen shows which database you have chosen, as well as which other databases exist in that particular series.  It will also show which version of the program you are using.  If you find that you are not in the database you were looking for, you may click on the button marked Exit.  Please note that this will exit you from the TestMaker program entirely.  If you would like to select another test, just start the program again.

Once you are in the opening screen for the correct test, just click on the button marked 'Click Here to Continue'.  This will take you to the Main Menu.


Types of Tests (Complete Listing)

Here is a complete listing of the types of TestMakers available, by subject (for more information, see our Online Catalog):

English TestMakers:

Word Comparisons

Phrases with Word Comparisons

Spelling Words - Multiple Choice

Spelling (Misspelled Words)

Reading Comprehension - Prose

Reading Comprehension - Poetry

Math TestMakers:

Algebra

Geometry

Trigonometry

Course 1

Course 2

Course 3

Math 7

Math 8

Math - National Diagnostic

Math Self-Help - Polynomials and Factoring

Math Self-Help - Integers and Equations

Math Self-Help - Logic

Science TestMakers:

Science - National Diagnostic

Biology

TestMaker

Self-Help

Vocabulary

Library Series

College Board Achievement Test

Comprehensive Reasoning

Chemistry

TestMaker

Self-Help

Vocabulary

Library Series

College Board Achievement Test

Earth and General Science

TestMaker

Self-Help

Vocabulary

Earth Science

TestMaker

Self-Help

Vocabulary

Life Sciences

TestMaker

Self-Help

Vocabulary

Physical Science

TestMaker

Self-Help

Vocabulary

Physics

TestMaker

Self-Help

Vocabulary

Library Series

College Board Achievement Test

Solid State Physics

TestMaker

Self-Help

Social Studies:

US History and Government

TestMaker

Essay Questions

Vocabulary

US - National Diagnostic

World History

TestMaker

Essay Questions

Vocabulary

World History - National Diagnostic


Back Up Button
Click this button if you have chosen a department or subject area you did not want, and would like to return to the previous menu.  If the button is gray, then you cannot back up any further.


OK Button
Click this button to continue after you are finished selecting.


Exit Button
Click this button any time it is available to exit the TestMaker program. If you are within a TestMaker, this will make you exit the program entirely.  If you would like to select another TestMaker, you will have to run the program again.  If you have made any changes you have not saved, the program will ask if you would like to save them.


Subject
This shows which department or subject area you are in.  If you are choosing between departments (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies), nothing will appear here.


Databases Available
This portion of the screen shows which which TestMakers are available.  Make sure the one you want is highlighted before continuing.  If the subject you choose has more than one TestMaker within it, the choices will appear in this same window.


Selecting Instructions
To select a TestMaker, either follow these instructions to choose by keyboard, or click on the subject you want and then click the 'OK' button.  Double clicking the subject with the mouse will also work.


Click Here to Continue Button
Click this button with the mouse to get to the main menu.


Version
This shows which version of the TestMaker software you are currently using.


Sections available
This shows what other sections are available in the series you are currently using.


Section In Use
This shows which section you are currently using.


Create New Test Button
Click here to create a new test.  (For more information see Creating a Test.)


Load Test Button
Click here to load a test you have already created and saved.  (See also Saving and Loading Tests.)


No. of Questions
This shows how many questions are on the current test.


Achievement and Diagnostic Tests

Achievement and Diagnostic tests are all basically the same in format, but very different from General TestMakers.  These tests are created by the TestMaker program, and do not allow you to select specific questions.  When you get to the main menu, you will see a screen similar to this:

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

From here you have the option to print the current test (see Printing a Test), begin Taking a Test Online,  create a new random test, or exit the TestMaker program.  Once you start printing or taking the test, the procedure is generally the same as in most TestMakers.

Also note that you do not have the option of Saving and Loading Tests in this type of TestMaker.

For more specific differences, see Achievement Tests and Diagnostic Tests.


Library Series

Library Series tests are available in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.  They are very different from other TestMakers.  When you first go into a Library Series TestMaker, the main menu allows you to choose a lesson:

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

Once you click on the lesson you want, you will see the Passage Screen.  After you read the passage, click on the 'Return to Question' bar at the top of the screen, and you will be asked a multiple choice question pertaining to the passage.  You will still have the option of viewing the passage again by clicking the 'Show Passage' button.

Once you answer the question, you are told whether your answer is correct, and have the option to view help on the question.  (See Taking a Test Online for more information.)  This is similar to the passage seen before the question, but describes why the correct answer is correct.  Click on the 'Return to Question' bar at the top of the screen when you are finished.  (This option is also available in Self-Help and Comprehensive Reasoning TestMakers.)

When you get to the Test Results screen, the program will tell you how many questions you answered, and how many of those were correct, and what your grade is.  However, it does not show the results by section.


Self-Help and Comprehensive Reasoning

The main difference in Self-Help TestMakers appears in the main menu:

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

You can choose to select a certain number of random questions, or you can choose questions from specific topics, which will take you to the Select Questions screen (see Creating a Test).

Another major difference is that Self-Help TestMakers can only be taken online.  There is no option to print out the test.  Therefore, whether you choose random questions or select questions from specific topics, you will immediately start taking the test.  The questions are multiple choice, just as in most General TestMakers.  Once you have selected the questions, there is no way to add questions to the existing test.  There is also no way to save a test in Self-Help.

After you answer each question,.these TestMakers give you the extra option of showing the help on the question. (See Taking a Test Online.)  This will show a passage describing why the correct answer is correct.  Click the 'Return to Question' bar at the top of the screen when you are done to continue.

Once you have finished taking a test and exit the Test Results screen which appears when you are done, you will return to this same main menu.

Also, note that the Biology Comprehensive Reasoning TestMaker works just like a Self-Help TestMaker.


After The Test is Created

Once you have finished selecting questions and click the button marked 'Ok', you will come to a new main menu with more options:

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

In addition to the original options of creating a new test and loading a previously saved test,  there are now several other options:

Previewing a Test: you can preview a test to see what questions have specifically been selected, and decide which one to keep or discard.

Adding Questions: Once you have previewed the test, you might decide to add more questions.  This will return you to the Select Questions screen.  (See Creating a Test.)

Taking a Test Online: you have the option of taking a test on your computer.  This option is not available for essay TestMakers.  The program will automatically grade your responses, and will show the results by topic.  You also have the option of printing the results.

Scrambling Questions: you can have the TestMaker put the questions in a random order.  If you have not saved the test, it will ask if you want to save the original before scrambling the questions.

Printing a Test: you can print out the test, as well as answer keys and student answer sheets.

Saving a Test: you can save a copy of the current test to a hard drive or floppy disk.

Exiting the Program: you can exit to Windows.  If you have not saved the current test, it will ask if you want to save it.  To select another TestMaker, just run the program again.


Questions Available
This shows the total number of questions available.


Questions on Test
This shows how many questions have already been added to the test.


List of Topics Available
This shows which topics are available. The one you have selected currently will be highlighted.  If there are more topics than there is room on the screen, a scroll bar will appear.


Questions Available by Topic
This shows how many questions are available by topic.  As you add them to the test, they will be removed from this list.


Previous Topic Button
Click here to move up one topic.


Delete Button
Click here to delete questions from the current test.  It will delete questions from the topic you have highlighted.


Add Button
Click here to add questions from the topic you have highlighted.


Next Topic Button
Click here to move down one topic.


Cancel Button
Click here to discard any changes you have made and return to the previous menu.


Select From All Topics Button
Click here to select questions at random from all topics.  It will ask how many questions you want.


Choose from this Topic Button
Click here to select specific vocabulary words from the currently selected topic.  This button is only available in Vocabulary TestMakers.


Topic in Use
This shows the currently selected topic.


Preview Test Button
Click here to view the questions you have selected for the current test.  You may also choose to keep or discard questions at this point.  (See Previewing a Test).


Take Test Button
Click here to take the test online.  This option is not available in essay TestMakers.  (See Taking a Test Online.)


Add Questions Button
Click here to add more questions to the current test.  It will return you to the Select Questions screen.  (See Creating a Test.)


Scramble Questions Button
Click here to scramble the order of the questions you have selected.  If you have not saved, it will ask if you want to save the current test first.


Print Test Button
Click here to print the current test. (See Printing a Test.)


Save Test Button
Click here to save the current test.


Previewing a Test

Once you have created a test, you have the option of previewing the questions that have been selected (blank space has been taken out):

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

In this mode, you can view each question you have chosen, with the answer where applicable, in order, and decide if you would like to keep it or discard it from the test.  Once you have made your decisions, just click the "Ok" button, and any questions you have discarded will no longer be on the test.  At this time, you may choose to add more questions.  This option will show up as a button on the main menu (See After The Test is Created) which will return you to the Select Questions screen (See Creating a Test).

Once you are satisfied with the test you have created, you are ready for Taking The Test.


Taking a Test Online

The option to take a test online is available in all TestMakers except for Essay TestMakers.  When you start taking the test online, it will ask you to enter your name.  Once you have done so and click the 'Ok' button (click the 'cancel' button at this point to return to the main menu), you will come to a screen similar to this (blank space has been taken out):

 (Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

On this screen you can answer the current question or quit the test.  Since the question shown is a reading comprehension test, it also gives you the option of showing the passage.  (This choice is also available in Library Series tests.)

Most questions tend to be multiple choice, with 4 or 5 possible answers with buttons for each answer.  However, there are some questions that will ask you to type in a word correctly (see Spelling Tests and Vocabulary TestMakers), and there are questions in the Chemistry Achievement Diagnostic Test that have their own format (see that topic for more information).

After you select an answer, it will immediately tell you if the answer is correct, and if not, what the correct answer is (blank space has been taken out):

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

From here, just click the 'Next Question' button to go on to the next question.

Once you have quit the test or completed all the questions, you will go on to the Test Results Screen.


Printing a Test

In most cases, TestMaker can be used to print out a test to be taken later.  (Self-Help and Comprehensive Reasoning and Library Series tests cannot be printed out.)  From the main menu after the test is created or from the main menu of Achievement and Diagnostic Tests, just click on the 'Print Test' button.  This will take you to a screen similar to the following:

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

On this screen you can name the test, tell the program where to start numbering it, and tell it what format to print (where applicable) and whether or not to print the Answer Key and Student Answer Sheet.  You can also set up the printer, or choose to return to the Main Menu without printing the test.  Once you have all the options you want selected, just click the 'Print Test' button to continue printing.

The Type of test to print box will only appear like this in Vocabulary TestMakers.  In Math TestMakers, only the first two options will appear (Multiple Choice and Fill in the blank).  This box will not appear at all in other TestMakers.

The box that allows you to print the Answer Key and the Student Answer Sheet appears in all TestMakers except Essay TestMakers.


Question no. of How Many
This shows which question you are viewing, and how many questions there are in the test.


Total No. of Questions from Topic
This shows how many questions are on the test from the topic of this particular question.


Question
This is where the question is shown. Any pictures or diagrams associated with the question will also appear here.  If the question is too big to fit on the screen, a scroll bar will appear on the right side of the window.


No Button
Click here to remove this question from the current test.


Yes Button
Click here if you want to keep this question on the test.


Show Passage Button
On a reading comprehension question, click here to view the passage the question refers to.  This button does not appear in other TestMakers.


Discard Changes Button
Click here to discard any changes you have made while previewing the test.  The test will return to the form it was in before you entered preview mode, and you will return to the main menu.


Previous Question Button
Click here to go back one question.


Next Question Button
Click here to go forward to the next question.


Topic Previewed
This shows which topic the question previewed is from.


Answer
The answer for the current question is shown here where applicable.


Instructions
Any specific instructions on how to answer the question are given in this area.  Most general multiple choice questions do not require instructions, and this area will not appear.


Question no.
This shows which question you are answering.


Answer Area
This is where you will give the answers.  In a multiple choice question like this, just click on the button with the correct number of the answer on it.  Some multiple choice tests have 5 buttons marked A, B, C, D and E, with 5 possible answers.  Other tests will have an area here for you to type in a word correctly (see Spelling Tests and Vocabulary TestMakers).  Also see the Chemistry Achievement Diagnostic Test, which has a special type of question which does not appear elsewhere.


Quit Test Button
Click here to quit the current test.  If you have answered any questions, it will take you to the Test Results Screen.  If not, it will return you to the Main Menu.


Chemistry Achievement Diagnostic Test

Although in a large part, the Chemistry Achievement Diagnostic Test works the same way as other Achievement Tests, one of the later parts of the test includes a type of question that does not appear elsewhere (blank space has been taken out):

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

Here you must choose if I and II are true or false, and fill in the correct circle, and decide if II explains I, and fill in the square if this is true.  Once you are done, click the 'Select Answers' button.


Test Results

Once you have completed an online test, you will come to the test results screen.  This gives you your grade, with a detailed breakdown of how many questions were answered correctly in each topic (except in Library Series TestMakers, which only give the grade, without any breakdown).  It will look something like this (although since missed words only appear in Vocabulary TestMakers and some English TestMakers (spelling tests), and section names and the 'Show Results by Section' button only appear in Achievement Tests (It will appear as 'Show Results by Area' in some Diagnostic Tests), the screen will never look identical to this one.):

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

Most TestMaker results screens will look similar to this, although without the 'Show Results by Section' button, section names, and missed words.  All test results screen will give you the number of questions answered, the number right, and a percentage grade.  They also will allow you to set up your printer and print your results, and to return to the main menu for that test.

This screen is only available after Taking a Test Online.


Vocabulary TestMakers

Vocabulary TestMakers have many options not available in General TestMakers.  These TestMakers can be taken as Fill In or Multiple Choice when taken online.  (Preview mode will show the question as Multiple Choice.)  The question is a definition, and you either select or type in the word or words the definition describes.  Although many of the differences are described in other portions of this help file, here is a list of the major differences:

Creating a Test:  When creating a vocabulary test, you have the option to 'Choose From this Topic'.  This will allow you to select specific vocabulary words from the highlighted topic.  Selecting this option will bring up a screen similar to the following:

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)

You may use this option to select words from more than one topic.

Printing a Test: Printing a vocabulary test, you have more options than on any other type of test.  You can print a test as Multiple Choice, Fill in the Blank, or Match Definition to word.  Or instead, you can print out a list of words to study, or a list of answers with definitions.

Taking a Test Online: When doing this, you are given a choice of taking the test as Multiple Choice or Fill In.  Multiple choice tests are taken like in other TestMakers.  When taking the test as Fill In, a box will appear on the bottom of the screen in the answer area, and you will be asked to type in the correct word or words.

Test Results: On the Test Results screen of a vocabulary test, there is a box underneath the results that says 'Missed Words:'.  By clicking the down arrow next to this, you are shown a list of all the words that were not answered correctly.  These words will be printed out if you select 'Print Results'.


Show Help Button
Click here to show help for this screen.  This is only available in Self-Help and Comprehensive Reasoning and Library Series Tests.  When you are done reading the help, just click the 'Return to Question' button on the top of the window.


Right/Wrong with Answer
This area will show whether the question was answered correctly or not.  If the answer was wrong, the correct answer will be given.


Achievement Tests

The achievement tests are in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.  These have a few major differences from Diagnostic Tests. These tests are divided into parts, and the main menu tells you how many there are, and how many questions are in each part (see Achievement and Diagnostic Tests).  The questions are multiple choice with 5 possible answers, A, B, C, D, and E.  (Please see the Chemistry Achievement Diagnostic Test, however, which has a different type of question which does not appear anywhere else.)  You are given a time limit of one hour to take the test.  (The time remaining appears at the top of the screen while Taking a Test Online.) When the time is up, it will tell you so, and if you have answered any questions it will take you to the Test Results screen.  This screen is also different, since the Self-Help section names are listed on the bottom of the screen, and there is a button that allows you to view the results by section.


Essay TestMakers

Essay TestMakers (which are only available for Social Studies) are like General TestMakers with one major difference: essay questions, unlike multiple choice questions, have no one correct answer.  Because of this, there are no answers available.  This type of TestMaker does not allow you to take a test online.  It also will not let you print out an Answer Key or Student Answer Sheet when you are Printing a Test.


Results For Your Name
This area shows who the test results are for. If you did not type in a name before taking the test, the name will be blank.


Your Grade/Questions Right
This area shows how many questions you answered, and how many you got right.  It also uses this to give you a percentage grade.


Results by Topic
This table shows the results by topic.  The first column shows the percentage grade for each topic.  The second column shows how many questions were answered in each topic.  The third column gives the topic names.  This will not appear in Library Series TestMakers.


Missed Words
This shows which words you have missed on Vocabulary TestMakers and some English TestMakers (spelling tests).  It does not appear on other types of tests.  To show the words missed, click on the arrow next to where it says 'Missed Words:'.  (This has already been done in this example.)  If the words will not fit on the screen, a scroll bar will appear.  To close this list, just click the arrow again.


Main Menu Button
Click here to return to the Main Menu.  If you have created a test, it will return you to the Main Menu you get After The Test is Created.  On Achievement and Diagnostic Tests, Self-Help and Comprehensive Reasoning, or Library Series TestMakers, you will return to the Main Menu for that type of TestMaker.


Section Names
This window shows the names of all the sections from Self-Help the questions on this test are taken from.  The sections might not all be included on this particular test.  This only appears when taking an Achievement Test.


Show Results by Section Button

Clicking this button will show the results by section, to tell you which sections of the Self-Help you need to study.  It only appears when taking Achievement Tests: In Science or Social Studies Diagnostic Tests, the button will say 'Show Results by Area', but the same basic screen will appear without the section names on the bottom, showing general areas instead of Self-Help sections.

(Click on different portions of the screen where the hand appears for more information.)


Print Setup Button
Click this button to set up your printer.


Print Results Button
Click this button to print your test results.


Results by Section
This shows test results  for Achievement Tests by Self-Help section.  The first column shows the section numbers included.  The next column shows the percentage grade for each section.  The third column shows how many questions were answered from each section, and the fourth column shows the section names.


Show Results by Topic Button
Click here to return to showing the results by topic.  (See Test Results.)


Title for Test
Type the title of the test here, as you want it on the printout.


Print Test Button 2
Click here to print the test after you have finished selecting options.


Begin Numbering Test At
This tells you which number the numbering for the test will start with.  The default is 1.  To change it, type over the 1, or click on the up and down arrows until the number you want it to start with is shown.


Print Answers
Here you have the option of printing the answer key and a student answer sheet.  (This is not available for Essay TestMakers.)  When the boxes have X's through them, these will be printed.  If you do not want these printed, click on the boxes to remove the X's.


Type of Test to Print
This area gives you the option of deciding what type of test you would like to have printed out.  The circle that is filled in is the type selected.  Click on the circle next to the one you want to fill it in and select it instead.  All of these options are only available for Vocabulary TestMakers.  Math TestMakers allow you the option of choosing Multiple Choice or Fill in the blank only.  Other TestMakers do not have any of these options, and this box will not appear.


Main Menu Button 2
Click here to return to the Main Menu without printing the test.


Math TestMakers

Math TestMakers are just like General TestMakers, with a few small differences.  When Printing a Test, you are given a choice between printing it as multiple choice or fill in the blanks.  Also, in tests that include Deductive Proofs, where the question is not multiple choice and must be done on a separate sheet of paper, you cannot answer this question on the computer when Taking a Test Online, and the question will not be included on the Test Results when you are finished.  Since answers for this type of question may vary, there is no answer given either online or on a printed answer key.

For more information on the Math Self-Help tests, see Self-Help and Comprehensive Reasoning.

For more information on the Math National Diagnostic, see Achievement and Diagnostic Tests.


General TestMakers

Most TestMakers are very similar to what is described in other portions of this help file.  Since general TestMakers begin with no questions on the current test, once you pass the Opening Screen, the Main Menu gives you the option of creating a  new test or Loading a Test.  See Creating a Test for information on how to create one.  (However, the 'Choose from this Topic' button is only available in Vocabulary TestMakers.)

Once you have created a test, you have many options.  You may preview a test, take a test online, print the current test, scramble the questions or add new ones, save the current test, or create or load a different test.  (See After The Test is Created.)  The questions on most of these TestMakers are multiple choice, and if you decide to take them online, the program will tell you how well you did, and in what areas.  If you print out the test to be taken later, you have the option of printing out a Student Answer Sheet and an Answer Key.  For more information on any of these options, look under the appropriate topic.

There are some differences in English TestMakers and Math TestMakers, however.  (See them for more information.)


Words Available
This is a list of words available.  To add them to the test, just click on them, and they will appear in the 'Words on Test' box.  If there are more words than will fit on the screen, a scroll bar will appear.


Words on Test
This is a list of the words you have selected to be on the test.  To remove them from the test, just click on them, and they will return to the 'Words Available' box.  If there are more words than will fit on the screen, a scroll bar will appear.


English TestMakers

English TestMakers are different from most TestMakers in many ways.  The following are the three types of English TestMakers, with their specific differences:

Word Comparisons:

Word comparison tests are available in two types: Word Comparisons and Phrases with Word Comparisons.  They work like multiple choice tests, with a slight difference.  Instead of a question, you are given a word (or a phrase with a word given in all capital letters in the case of 'Phrases with Word Comparisons' tests), and you have to choose the word or phrase from the listed choices that is closest to the meaning of the word specified.  (Instructions are given at the top of the screen.)

Spelling Tests:

Spelling tests are available in two types: Multiple Choice and Misspelled Words.  Taking a Test Online is different in each type.  In multiple choice tests, just click on the button corresponding to the word that is spelled incorrectly.  When taking the Misspelled Words tests, it will ask you to decide which word is spelled incorrectly and type the word with the correct spelling below.  (You do not need to enter the number of the word in this case.)  Once you have finished taking the online test of either type, the Test Results screen will show the words you missed.  Also, in Previewing a Test mode, the answer shown will be the correct spelling of the misspelled word.

Reading Comprehension:

Reading Comprehension tests are available in two types: Prose and Poetry.  These both work the same way, except with a different type of passage (as the names imply).  The questions are multiple choice, but they are different from standard TestMakers because the questions each refer to a passage.  When you are Creating a Test, questions are selected by passage, instead of by subject.  Once the questions are selected, in Previewing a Test mode you are shown the specific question, but a button appears on this screen to show the passage associated with the question.  This will bring you to the Passage Screen.  This screen will  also appear automatically before you can answer the question when you are Taking a Test Online.  Once you have finished reading the passage, just click on the 'Return to Question' bar at the top of the screen.  Also note that the passages are done in a way very similar to Library Series TestMakers.


Passage Screen
This screen will allow you to view the passage associated with the question.  If the passage is too long to fit on the screen, a scroll bar will appear on the right side of the window.  To return to the question, just click anywhere on the 'Return to Question' bar at the top of the screen.


Test Description
This describes which test you are taking, and what results you will get after taking it.  Since this particular test is an Achievement Test, it also tells how many questions are on the test, how many parts are on the test, and how many questions are in each part.


New Test Button
Click here to create a new random test.


Begin Test Button
Click here to begin taking the current test.


Diagnostic Tests

The Diagnostic Tests are in Math, Science, and Social Studies (US and World History).  Although these are mostly similar to how they are described in Achievement and Diagnostic Tests, there are several differences.  Unlike Achievement Tests, these multiple choice tests have only 4 possible answers, numbered 1-4.  There is also no time limit for these tests.  The few major differences are in the National Science Diagnostic TestMakers, and the National Social Studies Diagnostic TestMakers.


Time Remaining
This shows how much time you have remaining.


Answer Area: Chemistry
This is where you answer this type of question.  You have to decide if I and II are True or False, and if II explains I.  To choose true or false, just click on the circle in front of the answer you want for each of them.  The circle you have selected will be filled in with a black circle.  To change your selection, just click on the circle in front of the other choice, and the black circle will move to where you clicked.  To select if II explains I, click on the square in front of it to fill it in.  If you do not think that II explains I, leave the square empty.  To change your answer, just click the square again.


Select Answers Button
Once you have finished selecting the answers in the answer area, this will turn into an 'Ok' button.  Then you can click this button to continue.  If you have not selected answers, the TestMaker program will not let you go on to the next question.


National Science Diagnostic TestMakers

The one major difference in this type of  Diagnostic Test  from others is the 'Show Results by Area' button on the Test Results screen.  This allows you to see which areas you did well in, and which areas need help.


National Social Studies Diagnostic TestMakers

There are two types of Social Studies Diagnostic Tests: US and World History.  Each of these is divided into two TestMakers, one for multiple choice (which works like most Diagnostic Tests, and has the same 'Show Results by Area' button on the Test Results screen as on the National Science Diagnostic TestMakers.), and one for essay questions.  The essay questions portion works the same way as regular Essay TestMakers.


Random Questions Button
Click here to select a specific number of random questions.  The program will ask how many questions you want on the test.


Questions From Selected Topics Button
Click here to select questions from specific topics.  This will take you to the Select Questions screen (see Creating a Test.)


Lessons Available
This is a list of all the lessons available in this section.  To select a lesson, just click on the one you want.