AI tools for teachers

An AI quiz generator that writes questions like exam boards do

Madlen writes five question types with answers, explanations and, for GCSE and A level, a mark scheme.

  • Each question linked to an objective
  • AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC specifications
  • Mark schemes and answers included

A real example made with Madlen

The examples below were generated in Madlen.

Year 9 Chemistry

  1. 1 Multiple choice 5 marks

    Metals have a specific type of structure. In this structure, atoms lose their outer shell electrons. These electrons move freely throughout the whole metal sample.

    Which description best explains the bonding found in a metallic lattice?

    • A A sea of delocalised electrons and positive ions
    • B Shared pairs of electrons between non-metal atoms
    • C Different elements mixed together without bonding
    • D Negative ions and positive ions in a fixed lattice
    • E A nucleus containing only neutrons and protons

    Solution: Metallic bonding consists of a giant lattice of positive metal ions. These ions are surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons that are free to move. The strong electrostatic attraction between these positive ions and the delocalised electrons holds the structure together. Covalent bonds involve sharing electron pairs, while ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons between atoms. A mixture contains different substances that are not chemically bonded.

  2. 2 Multiple choice 5 marks

    Different substances conduct electricity in different ways. Some materials allow electricity to pass through them because they have particles that can move and carry a charge.

    Why do metals show good electrical conductivity in the solid state?

    • A The regular arrangement of atoms in a lattice
    • B The presence of a sea of delocalised electrons
    • C The high melting point of the metallic lattice
    • D The movement of positive ions toward the negative pole
    • E The strong covalent bonds between the atoms

    Solution: Metals are good conductors of electricity because the delocalised electrons are free to move through the giant metallic lattice when a voltage is applied. In contrast, simple molecular compounds like water or methane have no free electrons or ions to carry a charge, making them poor conductors. Ionic compounds only conduct when molten or aqueous because the ions are then free to move, but not in the solid state. Graphite is a non-metal that conducts, but most non-metals do not.

  3. 3 Multiple choice 5 marks

    Metals can be hammered into thin sheets or pulled into long wires. This is possible because of the way the particles are arranged and how they react to pressure.

    What allows a metal to be malleable and change shape without breaking?

    • A Positive and negative ions are held in a rigid grid
    • B The delocalised electrons are fixed in one place
    • C There are weak intermolecular forces between layers
    • D The lattice is made of different types of atoms
    • E Layers of positive ions can slide over each other

    Solution: Metallic lattices are malleable and ductile. This is because the layers of positive ions can slide over each other when a force is applied. The sea of delocalised electrons moves with the ions, so the metallic bond is not broken. In giant covalent structures like diamond, the bonds are rigid and break if the atoms move, making them brittle. Compounds and mixtures have different physical properties based on their specific compositions.

  4. 4 True / false 1 mark

    Metals have a special structure. They have positive ions in a giant lattice. Electrons move freely around these ions. We call this a sea of delocalised electrons.

    Metals can conduct electricity because they have a sea of delocalised electrons that can move.

    • True
    • False

    Solution: Metallic bonding involves an attraction between positive metal ions and a sea of delocalised electrons. These electrons can move through the lattice, which allows the metal to conduct electricity.

  5. 5 True / false 1 mark

    Metals are very strong but also flexible. You can change the shape of a metal. This is because the layers of ions can slide. The attraction between ions and electrons stays strong.

    The property called malleability means that a metal is very brittle and breaks easily when you hit it.

    • True
    • False

    Solution: Malleability is the property that allows a metal to be hammered into sheets without breaking. This happens because the layers of metal ions can slide over each other while the delocalised electrons maintain the bond.

  6. 6 Fill in the blank 2 marks

    Gold and oxygen are common substances. They have only one type of atom. A substance with only one type of atom is an ________.

    • A compound
    • B mixture
    • C element

    Answer: element

    Solution: An element is a pure substance. It contains only one kind of atom. Gold and oxygen are examples of elements.

  7. 7 Fill in the blank 2 marks

    Salt and sand are in a box. They are together but they are not joined. You can separate them easily. This is a ________.

    • A mixture
    • B element
    • C compound

    Answer: mixture

    Solution: A mixture contains different substances. These substances are not joined together. You can separate a mixture easily by physical ways.

  8. 8 Open-ended 10 marks

    The Periodic Table organises elements based on their atomic structure. The proton number determines the identity of the atom. The number of shells and outer electrons determine an element's position in periods and groups.

    A sodium atom has 11 protons. Explain the electronic configuration of this atom and identify its position (period and group) on the Periodic Table.

    Sample answer: A sodium atom has a proton number of 11. It has 11 electrons. The electronic configuration is 2,8,1. It has three occupied electron shells, so it is in Period 3. It has one electron in its outer shell, so it is in Group I.

    Marking criteria:

    • Identification of the proton number (atomic number) for the sodium atom.
    • Determination of the electron arrangement (configuration) based on the proton number.
    • Identification of the period and group location on the Periodic Table using the shell count and outer electrons.
    • Simple reasoning connecting the shell count to the period number.
  9. 9 Open-ended 10 marks

    Elements like carbon can have atoms with different masses. These atoms are called isotopes. Although their nuclei differ in neutron count, their chemical behaviour remains identical in most reactions.

    Define what isotopes are and explain why different isotopes of the same element show the same chemical properties.

    Sample answer: Isotopes are atoms of the same element. They have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Isotopes of the same element have the same chemical properties. This is because they have the same number of electrons and the same electronic configuration.

    Marking criteria:

    • A simple definition of isotopes focusing on protons and neutrons.
    • Explanation that the proton number is the same for the same element.
    • Comparison of the number of electrons to explain chemical properties.
    • Reasoning that electronic configuration dictates chemical behaviour.
  10. 10 Open-ended 10 marks

    Ionic compounds like sodium chloride form when different types of elements react. These substances have a regular arrangement of ions called a giant lattice. Their bonding affects their physical state and properties.

    Describe how an ionic bond is formed between a metal and a non-metal and explain why ionic compounds usually have high melting points.

    Sample answer: Ionic bonds form when a metal atom gives electrons to a non-metal atom. This creates positive ions and negative ions. An ionic bond is a strong attraction between these oppositely charged ions. These compounds have high melting points because the attractions in the giant lattice are very strong and need a lot of energy to break.

    Marking criteria:

    • Description of the transfer of electrons between a metal and a non-metal.
    • Definition of the ionic bond as a strong electrostatic attraction.
    • Mention of the resulting ions (cations and anions).
    • Explanation of why these compounds have high melting points due to the giant lattice structure.

What you can do

Linked to your learning objectives

The alignment mode links each question to the National Curriculum objective or specification point it assesses. You can see at a glance which question measures what and balance the quiz across topics.

Exam-board style

Madlen knows that describe is not explain. GCSE and A level questions use the right command word, carry an AO tag and marks, and open-ended answers are marked against a levels-of-response mark scheme.

Every question type you need

Mix multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank and matching questions with open-ended ones. Open-ended questions come with a sample answer and marking criteria with points.

How do you make GCSE questions with AI?

A question set aligned to your exam board takes five steps in Madlen. The options below come from the form on the platform.

  1. Choose the Key Stage, exam board and subject

    KS1 to KS3 follow the National Curriculum, KS4 is GCSE and KS5 is A level. For GCSE and A level you also pick the exam board, then the subject from its specifications.

    • KS3
    • GCSE
    • A level
    • AQA
    • Edexcel
  2. Tick the specification objectives

    Select one or more learning objectives from the specification so every question lines up with it.

  3. Set question types and AO focus

    Choose how many questions you want of each type and which assessment objectives each type should target. A set holds up to 30 questions.

    • Open-ended
    • Multiple choice
    • True / False
    • Fill in the blank
    • AO1
    • AO2
    • AO3
  4. Pick command words if you want to

    Choose the command words the board uses, or leave it empty and Madlen picks them. Words such as evaluate and justify come with a levels of response mark scheme.

    • Describe
    • Explain
    • Compare
    • Calculate
    • Evaluate
    • Justify
  5. Review the questions and download them

    The questions come with a mark scheme. Edit anything you like and download the set as PDF or Word for your lesson.

    • Mark scheme
    • PDF and Word

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free AI quiz generator for UK teachers?

Yes. Madlen’s free plan for individual teachers includes the question generator, with no credit card required. Every new account also starts with 14 days of Pro, and you can compare every plan on the Madlen pricing page.

How do I make a quiz with AI?

In Madlen you choose the subject, the level and the learning objective, then pick the question types you need. Madlen writes the questions with answers, explanations and marks. You review the quiz, edit anything you like and download it.

What are standards-aligned questions?

Standards-aligned questions are written to assess one specific learning objective or specification point. Madlen links each question to the objective it measures, so you can see what a quiz covers and spot any gaps before you set it.

Can Madlen write GCSE exam-style questions?

Yes. Madlen writes exam-style questions aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC specifications, from KS3 through GCSE and A level. Each question uses the right command word, is tagged to an Assessment Objective and comes with a levels-of-response mark scheme, so it reads like a past paper rather than a worksheet.

What question types can Madlen create?

Madlen creates multiple choice, open-ended, true/false, fill-in-the-blank and matching questions. It can also write context-based questions that test how well a pupil applies knowledge in an unfamiliar situation.

Start with Madlen for free

Every new account starts with 14 days of Pro, so you can try the tools on this page with your own classes.

See plans and pricing