Software of the Month Club 1996 December/Software of the Month Club 1996 December.iso/pc/dos/sri/edu/qasa/demo2.def

Text File | 1995-10-14 | 19.6 KB | 684 lines

                          Sample QASA Database

This file must be compiled with QASA's database compiler, which will
create the file DEMO2.QA.

This sample database contains questions and answers about QASA.

A QASA database may contain any of the following options. Any line
not part of one of the following options is considered to be a comment,
which is why this explanatory text may appear here. All of these options
MUST appear alone on a line. The text below is ignored because other text
appears on the line containing each option keyword.

Q=    question on following lines, terminated by a blank line or
    another option.
A=    answer on following lines, terminated by a blank line or
    another option.
H=      explanatory help text for preceding question/answer is on the
    following lines, terminated by a blank line or another
    option.
P=    strip all punctuation from following answer list.
N=    quiz name is on next line.
M=    macro definition on following lines, terminated by a blank
    line or another option.
T=    time allowed is on next line in the format HH:MM:SS.
C=    clear NOT allowed. No additional lines.
S=    lock in sequential mode (user cannot change mode). No additional
    lines.
R=    lock in random mode (user cannot change mode). No additional
    lines.
F=    output score filename is on next line (no score recording
    if omitted).
E=    encrypt score file.
W=    assign weighting. Weight appears as an integer on the next line.
    This weight will be used for all questions following until and
    unless another weight is assigned.
D=    disable display of correct answers if answer is incorrect. No
    additional lines.
G=      define letter grade equivalency list or disable display of
    letter grades during execution. To disable letter grade
    display, the following line should contain "OFF" only. Otherwise,
    any number of following lines contain the grade equivalencies
    in the form <score>=<letter grade>.
L=      limit the number of questions to a subset of the total number of
        questions in the database. The number of questions in the subset
        is specified on the following line.
O=      omit the questions in the subset at compile time. Ignored without
        the L= keyword. If L= is given without O=, then the subset will
        be selected at run-time, giving a different subset each time the
        database is run. If O= is given with L=, then the subset will be
        determined by the compiler and the database will be the same each
        time the program is run.
V=    view literal answers. Causes first five (or more) characters of
    the answer the user keyed in to be included in the score file
    point matrix. This is BEFORE any preprocessing with the exception
    that leading blanks are skipped.
I=    Ignore character
K=    Keep administrator's name (request it and record it in the score
    file). No effect if score file not used.
X=    Sets the length of eXported answers. The length is specified on
    the following line. If two numbers are given, separated by a
    comma, then the first is the length of answers that are kept
    internally, and the optional second number is the length of the
    answers that will be exported to the score file. The second
    number can never be larger than the first.

In this sample database, questions are weighted by type as follows:
    multiple-choice        1 point each
    true/false (yes/no)    2 points each
    fill-in            3 points each

Again, note that comments are just about free-form. Place them anywhere
except between option keywords and their termination. QASA will discard
all comment text as it compiles this file, so you are not penalized for
commenting your databases.

The sample database configuration follows....

==========================================================================

If this character appears in column 1, ignore it (skip over it)
but do not count the line as blank. This allows spacing lines in
explanatory help text. Do not use anywhere else.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I=
*        (This is the default. To disable ignore, leave this line blank.)

Name the database. This name is displayed in QASA's main window.
----------------------------------------------------------------
N=
QA Study Aid Example Database #2

Specify a score file. If it already exists, score data will be
appended. Otherwise, a new file will be created using this name.
----------------------------------------------------------------
F=
demo2.scr

Specify that we want the score file to contain literally what the user
entered for each answer. This allows an analysis of consistently
incorrect answers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
V=

Specify that we want the test to be 'blind'; in other words,
disable the display of all scoring information until the test
is completed.
------------------------------------------------------------------
D=

Say that we want to retain at least 30 characters of each answer
internally, but export only 15 characters to the score file.
----------------------------------------------------------------
X=
30,15


These are the 'true' and 'false' macro definitions...
-----------------------------------------------------

M=
$TRUE$
True
T
Yes
Y

M=
$FALSE$
False
F
No
N

Define the letter grade equivalency list. The last line (59.99) causes
the letter grade display to be omitted until the user achieves a score
of at least 59.99. Set this to 0 to always display the letter grade.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

G=
95    = A+
90    = A
85    = A-
83    = B+
80    = B
75    = B-
73    = C+
70    = C
67    = C-
65    = D+
63    = D
60    = D-
59.99 = F

If we wanted to turn off the display of letter grades so the letter
grade would be shown only when the quiz was completed and in the
score file (if defined), then we would use the following:
-------------------------------------------------------------------

G=                   [this turns G= into normal text]
OFF

==========================================================================
The first question follows, with a weight of 2.
-----------------------------------------------

W=
2

Q=
 1. True/False

 QASA can be used to measure a teacher's effectiveness.

A=
Yes, by storing the administrator's name in the score file also.
$TRUE$

H=
*
 Using the K= option (in conjunction with F= to save the score in
 a file), you can cause QASA to prompt for the quiz administrator's
 name as well as the name of the student. Over a statistically
 valid number of quizzes, the effectiveness of two or more teachers
 can be compared. The ability to export the score files to a
 spreadsheet program makes this an easy problem to solve with QASA.

==========================================================================

W=
2

Q=
 2. True/False

 QASA cannot support score files on a network server.

A=
QASA can operate just fine on a network.
$FALSE$
H=
*
 If the F= keyword defines a score file on a network drive,
 QASA will lock the file to prevent corruption by other users
 taking tests with QASA. The SHARE.EXE program must be loaded,
 but QASA will warn you if it's needed but absent.

==========================================================================

W=
1

Q=
 3. Multiple-choice

 I can sell the QA.EXE program with my accounting training
 videotape (for example) if

 a. I pay a royalty for each copy sold
 b. I cannot sell someone else's work
 c. I purchase a distribution license
 d. I register the program
A=
I can sell my own training courses with a distribution license.
c
H=
*
 See the documentation file QASA regarding distribution of the
 QA interpreter. With a distribution license, Quid Pro Quo
 Software gives you the right to package the interpreter and
 sell it as you see fit, EXCEPT modify it, represent it as your
 own work, or state or imply any type of ownership rights to
 the program. You cannot, of course, distribute the compiler
 QASA.EXE to anyone.

==========================================================================

W=
2

Q=
 4. True/False

 Quid Pro Quo Software accepts credit cards.

A=
Yes, you can register with VISA or Mastercard.
$TRUE$

==========================================================================

P=

W=
3

Q=
 5. Fill-In

 I can register my cop(ies) of QA Study Aid by phone, mail, and ______.

A=
Encrypted Electronic Mail
E-Mail
Bulletin Boards
BBS
BBS System
BBS Systems
Messages
Message
H=
*
 You can register electronically by filling out the electronic
 registration form built into QA Study Aid, supplying your
 credit card information, and generating an encrypted electronic
 mail message (of course, QA Study Aid does all of this for you).
*
 We're interested in protecting your credit card information as
 much as you are, so we allow you to register using E-Mail via
 CompuServe or the Internet. ONLY Quid Pro Quo Software can read
 a registration you send by uploading the encrypted registration
 message. We'll reply with your registration number.

==========================================================================

And back to 1 again for multiple-choice.
----------------------------------------

W=
1

Q=
 6. Multiple-choice

 I'm in "View All" mode so I can review all my answers before I commit
 them and end the quiz. Why does QASA skip certain questions?

 1. It randomly deletes questions from the quiz.
 2. If QASA displayed the correct answer, it will not allow
    you to access that question again to change your answer.
 3. The presentation sequence may be random, and you're just
    not lucky.
 4. Both 2 and 3 above.
 5. None of the above.
A=
 4. Both 2 and 3 above.
 4
H=
*
 If QASA has correct answer display enabled, you will be shown the
 correct answer if you answer wrong. You will therefore know the
 proper answer. QASA will not allow you to access this question
 again to change your answer, no matter what view mode you use.
*
 It is also possible that in random presentation mode, you just
 haven't hit the question you're seeking. Change to sequential mode
 or keep trying.

==========================================================================

W=
1

Q=
 7. Multiple-choice

 Every time I review my answers, they've been chopped off to seven
 characters. Why is this?

 A. The default review answer length is seven characters.
 B. There wasn't enough memory for more than seven.
 C. The review answer length was set to seven in the database (using X=).
 D. Both A and C above.
 E. None of the above.
A=
 C. The default review answer length is 40.
 D
H=
*
 QASA always records the answers internally, retaining the maximum
 of 40 characters by default. If you had a very large multiple-choice
 test, fewer characters may allow QASA to load it entirely into
 memory. Using the X= control in the database, you may retain as many
 as 40 characters or as few as five. This control also determines the
 number of characters written to the score file and the number that
 will be exported if you use the /UX command.

==========================================================================

W=
1

Q=
 8. Multiple-choice

 When I register QA Study Aid, is the 25-question limit disabled
 automatically?

 A. Only if you purchase a site license.
 B. Yes, you don't have to do anything.
 C. Yes, but you must recompile your databases.
 D. Both A and C above.
 E. None of the above.
A=
 C. Yes, but you must recompile your databases.
 C
H=
*
 All databases coimpiled with the unregistered shareware version are
 limited to 25 questions. Once you register, you remove the limit by
 recompiling your databases.

==========================================================================

W=
2

Q=
 9. True/False

 If I register one copy of QA Study Aid, I can put it on a
 network server so that the whole class can use it.
A=
$FALSE$
H=
*
 Each person running QA Study Aid must have a registered copy. For
 an entire class, you must purchase enough copies for each person
 in the class. That's why the discount schedule is so generous!

==========================================================================

Q=
 10. True/False

 When taking a test, I can switch between "View All" and "View
 Unanswered" modes anytime I wish.

A=
$TRUE$

==========================================================================

W=
1

Q=
 11. Multiple-choice

 On the command line, I can force the sequence to "Random" and
 the view mode to "View Unanswered" by using the option

 1. /Vru
 2. -VUR
 3. -vr
 4. /Vur
 5. All of the above.
 6. None of the above.

A=
 5. All of the above.
 5

H=
*
 "View Unanswered" is the default view mode, so #3 is correct.
 All are therefore correct.

==========================================================================

We deliberately omit P= for this question, as punctuation IS
very important here...

W=
3

Q=
 12. Fill-In

 I can obtain a copy of QA Study Aid on the World Wide Web at the
 Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of ________________.

A=
 The World File Project (http://filepile.com)
 http://filepile.com
 filepile.com
 World File Project

==========================================================================

W=
2

Q=
 13. True/False

 I can cheat by using "View Unanswered" to show me the correct answer
 and then going to "View All" mode so that I can change my answer.
A=
$FALSE$
H=
*
 We're one step ahead of you. If QA Study Aid displays the answer
 for any reason through some obscure combination of options (or
 by choice), it will not allow you to access that question again
 in any mode.

==========================================================================

Q=
 14. True/False

 If I register QA Study Aid, I have to rewrite my database definition
 files to add more than 25 questions.
A=
No. Your definition files can have as many questions as you wish.
$FALSE$
H=
*
 The QASA compiler will only allow 25 questions to be compiled in the
 unregistered shareware version. It will never modify your database
 definition file. All you have to do is recompile after you register.

==========================================================================

W=
1

Q=
 15. Multiple-choice

 I can create a "blind" test that will allow my students to review
 and correct their answers using these options:

 a. "D=" in the database definition file
 b. "/Va" on the command line
 c. This is the default mode.
 d. Both 'a' and 'b' above.
 e. None of the above.
A=
 d. Both 'a' and 'b' above.
H=
 The "D=" option in the database definition file is all that is really
 needed, since the test taker is able to switch modes as they wish.

==========================================================================

Q=
 16. Multiple-choice

 To export all 40 possible characters in an answer to a database or
 spreadsheet program, the argument "40,40" is used with:

 1. L=
 2. N=
 3. X=
 4. None of the above.
A=
 3. X= sets the length of internal and exported answers.

==========================================================================

W=
2

Q=
 17. True/False

 If I export 40 characters for every answer, the score file will be
 too wide to print.
A=
True. The score file will contain lines up to 411 characters long.
$TRUE$

==========================================================================

W=
3

Q=
 18. Fill-In

 The maximum number of characters I can export per answer and
 still be able to print the score file on 80-column paper is ____.
A=
Six. There are 11 characters in the left margin, plus 10 * 6 = 71.

==========================================================================

W=
2

Q=
 19. True/False

 The unlimited upgrade option means that Quid Pro Quo Software will
 send me a diskette every time a new version is released.
A=
False. Whenever you obtain a new version, INSTALL will register it.
H=
*
 Quid Pro Quo Software will not send you updates as they are released.
 However, you will be notified of upgrades and where you may obtain
 them. When you install the upgrade, the install program INSTALL will
 read the registration information from your current version and copy
 it to the new version.

==========================================================================

Q=
 20. True/False

 QA Study Aid can be customized for my organization.
A=
True, provided the changes and costs are negotiated in advance.
$TRUE$
H=
*
 Quid Pro Quo Software has done several custom versions of QASA. If
 your suggested changes would be beneficial to everyone, there may
 be no charges involved. Please write or e-mail with your request.

==========================================================================

Q=
 21. True/False

 If I type the database to the screen using the DOS command
 "type filename.qa", I can see the answers.

A=
No, the database is encrypted for just this reason.
$FALSE$

==========================================================================

W=
1

Q=
 22. Multiple-choice

 The compiler keeps giving me an error that says "Sample limit
 excessive - corrected". How do I get rid of it?

 1. Omit the L= option from your database definition file.
 2. Set the argument to the L= option to less than 25.
 3. Register your copy of QA Study Aid.
 4. Reduce the number of questions to less than 25.
 5. Any of the above.
 6. None of the above.
A=
 5. Any of the above. Any of these will work.
H=
*
This warning appears because the size of the subset specified in
the database definition file (using the L= option) is greater
than the number of questions in the file. If you are using the
unregistered shareware version, an artificial limit of 25 is
imposed. Depending upon circumstances, any of the above will
eliminate the warning.

==========================================================================

Q=
 23. Multiple-choice

 I've answered all of the questions (the scoring window even
 says so), but QA Study Aid won't give me my score. How come?

 a. Your score is zero.
 b. You have to answer one more question to get it past the end.
 c. You have to close the quiz with the "/FC" command.
 d. You have to switch to "View Unanswered" mode.
 e. None of the above.
A=
 'c' OR 'd'. You are in "View All" (review) mode.
 c
 d
H=
*
 In "View All" mode, QA Study Aid will never end the quiz unless
 it is timed. This is to permit you to review your answers before
 you finish the test by closing it. If you switch to the "View
 Unanaswered" mode, QA Study Aid will recognize that the test is
 complete and will close it for you.

==========================================================================

Q=
 24. Multiple-choice

 The Scoring Window says "Random/All". I want to change my answer to
 question 3, but QA Study Aid won't display it. How do I find it?

 1. Change to "Sequential" mode and step to it with ENTER.
 2. Keep pressing ENTER. You'll eventually get there.
 3. Change to "View Unanswered" mode and it will be displayed.
 4. All of the above.
 5. None of the above.
A=
 Either '1' or '2' will work, but '1' is the practical way.
 1
 2

==========================================================================

W=
2

Q=
 25. True/False

 If I save a quiz so I can come back to it later, QA Study Aid will
 save the view mode and the presentation sequence for me.
A=
$TRUE$

==========================================================================

End of sample database.....
---------------------------