The VARK Questionnaire

Choose the answer which best explains your preference and click the box next to it. Please click more than one if a single answer does not match your perception. Leave blank any question that does not apply.

You have finished a competition or test and would like some feedback. You would like to have feedback:

using examples from what you have done.

using graphs showing what you had achieved.

from somebody who talks it through with you.

using a written description of your results.

You have to make an important speech at a conference or special occasion. You would:

write a few key words and practice saying your speech over and over.

gather many examples and stories to make the talk real and practical.

make diagrams or get graphs to help explain things.

write out your speech and learn from reading it over several times.

You have a problem with your heart. You would prefer that the doctor:

gave you something to read to explain what was wrong.

showed you a diagram of what was wrong.

used a plastic model to show what was wrong.

described what was wrong.

I like websites that have:

things I can click on, shift or try.

audio channels where I can hear music, radio programs or interviews.

interesting written descriptions, lists and explanations.

interesting design and visual features.

You are about to purchase a digital camera or mobile phone. Other than price, what would most influence your decision?

The salesperson telling me about its features.

It is a modern design and looks good.

Reading the details or checking its features online.

Trying or testing it.

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:

watching the actions.

reading the words.

listening.

seeing the diagrams.

You are helping someone who wants to go to your airport, the center of town or railway station. You would:

draw, or show her a map, or give her a map.

go with her.

write down the directions.

tell her the directions.

You are using a book, CD or website to learn how to take photos with your new digital camera. You would like to have:

diagrams showing the camera and what each part does.

a chance to ask questions and talk about the camera and its features.

many examples of good and poor photos and how to improve them.

clear written instructions with lists and bullet points about what to do.

Remember a time when you learned how to do something new. Avoid choosing a physical skill, eg. riding a bike. You learned best by:

watching a demonstration.

diagrams, maps, and charts - visual clues.

written instructions – e.g. a manual or book.

listening to somebody explaining it and asking questions.

You are planning a vacation for a group. You want some feedback from them about the plan. You would:

describe some of the highlights they will experience.

give them a copy of the printed itinerary.

use a map to show them the places.

phone, text or email them.

Other than price, what would most influence your decision to buy a new non-fiction book?

A friend talks about it and recommends it.

It has real-life stories, experiences and examples.

Quickly reading parts of it.

The way it looks is appealing.

A group of tourists wants to learn about the parks or wildlife reserves in your area. You would:

give them a book or pamphlets about the parks or wildlife reserves.

take them to a park or wildlife reserve and walk with them.

talk about, or arrange a talk for them about parks or wildlife reserves.

show them maps and internet pictures.

Do you prefer a teacher or a presenter who uses:

diagrams, charts or graphs.

question and answer, talk, group discussion, or guest speakers.

handouts, books, or readings.

demonstrations, models or practical sessions.

You want to learn a new program, skill or game on a computer. You would:

read the written instructions that came with the program.

talk with people who know about the program.

use the controls or keyboard.

follow the diagrams in the book that came with it.

You are going to cook something as a special treat. You would:

ask friends for suggestions.

cook something you know without the need for instructions.

look on the Internet or in some cookbooks for ideas from the pictures.

use a cookbook where you know there is a good recipe.

You are going to choose food at a restaurant or cafe. You would:

look at what others are eating or look at pictures of each dish.

choose from the descriptions in the menu.

listen to the waiter or ask friends to recommend choices.

choose something that you have had there before.

How Do I Learn Best?