Definition
A test question that requires the student to produce, or 'supply,' the answer from their own knowledge rather than choosing from options provided. Common forms include fill-in-the-blank, short-answer, and essay questions.
Plain English
A test question where you have to write or say the answer yourself, instead of picking it from a list.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation instructor training when building quizzes, oral questions, written tests, and lesson reviews.
Derivation
Supply' here means 'to provide' — the student must provide the answer. This contrasts with 'selection-type' items, where the student selects from given choices.
Why Pilots Care
Reveals whether a pilot truly understands material rather than guessing from options, supporting safer training outcomes.
Intuition Check
Do not read “supply-type” as a test item about supplies or equipment. Here, “supply” means the student must supply the answer.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor included several supply-type test items so students would have to explain weather concepts in their own words.
Example Sentence 2
Supply-type questions on the stage check helped confirm the student pilot understood crosswind landing techniques.