the number of questions is irrelevant. Instead of 17 stupid (yes/no/maybe) questions, give them one problem to solve to show their thinking. A finished solution is not necessary to ace the test.
In "my" time we've never been asked for a number. As a matter of fact if you've used one (even a universal constant) as a number it was BAD. A pi is a pi (not 3.2415...) an e is an e (not 2.7...) etc.
A multiple choice test is the worst thing that ever happened in history of education. A test has to show your thinking process (can be successful even if not complete) not mindless guessing at answers.
Not to mention that most of the multiple answer test are designed to pass morons and incompetents. They just take a right answer (usually a f* number) and the surround it with three obviously ridiculous ones to make it easy on morons. But obviously they do underestimate the morons.
How much does the liter of water weigh?
* same as a cat
* 1 kilogram
* 10,000,000,000 liters
* 17 volts