> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://academy.synap.ac/doc/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://academy.synap.ac/doc/quizzes/creating-a-quiz/question-types/free-text-essay-style-questions.md).

# Free text / essay style questions

Free text questions allow your users to enter their own text responses to your questions.  They can format their text, use tables to display data and more.

The system cannot mark these questions. If you are using Free Text questions in an exam, you should not set results to release 'Always automatically' as users will receive their results before you have marked them on the quiz configuration.

After selecting the Free Text question type, you will need to enter the question stem, i.e., what question you want users to answer.

On the answer tab, you won't be adding options.  You only need to add a text box title, something like `Your answer:`

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/PVZyeyyll1dhWadwavLv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/L8poJ8FFd7Ck8qKhbbPG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

There are a number of additional settings you can apply to a free text question which will affect how a user responds:

* Enforce plain text - candidates will have no formatting options
* Show word count - the user's word count will be displayed
* Enable webcam snapshots - there will be an 'Open webcam' button below the text box.  On opening, users can take a webcam photo of themselves.  This can be used for verification purposes for example&#x20;
* Disable spellcheck - browser-based spell checkers will be disabled.  We cannot guarantee that third party tools will be disabled
* Answer templates - Answer templates allow you to pre-fill a user's free text answer box.  This can be a table with headings, or bullet-pointed lists

**Webcam snapshots**

<figure><img src="/files/zhbxzg1YsReX6FpMYxo8" alt=""><figcaption><p>Candidate using webcam shots</p></figcaption></figure>

In the question editor, create a free text question and check the box to enable webcam snapshots&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/1NnDaz3ZZqYRMLnIOs49" alt=""><figcaption><p>Enabling webcam snapshots</p></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://academy.synap.ac/doc/quizzes/creating-a-quiz/question-types/free-text-essay-style-questions.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.