Definition
A category of written test question in which the student selects the correct answer from a set of choices supplied by the test writer, rather than composing the answer themselves. Common selection-type formats include multiple-choice, true-false, and matching items.
Plain English
A test question where the student picks the right answer from options the instructor has already written, instead of writing their own answer.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation instructor training when building, reviewing, or taking written tests and knowledge checks.
Derivation
From 'select' (Latin 'seligere', to choose out) plus 'type' (kind or category). The name simply describes what the student does — they choose from given options rather than producing an answer from memory.
Why Pilots Care
Most FAA knowledge tests, including the private and commercial written exams, use selection-type questions. Knowing this is the dominant format helps both instructors design effective practice and students prepare appropriately.
Intuition Check
Do not read selection type as “selecting a category of aircraft or lesson.” Here it means a test-question format where the learner selects an answer from provided choices.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor used selection-type questions on the quiz so the answers could be graded quickly and consistently.
Example Sentence 2
Selection type questions are easier to grade quickly than questions that require the student to write out the full answer.