Generate Thousands of Quiz Questions for Certification Exams and Drills with AI! How to Sell Them as Learning Materials on Platforms like note and Brain

Introduction

In today’s society, studying for certification exams is essential for skill enhancement and career advancement. However, creating high-quality learning materials and drills from scratch can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. This is where AI-powered question generation comes into play. This article provides a comprehensive guide, understandable even for beginners, on how to use AI to create a large volume of questions for certification exams and drills, and how to sell them as learning materials on platforms like note and Brain.

Foundational Knowledge of AI-Powered Question Generation

What is AI?

AI (Artificial Intelligence) refers to technology that attempts to replicate human intellectual capabilities on computers. In recent years, ‘Generative AI,’ which learns from vast amounts of data and performs sophisticated tasks like text generation, image generation, translation, and question answering, has gained significant attention.

Why is AI Suitable for Question Generation?

AI, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), are trained on enormous amounts of text data, possessing characteristics that make them highly suitable for question creation:

Generation of Diverse Question Formats: Can create various question types such as multiple-choice, short answer, and fill-in-the-blanks.
Difficulty Adjustment: Can generate questions tailored to a specified difficulty level.
Domain Specialization: Can create questions specific to particular certification exams or learning domains.
Mass Generation: Enables efficient creation of a large volume of questions in a short period.
Automatic Explanation Generation: Capable of generating explanations for the questions simultaneously.

Detailed Explanation of Creating Learning Materials Using AI

Step 1: Selecting Target Learning Materials and Certification Exams

First, clearly define what kind of learning materials you want to sell. Examples include:

Question banks specifically for certain certification exams (e.g., Bookkeeping, TOEIC, IT Passport, Financial Planner).
Drills for programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript).
Quizzes to check understanding of business skills (e.g., Marketing, Management).
Practice questions for language learning (e.g., English vocabulary, conversational phrases).

The clearer your target, the more specific your prompts to the AI will be, leading to higher-quality questions. Researching competing materials is also crucial.

Step 2: Selecting and Utilizing AI Tools

There are numerous AI tools available for question generation. Here are some prominent ones:

Representative AI Tools

ChatGPT (OpenAI): The most famous and versatile LLM. Excels at natural language generation and supports various question formats. While a free version is available, the paid version (ChatGPT Plus) is recommended for advanced features and faster responses.
Gemini (Google): An AI developed by Google. Also possesses high text generation capabilities and supports various tasks.
Claude (Anthropic): An AI focused on safety. Strong in reading and generating long texts, and tends to handle complex instructions well.
Other Specialized AI Tools: There are also AI services specifically designed for question creation. These often specialize in particular question formats but can be easier to use.

Tips for Prompt Engineering

To get high-quality questions from AI, providing specific and clear instructions (prompts) is essential. Here are key points for prompt creation:

Basic Prompt Structure

[Role Assignment] + [Task Instruction] + [Output Format Specification] + [Constraints]

Specific Prompt Example (Creating Multiple-Choice Questions for Bookkeeping Level 3)

“You are an experienced bookkeeping instructor. Create 5 multiple-choice questions for learners of Bookkeeping Level 3, focusing on journal entries. Each question should have 5 options (1 correct, 4 incorrect). After each question, provide the correct answer and a concise explanation.”

Prompt Improvement Points

Clear Role Assignment: Assigning a specific role, like ‘You are an expert in XX,’ helps elicit more specialized responses.
Specific Task Instruction: Clearly state what you want, how many, and in what format, e.g., ‘Create XX questions about XX.’
Output Format Specification: Specify the desired format, such as ‘Multiple-choice with 5 options,’ or ‘Output in Markdown format.’
Adding Constraints: Define inclusion or exclusion criteria, e.g., ‘Difficulty level: XX,’ ‘Do not include XX,’ ‘Keep explanations within XX characters.’
Providing Examples: Showing examples of the desired questions or explanations helps the AI better understand your intent.

Step 3: Quality Check and Editing of Generated Questions

AI-generated questions may not be ready for immediate use. Human quality checking and editing are always necessary.

Items to Check

Accuracy: Are there any errors in the question text, answers, or explanations?
Appropriateness: Does it match the target learning level and scope?
Comprehensiveness: Does it cover the learning range without bias?
Difficulty: Is the difficulty level as intended?
Wording: Are the questions and explanations clear and free of inappropriate language?
Duplication: Are there any repetitive questions?

AI can sometimes generate factual inaccuracies (hallucinations) or misunderstand common sense. Therefore, having human experts review and edit is extremely important. Especially for specialized fields like certification exams, providing incorrect information can lead to a loss of credibility.

Step 4: Structuring as Learning Materials

Once the checking and editing are complete, structure the content as learning materials. This includes:

Considering the Structure: Organize questions by difficulty, topic, etc., for easy learner comprehension.
Design: Consider readable fonts, layout, and the inclusion of diagrams or illustrations if necessary.
Formatting: Convert to formats suitable for the sales platform, such as PDF, EPUB, or Word files.
Creating Table of Contents/Index: To help learners access information easily.

Step 5: Preparing for Sales on note or Brain

With the materials ready, prepare them for listing on the sales platform.

Selling on note

Account Creation: Create an account on the note website.
Article Creation: Upload your learning materials as note articles. You can attach files like PDFs or include questions directly in the article.
Setting Price: Set the selling price and publish as a paid article.
Sales Page Creation: Write a compelling description of the materials, including their overview, target audience, content, and price.

Selling on Brain

Account Creation: Create an account on the Brain website.
Product Registration: Register your digital content for sale.
Price Setting: Set the selling price.
Product Description: Create a description that highlights the appeal of your materials and resonates with your target customers.
Customer Acquisition: Promote your materials using social media and other channels.

Customer Acquisition and Marketing Tips

Announcements on social media (X, Instagram, Facebook, etc.).
Information sharing in communities frequented by your target audience.
Offering free samples.
Encouraging reviews and testimonials.
Creating explanatory videos on blogs or YouTube.

Case Study: Creating and Selling IT Passport Exam Preparation Materials

1. Target Setting

The IT Passport exam is a national qualification testing basic IT knowledge, taken by many business professionals and students. We will create and sell a question bank specifically for this exam.

2. AI Tool Selection and Prompt Creation

We will use ChatGPT (paid version) for this case. Here’s an example prompt:

“You are an expert on the IT Passport exam. Create 30 multiple-choice questions in total, 10 questions each from the three fields: ‘Strategy,’ ‘Management,’ and ‘Technology.’ Each question should have 4 options (1 correct) and include the correct answer along with an explanation of why it’s correct and why the other options are incorrect, written in a way that beginners can understand. The difficulty level should be for beginners to intermediate learners. Output in Markdown format.”

3. Question Generation and Quality Check

Input the prompt into the AI to generate questions and explanations. The generated content will be checked and revised by humans, referencing the official IT Passport exam textbook and past papers for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and difficulty. For example, if AI-generated options are too similar or explanations too technical, they will be rephrased for clarity. We will also check for any gaps in the exam scope and generate additional questions if necessary.

4. Structuring as Learning Materials

The verified and revised questions will be organized by field (Strategy, Management, Technology), with the addition of mock exam questions. A brief introductory description will be added at the beginning of each section to ensure a smooth learning flow. Font and line spacing will be adjusted for readability, and the material will be output in PDF format.

5. Sales on note

Create a note account and set up a sales page. The title could be something like “【IT Passport Exam Prep】AI-Selected 300 Essential Questions + Explanations.” Clearly state the material’s overview, target audience (beginners, those seeking efficient study methods), content details (number of questions per field, mock exams, etc.), and price (e.g., ¥1,500). Attach the PDF file and publish as a paid article. Promote on social media using hashtags like #ITPassport #AI #StudyMaterials.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Selling AI-Generated Learning Materials

Advantages

Significant Improvement in Creation Efficiency: Drastically reduces time and effort, allowing for the creation of a large volume of questions in a short period.
Cost Reduction: Lowers costs associated with hiring specialists.
Creation of Diverse Materials: Enables flexible creation of materials for various certification exams and fields.
Potential for Monetization: If high-quality materials are created, there’s potential for continuous income on platforms like note and Brain.
Entry into Niche Markets: Easier to create materials for niche areas with less competition.

Disadvantages

Need for Quality Control: Thorough human checking and editing are indispensable to guarantee the accuracy and appropriateness of AI-generated content.
Requirement for Expertise: Without domain-specific knowledge, it’s impossible to evaluate or correct the quality of AI-generated content.
AI Tool Proficiency: Effective prompt creation and adjustment require understanding the characteristics of AI tools and mastering their use.
Market Competition: As AI-powered material creation becomes more common, competition is likely to intensify. Differentiation strategies are crucial.
Copyright and Ethical Issues: Consideration must be given to the copyright of AI-generated content and the ethical responsibility for providing incorrect information to learners.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Are there copyright issues with selling AI-generated question banks?

A1: The copyright status of AI-generated content is still legally ambiguous. Generally, content that has been significantly added to, modified, and edited by humans, rather than just AI-generated output, is considered a human creation and copyrightable. It is recommended to use AI-generated content as a base and sell it as your original material after adding your own knowledge and edits.

Q2: Can I create question banks with AI even without specialized knowledge?

A2: AI generates text based on instructions, but specialized knowledge is necessary to judge the accuracy and appropriateness of the content. For example, if you create and sell question banks on medical, legal, or advanced IT topics without specialized knowledge, the risk of providing incorrect information is extremely high. It is strongly recommended to start with fields you are knowledgeable about or seek supervision from experts in the relevant field.

Q3: Which AI tools should I use?

A3: For beginners, we recommend general-purpose LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini, which can be started for free. After getting accustomed to basic question creation with these tools, you may consider paid AI tools or specialized AI services for more advanced features or specific needs.

Q4: Which is better, note or Brain, for selling?

A4: Both platforms are suitable for selling digital content, but they have different characteristics. note is easy to start with, like blogging, and has robust community features. Brain is more specialized for selling stock content and offers features like affiliate marketing. Choosing based on your sales strategy and target customers is advisable. You can also sell on both.

Q5: Can AI-generated materials be differentiated from other materials?

A5: While AI creation itself may not be a differentiator, high-quality, comprehensive, or uniquely insightful materials created efficiently using AI can stand out. The key is to view AI solely as a ‘tool’ and to provide unique value by combining it with your expertise, editing skills, and marketing strategy.

Conclusion

By leveraging AI, it is now possible to streamline the creation of questions for certification exams and drills, enabling the production of a large volume of high-quality learning materials. Utilizing this technology on platforms like note and Brain opens up opportunities to establish new revenue streams. However, AI is merely a tool; it is crucial to conduct thorough quality checks and edits based on human expertise, rather than blindly accepting AI output. Please refer to the steps and tips outlined in this article and try your hand at selling AI-generated learning materials.

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