Base true-false items upon statements that are absolutely true or false, without qualifications or exceptions.
Express the item statement as simply and as clearly as possible.
Express a single idea in each test item.
Include enough background information and qualifications so that the ability to respond correctly to the item does not depend on some special, uncommon knowledge.
Avoid lifting statements from the text, lecture or other materials so that memory alone will not permit a correct answer.
Avoid using negatively stated item statements.
Avoid the use of unfamiliar vocabulary.
Avoid the use of specific determiners which would permit a test-wise but unprepared examinee to respond correctly. Specific determiners refer to sweeping terms like "all," "always," "none," "never," "impossible," "inevitable," etc. Statements including such terms are likely to be false. On the other hand, statements using qualifying determiners such as "usually," "sometimes," "often," etc., are likely to be true. When statements do require the use of specific determiners, make sure they appear in both true and false items.