How to format multiple choice questions

When I’m writing exams and asking multiple choice questions with check boxes, I format the answer options as a bulleted list, and I change the bullets to the “ballot box” character, ☐.

How can I check one of these ballot boxes when I prepare answer sheets?

I can’t just change the bullet point character to “ballot box with X,” ☒: If I do, all the answers will be checked.

Is there a better way to format multiple choice questions?

You can keep your bulleted list with a little trick. This trick will work only if you don’t build your lists with the toolbar button, i.e. you format the list with a dedicated paragraph style turned into a list. For example, paragraph style List 1 linked with list (aka. numbering) style List 1. Note that for an unknown reason, this association is not done by default, you must set it in Outline & Numbering tab of the paragraph style.

Then you customise list style List 1. Level 1 will be used for student choice and the bullet will be “ballot box” character, ☐. Level 2 is reserved for the answer and the bullet will be “ballot box with X,” ☒.

The trick is to set indents for both level 1 and level 2 identical so that you can’t distinguish them visually.

When you prepare the exam, the multiple choices are all typed under List 1 paragraph style.

When you write the answer sheet, all you have to do is copy/paste the choices. Set the cursor in front of the answer and press Tab. The item is promoted to level 2 and its bullet changes.

Of course, in case your questions are using level 1, the choices must be “shifted” to level 2 and the answer to level 3. I let you adapt the scheme.

You may use form controls (FormCheck Box).
Also you may insert an Input list field (InsertFieldMore Fields..., Functions tab), and add ☐ and ☒ to the field as list items.

Input list looks useful. Form controls might be overkill