> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.learnterms.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Why rationales are required

> Why every LearnTerms question now needs a rationale before it can be saved or published.

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.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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”

## 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.

## 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.