Fill in the Blanks asks users to type in missing words within a text. This activity can be used to emphasize vocabulary terms or other words within the context of a sentence.
This article outlines the following concepts:
Create a New Activity
Go to Content Creation > click Interactive Content > click New
Select Fill in the Blanks.
Options can be sorted by recently used, newest, and alphabetically.
Give this quiz a Title. If applicable, add an Image or Video under Media > Type and configure the media settings. Provide a Task description that tells users how to complete the task.
Create a Text Block
Write the text block. Use asterisks (*) before and after a word to designate that it will appear missing to the user.
Click Add Text Block to insert additional items to this activity.
Example: “*JFK* is the nearest major airport to our facility.”
In this example, “JFK” would be blank in the student's view. The student would need to type this word correctly to receive points for the statement.
Additional Instructions
Admins may also add functionality to the tas through the following symbols:
- A forward slash (/) can be used to provide an alternate answer
- Example: *JFK/John F. Kennedy* is the nearest major airport to our facility.
- Use a colon (:) to provide a textual tip
- Example: *JFK: think of the president* is the nearest major airport to our facility.
Custom Feedback
In the Overall Feedback section, add custom feedback based on a user’s score range.
Additional Settings
Configure additional settings such as Behavioral Settings to designate how students can interact with this quiz and set an expiration date if applicable.
Click Save.
User View
The interactive content is added to a lesson through the Content & Activities tab of the Lesson editor. The pieces of this activity include:
- Users are shown the full contextual sentence.
- The missing word is displayed with a blank text box.
- Users may click the ℹ️ icon to reveal the textual tip.
Use Cases
The following are possible general use cases for utilizing this feature:
Language Learning and Vocabulary Reinforcement
Use Case:
A language instructor uses the Fill in the Blanks activity to help learners practice vocabulary in context. For example, in an English as a Second Language (ESL) course, a text passage may read:
"Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their own food."
Why It’s Useful:
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Reinforces vocabulary in full sentence structures, aiding retention.
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Helps learners see how terms are used in context.
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Can include hints like
*Photosynthesis: process involving sunlight*for deeper support.
Admin Benefit: Easily track correct/incorrect inputs to identify common learner struggles.
Compliance or Safety Training
Use Case:
A corporate trainer uses this activity in a workplace safety module. For instance:
"Always wear protective gear when operating heavy machinery."
Why It’s Useful:
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Emphasizes key terms that must be remembered verbatim.
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Encourages attention to terminology crucial for real-world application.
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Alternate terms (
*protective gear/safety equipment*) help recognize synonyms.
Admin Benefit: Ensures employees have internalized critical policies, and can measure readiness before certification or site access.
Historical or Scientific Fact Recall
Use Case:
An educational platform uses it in a high school history course:
"1945 was the year World War II ended."
Or in a science class:
"Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth."
Why It’s Useful:
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Promotes active recall, boosting long-term memory.
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Easy for educators to create quick comprehension checks after lessons.
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Can guide learners with textual tips:
*Gravity: think of Newton’s apple*.
Admin Benefit: Quick to build, scalable across curricula, and offers measurable outcomes for knowledge retention.