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Canvas LMS MCP – Remote Edition

List Quizzes

list_quizzes
Read-onlyIdempotent

Lists Classic Quizzes in a Canvas course with due dates, time limits, allowed attempts, and points. Use it to review quiz requirements; for New Quizzes, use list_new_quizzes instead.

Instructions

List Classic Quizzes in a course with due dates, time limits, allowed attempts and points. Read-only. For New Quizzes, use list_new_quizzes. This server never takes quizzes.

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
limitNoMaximum number of items to return. Smaller is faster.
course_idYesCanvas course ID, a numeric string such as "12345". Get it from list_courses.
search_termNoOptional text filter on names or titles (at least 2 characters, case-insensitive).

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed3 schema fields changedv1.1.3
    • changedInput schema / properties / course_id / description
      Previous value: -"Canvas course ID"New value: +"Canvas course ID, a numeric string such as \"12345\". Get it from list_courses."
    • changedInput schema / properties / limit / description
      Previous value: -"Max items to return"New value: +"Maximum number of items to return. Smaller is faster."
    • addedInput schema / properties / search_term / description
      Added value: +"Optional text filter on names or titles (at least 2 characters, case-insensitive)."
  2. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

A4.2/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnly/idempotent/non-destructive, and the description reinforces that plus a real scope constraint ('This server never takes quizzes'), preventing an agent from attempting quiz-taking actions. It also discloses returned attributes (due dates, time limits, attempts, points), which matters since there is no output schema.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Four short sentences, all front-loaded: identity, returned data, safety, sibling routing. Nothing is filler, and the read-only statement is a single word rather than a paragraph.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With no output schema, the description usefully enumerates the fields returned, and annotations cover the safety profile. Minor gaps (paging behavior, what 'Classic' exclusion implies for mixed courses) keep it just under complete.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, with every parameter documented including how to obtain course_id. The description adds no parameter-level detail beyond what the schema already provides, so baseline 3 applies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States a specific verb and resource ('List Classic Quizzes in a course') plus the fields surfaced, and explicitly distinguishes itself from the New Quizzes sibling. An agent can place this tool without opening the schema.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Names the alternative tool for the adjacent case ('For New Quizzes, use list_new_quizzes'), giving explicit routing. It lacks a when-not-to-use beyond that split (e.g., use get_quiz for a single quiz), so it falls short of full coverage.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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