THE VARK QUESTIONNAIRE (VERSION 7.8, 2014)

This questionnaire is designed to tell you about your preferences in working with information. Choose answers that explain your preference(s). Select as many boxes as apply to you. If none of the options applies to you, leave the question blank.

  1. You are helping someone who wants to go to the airport, town center, or railway station. You would:
    1. image go with her.
    2. image tell her the directions.
    3. image write down the directions.
    4. image draw, or show her a map, or give her a map.
  2. You are planning a vacation for a group. You want some feedback from them about the plan. You would:
    1. image describe some of the highlights they will experience.
    2. image use a map to show them the places.
    3. image give them a copy of the printed itinerary.
    4. image phone, text, or e-mail them.
  3. A website has a video showing how to make a special graph. There is a person speaking, some lists and words describing what to do, and some diagrams. You would learn most from:
    1. image reading the words.
    2. image listening.
    3. image watching the actions.
    4. image seeing the diagrams.
  4. You are going to cook something as a special treat for your family. You would:
    1. image cook something you know without the need for instructions.
    2. image ask friends for suggestions.
    3. image look on the Internet or in some cookbooks for ideas from the pictures.
    4. image use a cookbook where you know there is a good recipe.
  5. A group of tourists want to learn about the parks or wildlife reserves in your area. You would:
    1. image talk about, or arrange a talk for them, about parks or wildlife reserves.
    2. image show them maps and Internet pictures.
    3. image take them to a park or wildlife reserve and walk with them.
    4. image give them a book or pamphlets about the parks or wildlife reserves.
  6. You are about to purchase a digital camera or mobile phone. Other than price, what would most influence your decision?
    1. image Trying or testing it.
    2. image Reading the details or checking its features online.
    3. image It is a modern design and looks good.
    4. image The salesperson telling me about its features.
  7. Remember a time when you learned how to do something new. Avoid choosing a physical skill (e.g., riding a bike). You learned best by:
    1. image watching a demonstration.
    2. image listening to somebody explaining it and asking questions.
    3. image diagrams, maps, and charts—visual clues.
    4. image written instructions—e.g., a manual or book.
  8. You have a problem with your heart. You would prefer that the doctor:
    1. image gave you something to read to explain what was wrong.
    2. image used a plastic model to show what was wrong.
    3. image described what was wrong.
    4. image showed you a diagram of what was wrong.

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  9. You want to learn a new program, skill, or game on a computer. You would:
    1. image read the written instructions that came with the program.
    2. image talk with people who know about the program.
    3. image use the controls or keyboard.
    4. image follow the diagrams in the book that came with it.
  10. I like websites that have:
    1. image things I can click on, shift, or try.
    2. image interesting design and visual features.
    3. image interesting written descriptions, lists, and explanations.
    4. image audio channels where I can hear music, radio programs, or interviews.
  11. Other than price, what would most influence your decision to buy a new nonfiction book?
    1. image The way it looks is appealing.
    2. image Quickly reading parts of it.
    3. image A friend talks about it and recommends it.
    4. image It has real-life stories, experiences, and examples.
  12. You are using a book, CD, or website to learn how to take photos with your new digital camera. You would like to have:
    1. image a chance to ask questions and talk about the camera and its features.
    2. image clear written instructions with lists and bullet points about what to do.
    3. image diagrams showing the camera and what each part does.
    4. image many examples of good and poor photos and how to improve them.
  13. You prefer a teacher or a presenter who uses:
    1. image demonstrations, models, or practical sessions.
    2. image question and answer, talk, group discussion, or guest speakers.
    3. image handouts, books, or readings.
    4. image diagrams, charts, or graphs.
  14. You have finished a competition or test and would like some feedback. You would like to have feedback:
    1. image using examples from what you have done.
    2. image using a written description of your results.
    3. image from somebody who talks it through with you.
    4. image using graphs showing what you had achieved.
  15. You are going to choose food at a restaurant or café. You would:
    1. image choose something that you have had there before.
    2. image listen to the waiter or ask friends to recommend choices.
    3. image choose from the descriptions in the menu.
    4. image look at what others are eating or look at pictures of each dish.
  16. You have to make an important speech at a conference or special occasion. You would:
    1. image make diagrams or get graphs to help explain things.
    2. image write a few key words and practice saying your speech over and over.
    3. image write out your speech and learn from reading it over several times.
    4. image gather many examples and stories to make the talk real and practical.

Source: The VARK Questionnaire, Version 7.8. Copyright © 2014 held by Neil D. Fleming, Christchurch, New Zealand. Used by permission.