Astronomy quiz question: phase during partial solar eclipse

Astronomy 210 Quiz 2, spring semester 2018
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

A partial solar eclipse will be visible for observers in portions of South America and Antartica on February 15, 2018[*]. During this partial solar eclipse, the moon will be in its __________ phase.
(A) new.
(B) first quarter.
(C) full.
(D) third quarter.
(E) (Depends on the time of day.)

[*] timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2018-february-15.

Correct answer (highlight to unhide): (A)

During any type of solar eclipse, the moon is directly between the sun and Earth, and must be in its new phase.

Section 30674
Exam code: quiz02npP4
(A) : 15 students
(B) : 6 students
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 0 students
(E) : 0 students

Success level: 66% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.63

Section 30676
Exam code: quiz02sn4E
(A) : 21 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 11 students
(D) : 4 students
(E) : 0 students

Success level: 54% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.91