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LearnTerms now requires a rationale on every question before it can be saved or published. This is stricter than earlier versions of LearnTerms. Previously, contributors could add a question with only a stem, answer choices, and the correct answer. That made question entry faster, but it created a weaker study flow for students.

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What changed

When you create or edit a question, the Rationale field is now required. A question without a rationale will not save. If you see that error, add a short explanation in the Rationale field and try again.

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Why the requirement exists

Rationales are part of the question, not optional notes. They help students:
  • understand why the correct answer is correct
  • learn from missed questions instead of only seeing a score
  • review concepts without needing to reopen source material
  • trust that published questions were reviewed before class-wide use
This also makes custom tests and review sessions more useful. After a student answers, LearnTerms can show the reasoning behind the answer, not just the answer itself.

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What to write

A good rationale can be brief. Aim for two or three clear sentences. Include:
  • the key fact or concept being tested
  • why the correct answer fits
  • why a tempting distractor is wrong, when that helps
Avoid:
  • repeating the question stem
  • writing only “because it is correct”
  • referencing hidden context like “the slide says” or “from the document”

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Example

Weak rationale:
The answer is B.
Better rationale:
Beta blockers lower heart rate by blocking sympathetic stimulation at beta receptors. This reduces cardiac workload, which is why they are useful in conditions where lowering myocardial oxygen demand matters.

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Faster ways to add one

If you already have the question stem and correct answer, use the AI control near the answer section to draft a rationale. Review the generated text before saving. For manually written questions, keep the rationale concise. The goal is to make the answer teachable, not to write a full textbook paragraph.