Disagreeing with a QM
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beetle22 
Posts: 861
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 Posted: 08:13AM Nov 7, 2009 |
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Just a quick one - I haven't made very many quizzes, so I'm unsure, and I can't find an answer to my question anywhere.
If a QM makes a comment on a quiz (suggesting a change) that you don't agree to, then what?
My question is: Which of the following words relates to the term given to members of Malcolm's "gifted class"? (Malcolm in the Middle, that is!)
The QM suggests that "relates" should be "relate" - I don't believe this to be grammatically correct. So what do I do?
Another change I don't agree to is for this question: "Which of the following activities scares Hal?" - the QM wants "scares" to be made "scare" - I believe that it should stay pural - doing the activity scares him.
I'm not really looking for thoughts on if these changes are correct or not (although, please do offer opinions if you have them) - I'm more wondering what to do when there is a disagreement between a quiz maker and an editor....
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Hrsemn4 
Posts: 393
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Posted: 09:26AM Nov 7, 2009 |
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In this particular case, yes, it does seem the QM is mistaken. Although "words" and "activities" are plural, the subject of the question is singular..."which", it could be implied that this means "which one of these activities".
If your answer is plural the QM would be correct, for example:
Which of the following words relates to the term given to members of Malcolm's "gifted class"?
a) Wisest
b) HIghest
c ) Grandest
d) A and C
If the answer is A, B, or C, then "relates" is fine, if D is correct, then it should be "relate" as the subject is suddenly plural. If THAT were the case, I would advise you to change all of the answers to plurals:
A) Wisest and grandest
B) Highest and grandest
Etc...
When you disagree with a QM, the most important thing is to remain polite...same goes for QMs, of course. QMs are users just like you, they/we have just been around a while and other users have elected us to review their quizzes. Just speak to the QMs as you would want someone to speak to you if they had a disagreement with you. Just point out what you believe to be the error and explain why you believe it should be the way it is. Having a website to refer to that explains/ demonstrates what you are saying can help. I know you don't have a lot of room in the "comments to QM" box, but do the best you can.
I hope this helps! Sorry for the confusion..
My new favorite "dumb" joke: What did one snowman say to the other? "Do you smell carrots?" |
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beetle22
Posts: 861
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Posted: 10:38AM Nov 7, 2009 |
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So I explain my point in the comments box, and don't change anything?
I think part of the trouble is that I can't explain WHY - i know it's "relates" (answer is a singular noun) because that is the way uit is- i.e. the word "sweet" relates to a taste that can be derived from sugary foods. - not really a compelling argument though, is it?
I'm also wondering (just out of interest) - how do situations where the QM is wrong affect the "number of returned quizzes' grade? I mean, if a QM sends back a quiz for changes that don't need to be made, is the quiz maker credited for the unneccessary return of the quiz?
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Hrsemn4
Posts: 393
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Posted: 11:37AM Nov 7, 2009 |
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Yes, I would politely disagree, explain that the answer is a singular noun, thus the verb must match. Then just leave your question as is (at least in regards to that issue) and all should be well.
Your second point....sadly yes, if a QM returns a quiz asking for corrections that do not need to be made it does count "against" you. Happily, nothing counts heavily against you, so your grade won't drop off severely, if at all. You should still make every effort to give your quiz plenty of time in proofreading, as well as reviewing it several times yourself.
When I attempt to review my own quiz, I focus on each question individually, then break each one down into: question, answer, explanation. It also helps me to read them aloud. All that being said, I still miss little things here and there, that's what the QMs are for, though you have seen, we are not perfect either.
My new favorite "dumb" joke: What did one snowman say to the other? "Do you smell carrots?" |
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Shadows 
Posts: 4173
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Posted: 12:52PM Nov 7, 2009 |
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Or you could tell the QM to take a look at this topic, so you won't have to explain at all.
Walk away as if I don't care. |
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Hrsemn4
Posts: 393
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Posted: 12:57PM Nov 7, 2009 |
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Luckily the quiz has been approved and published! Thank you for your understanding, Beetle. I know it is frustrating to be told opposing things by QMs. It happens to us all though. Good job on the quiz!
My new favorite "dumb" joke: What did one snowman say to the other? "Do you smell carrots?" |
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